Three Ohio State players in Mel Kiper’s early top 25 NFL prospects for 2022 draft
If things hold true to form, Ohio State should have another bushel of players go in the 2022 NFL draft. This time though, rather than most of the Buckeyes going in the middle rounds like 2021, there are quite a few high-end prospects that could go on day one and day two. We’ve seen as many as six or seven OSU players projected across multiple draft experts’ sites in the first round for next April.
One of those experts is ESPN’s Mel Kiper, and he just released his top 25 players for the 2022 NFL draft (subscription required). And wouldn’t you know it, there are three Ohio State players among that elite crop. It’s some of the same names that you’ve seen across other mock drafts, but the order and inclusion are a little different.
Here’s what Kiper says.
NEXT … One from a dynamic wide receiving duo
No. 11 overall – Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson catches a pass in front of Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick during the first half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
What Kiper Says
“Wilson is an outstanding talent, as he caught 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns last season. Thirty-seven of those catches and five of those TDs came when he was lined up in the slot, but he should get more opportunities outside in 2021. Wilson ran a lot of crossers for Justin Fields last season. He can break tackles after the catch. With him and Chris Olave, the Buckeyes have one of the best receiving duos in the country — again.”
NEXT … A defensive end with all the tools
No. 22 – Zach Harrison, Defensive End
Dec 28, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Zach Harrison (33) against the Clemson Tigers during the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
What Kiper Says
“Harrison has a massive frame, though his production hasn’t quite lived up to his talent — yet. He has 5.5 sacks and 9.5 total tackles for loss in two seasons at Ohio State. Harrison has double-digit sack potential and should be one of the Big Ten’s best edge rushers this season.”
NEXT … The other underrated pass catcher
No. 25 – Chris Olave, Wide Receiver
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) heads up field after a catch against Clemson Tigers safety Lannden Zanders (36) in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
What Kiper Says
“Olave made the surprising decision to return to school, and I think he made the right call. It was a loaded 2021 class of receivers, and he likely would have been a day 2 pick. Now he can keep developing at Ohio State and try to be the No. 1 wideout off the board. Olave played both outside and in the slot last season, catching 50 passes for 729 yards and seven scores. He ranked 12 in the FBS in yards per route run (3.2), as he was targeted often by Justin Fields on vertical throws. Olave should easily crack 1,000 and 10 touchdowns this season.”
NEXT … What we say
Three Buckeyes in the top 25 of the 2022 NFL draft?
Credit: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics
There are several Ohio State players that could go in the first round this season. These three could definitely hear their name called in the first 25 players, but we are in the camp with Olave being the better and more polished prospect. There could be more go high as well.
Zach Harrison will have to have one whale of a year to show that he’s developed to where everyone thought he would, but don’t forget about guys like Tyreke Smith, Josh Proctor, Sevyn Banks, and Haskell Garrett. All have first round, top 25 type potential depending on who develops at a faster clip in combination with NFL team needs.
List
Way-too-early look at Ohio State football's 2022 potential NFL draft class
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