Scarlet Sunrise: Reviewing draft grades for Buckeyes picked in first three rounds
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Reviewing draft grades for Buckeyes picked in first three rounds
The first two days of this year’s NFL Draft are in the books. The Buckeyes had a slam dunk Day One, thanks to three top-20 picks. But they had only one player picked on Day Two, a bit of a surprise considering two others were expected to hear their names called Friday night.
A handful of media outlets have draft grades out for every pick so far, including those involving the four Ohio State prospects who already have an NFL team to call home.
Here’s an overview of those Buckeyes-related grades, which largely reflect team fit and positional value:
QB C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans (No. 2 overall, Rd. 1)
The Athletic: B+The Ringer: A+Yahoo! Sports: B+Sports Illustrated: ABleacher Report: A
Despite speculation about whether the Texans would go quarterback at No. 2, they decided to draft Stroud after all. Then they traded back up to No. 3 to get first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans arguably the best defensive player in the draft, too, in Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. Stroud overcame smoke about his coach-ability and performance on the S2 Cognition test and wound up being the second player off the board, his expected landing spot for a good chunk of the draft process.
OT Paris Johnson Jr. – Arizona Cardinals (No. 6 overall, Rd. 1)
The Athletic: BThe Ringer: C+Yahoo! Sports: A-Sports Illustrated: C+Bleacher Report: A
The Arizona Cardinals were on the other side of the Texans’ deal to move up to No. 3. That put the Cardinals at No. 12, but they ended up trading back up to No. 6 to pick Johnson, who was the first offensive lineman selected in this year’s draft. Johnson figures to play right tackle in Arizona, given that D.J. Humphries should be in line to start on the left side again. Johnson has some technique work to do, but his athleticism and versatility give him a high ceiling.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Seattle Seahawks (No. 20 overall, Rd. 1)
The Athletic: AThe Ringer: A+Yahoo! Sports: ASports Illustrated: A-Bleacher Report: A
Smith-Njigba was the first wide receiver picked, and he landed in a great spot. He’ll join a Seattle Seahawks wide receiving corps that features D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Following in the footsteps of Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba has a chance to put up some good numbers as a rookie, assuming Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith can turn in another impressive year out west.
EDGE Zach Harrison – Atlanta Falcons (No. 75 overall, Rd. 3)
The Athletic: BYahoo! Sports: BSports Illustrated: B+Bleacher Report: C
Harrison was the Buckeyes’ first defensive player selected in this year’s draft. He went in the third round to the Atlanta Falcons, who have been in a need of a capable pass rusher. The Falcons recorded just 21 sacks in 17 games last season. Harrison brings a knack for game-changing plays to the ATL. The key for him will be consistency, but the lengthy edge rusher has intriguing potential at the next level, despite his limited sack total during his four-year Ohio State career.
Zach Harrison selected No. 75 overall by Atlanta Falcons in third round of NFL Draft
As mentioned above, Harrison was Ohio State’s first defensive player off the board in this year’s draft. He was also the program’s first prospect to hear his name called Friday night. Offensive tackle Dawand Jones and center Luke Wypler were expected to be picked on Day Two as well, but neither of them were selected in round two or three.
That meant that Harrison was the Buckeyes’ lone pick on the second day of the draft. He was the Falcons’ first defensive selection this year. Although the 6-foot-5 1/2, 274-pound defensive end didn’t wow anyone with his career stat line at Ohio State, he showed glimpses of brilliance in Columbus.
Harrison’s best days could be ahead of him.
For more on the former Buckeyes captain going to the Falcons, head here.
Buckeyes set to host trio of transfer portal targets this weekend
The spring transfer window, which spans from April 15 to April 30, is wrapping up. Ohio State has yet to add a player this time around after bringing aboard six scholarship transfers this winter.
That said, the Buckeyes do have a big weekend on tap with three transfers visiting the program.
A familiar name will be on campus, as will a player in a serious position of need. To find out more about Ohio State’s big transfer recruiting weekend, go here.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 127 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 211 days
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