Handing out superlatives for Buckeyes 2024 NFL Draft picks
COLUMBUS — The NFL Draft is officially done and over with, and Ohio State had some high points — and also its share of players who were disappointed to not be selected.
Ohio State had its lowest number of draft picks since 2013 — because most of the Buckeyes draft-eligible players decided to return for another year with the program. Yes, the Buckeyes had just four draft picks — all of themv landed with NFL teams that will give them a chance to show they can be superstars at the next level.
And Lettermen Row is here to break down the superlatives for Buckeyes draftees.
Who is heading into the best situation? Who could be the late-round steal from Ohio State? Which Buckeyes draftee has the highest ceiling — and highest floor? Let’s dive in.
Highest ceiling: Marvin Harrison Jr. with the Arizona Cardinals
Who else would it be? Marvin Harrison Jr. was considered a generational wide receiver prospect for a reason, and that’s because so many around the NFL believe he could be one of the best receivers in the league as early as this year — and have an incredible career. Of course, Harrison’s dad is already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and while it’s too early to fit Marvin Harrison Jr. for a gold jacket, he’s expected to have an impact and become a superstar right away. In the Cardinals offense that wants to throw the ball downfield, he’s a great fit and a great receiver. Harrison’s ceiling is Hall-of-Fame level stuff.
Highest floor: Cade Stover with the Houston Texans
This is a bit of a bold prediction, but Lettermen Row believes Cade Stover has the highest floor of any Buckeyes draft pick not named Marvin Harrison Jr. (because Harrison Jr. could be the superlative for every category). Stover has enough ability blocking, and he certainly showed that he can be a good pass-catcher out of the tight end position, especially with C.J. Stroud targeting him. Now those two will link up at the pro level and reestablish a connection. The best news for Stover? He won’t have to be the lead tight end during his rookie campaign; the Texans have Dalton Schultz as their top tight end, and Stover will be able to learn from him while working with Stroud. Cade Stover has the highest floor because of those factors.
Best fit: Michael Hall Jr. with the Cleveland Browns
The Browns needed interior defensive line help. Michael Hall Jr. needed to go somewhere solid where he could line up next to good, attention-grabbing defensive ends. This is the perfect match. Hall will go to Cleveland with a chance to take snaps beside superstar edge rusher and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett — and other good defensive ends — in the Browns top-of-the-league defensive unit. Hall can showcase his ability to win one-on-one matchups in interior pass-rush situations with Garrett taking so much attention. Hall’s fit in Cleveland is perfect. And that’s not even mentioning that he grew up in Northeast Ohio, less than 30 miles from the Browns’ facility. A great fit.
Biggest late-round steal: Tommy Eichenberg with the Las Vegas Raiders
New Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce wants to run a hard-nosed football team with a good defense. Who better to grab in the later portion of the draft than Tommy Eichenberg? The former Buckeyes star — and two-time captain — played through broken thumbs in 2022 and then through an elbow injury late in 2023. He certainly fits the ‘toughness’ bill. Oh, and he’s also quite productive. Eichenberg led the Buckeyes in tackles each of the last two years, flashed athleticism that helps him at the second level and showed he’s capable defending passes if he absolutely needs to. His leadership is just the icing on the cake. He’s considered a late-round steal as a fifth-round selection to Las Vegas and its new regime.
Undrafted Ohio State player most likely to make roster: Xavier Johnson with the Bills
Any interest in doubting Xavier Johnson? We sure won’t be making that mistake. The former walk-on Buckeyes receiver became a vital part of the Ohio State offense, and even had his star moments — he caught the game-winning touchdown against Notre Dame in 2022 and had an insane touchdown in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia. He even cut his teeth on special teams before he broke out on offense. Johnson is so versatile, and he’ll use that to his advantage in Buffalo, where he could be a special teams contributor or even become a piece of the Josh Allen-led offensive attack that is one of the best in the NFL. Johnson has a real shot to make the Bill roster and find a career at the next level.
Ohio State picks in this year’s NFL Draft
ROUND 1
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. — Arizona Cardinals, No. 4 overall
ROUND 2
DT Michael Hall Jr. — Cleveland Browns, No. 54 overall
ROUND 4
TE Cade Stover — Houston Texans, No. 123 overall
ROUND 5
LB Tommy Eichenberg — Las Vegas Raiders, No. 148 overall
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS
WR Xavier Johnson — Buffalo Bills
LB Steele Chambers — Detroit Lions
OL Matthew Jones — Miami Dolphins
DB Josh Proctor — Jacksonville Jaguars
The post Handing out superlatives for Buckeyes 2024 NFL Draft picks appeared first on On3.
