CHICAGO – The NFL draft opens this evening in Chicago with several Buckeyes expected to be among the top picks.
Quarterbacks Jared Goff of California and Carson Wentz of North Dakota State are expected to be the first names off the board, but they should be followed in rapid succession by OSU stars Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott.
Ohio State is well-represented in the draft, with 14 players, including nine underclassmen, waiting for the call to play on Sundays.
Vonn Bell is projected by some to be the No. 2 safety, Michael Thomas as a Top 3 receiver and tight end Nick Vannett at the No. 4 spot at his position.
Tackle Taylor Decker, linebacker Darron Lee and cornerback Eli Apple are rated in the Top 5 at their positions.
Other Buckeyes who declared their eligibility are quarterback Cardale Jones, wide receivers Jalin Marshall and Braxton Miller, linebacker Joshua Perry, safety Tyvis Powell and defensive tackle Adolphus Washington.
A pair of blockbuster trades moved the now-Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles to the top of the draft and they are expected to take the 6’4” Goff, who started every game during his three seasons at Cal.
The 6’5” Wentz led North Dakota State to its fifth consecutive FCS title last season. He passed for 1,651 yards and 17 touchdowns during his senior year that was shortened by a wrist injury.
After Goff and Wentz go in the top two spots, the real drama begins at No. 3 with the San Diego Chargers.
Mississippi offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey are projected as Top 5 picks, along with Bosa and Elliot.