Ohio State Mock Draft: 4 Buckeyes Off the Board in ESPN's 2-Round Predictions
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The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to be one of the most well-represented teams at the 2023 NFL Draft in April.
Talent on both sides of the ball will hear their names get called in Kansas City while getting a chance to represent the Scarlet & Gray one more time before beginning their NFL journey.
So, in the two-round mock draft that ESPN released Monday, where do some of the most prominent Buckeyes land?
Carolina Panthers, No. 9 - QB C.J. Stroud
The third quarterback off the board in this mock, Stroud slips below Bryce Young and Will Levis but still gets that top-10 recognition that many are expecting once the real draft rolls around.
Stroud won't be guaranteed the starting job right away, as he'll have to compete with quarterback Sam Darnold. But even with new head coach Frank Reich, the Panthers are still on the outside looking in for the postseason and could certainly give Stroud some early key reps if Darnold struggles.
New York Jets, No. 13 - OT Paris Johnson Jr.
The New York Jets saw some impressive success from their 2022 rookie class this past season, including from former Buckeyes receiver Garrett Wilson. Why not add Johnson Jr. to the list?
Johnson Jr. allowed only two sacks this past season, which is even more impressive considering the first one didn't come until late in the season in the loss to the Michigan Wolverines. He also has experience playing at the guard spot too, making his selection as the third offensive lineman off the board in this mock an understandable one.
Seattle Seahawks, No. 20 - WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Arguably the best receiver in the draft, getting Smith-Njigba at this spot could be a huge steal for Seattle based on talent alone.
However, he only played in three games this past season to a lingering hamstring injury. Based on the repeatable nature this ailment tends to have, there's some understandable reason for concern.
But in his last fully healthy season in 2021, Smith-Njigba was putting up unreal numbers while looking like one of the best players in college football. In his last notable performance, he totaled 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns against the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl. Before that record-setting day, he had already had four straight games with at least 100 receiving yards.
Chicago Bears, No. 53 - DE Zach Harrison
Harrison enjoyed a steady season of some versatile production from his defensive end spot and is the first Buckeyes defensive player on the board in this mock.
This past season, he totaled 34 tackles, three forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks while displaying impressive ability in coverage as well, posting four passes defended and his first-career interception.
With a massive 6-6, 272-pound frame and proven experience after four years in Columbus, Harrison could come in and make an impact in the league quickly.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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