COLUMBUS – The number of Buckeye underclassmen who have declared they are entering the NFL draft reached a record number Monday.
Sophomores Eli Apple and Jalin Marshall joined five of their teammates is giving up their final years of eligibility to enter the professional ranks days after Ohio State capped its 12-1 season with a 44-28 win over Notre Dame at the Fiesta Bowl.
Defensive end Joey Bosa, junior running back Ezekiel Elliot, junior quarterback Cardale Jones, sophomore linebacker Darron Lee and junior safety Tyvis Powell had previously announced their decisions.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that is the largest number of underclassmen to enter the NFL draft in school history and it could get bigger since receiver Michael Thomas and safety Vonn Bell have yet to announce their plans.
Experts say Bosa, a junior, will probably be the first player selected in the draft April 28-30.
Elliott is expected to be the first running back taken and Lee is also projected to be a first-round selection.
Analysts say Bell, a junior, has a chance of being a first-round pick and Thomas, also a junior, could be the first wide receiver selected.