Five Buckeyes Land in Latest ESPN 2024 Mock Draft

Ohio State football punches out first-round talent like 10-win seasons in Columbus, but could 2024 be a record-tying year for the program?

According to the latest mock draft by ESPN, five Buckeyes are projected to hear their names called in the first round of next year's NFL draft, marking the most for the program since 2016.

Recievers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, along with defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, defensive lineman Michael Hall Jr. and Donovan Jackson, all are listed within the top 20 picks of the latest mock, with Harrison making headlines as the No. 2 pick for the Arizona Cardinals. Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame Colts star Marvin Harrison, would become the highest receiver selected since Calvin Johnson in 2007 and the third receiver since 2000 selected with a top-two pick.

A strong argument could be made that Harrison is the best overall prospect in the 2024 class, and the Cardinals are starved for talent and lack a true go-to target in the offense. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he has an outstanding blend of size, reliable hands and body control. He finished last season with 14 touchdown receptions, the fourth-best mark in the FBS, and is now expected to be an even bigger part of the Buckeyes' offensive attack in 2023. Harrison reminds me of A.J. Green coming out of Georgia in the 2011 draft.

Harrison, who led the Buckeyes in receptions (77), receiving yards (1,263) and touchdowns (14), likely could sit out this season and still become a top-five pick. His fluid route-running, body control and ability to win in the red zone should allow him to produce top-10 numbers as a rookie in the proper system.

Egbuka, whose No. 1 status would be evident at any other program in the country, came off the board nine picks later to the Chicago Bears, pairing him with former Buckeyes' quarterback Justin Fields as a "security blanket" across the middle.

Another first-round receiver from Ohio State? Harrison receives most of the attention, but Egbuka looked great during his first season as a starter in 2022 (74 catches, 1,151 yards, 10 scores). He is a crafty and detailed route runner with a great feel for attacking creases against zone looks and the body control and instincts to create separation against man coverage.

Tuimoloau was selected No. 16 overall to the Denver Broncos as the new top run stopper for coach Sean Payton's defense, making him the first Buckeyes defender to be selected on Day 1 since Chase Young in 2020.

If he finds some more consistency, his strength as a run defender and his mature hands as a pass-rusher have many NFL teams excited about his future.

Hall, who registered 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, landed with the Houston Texans a pick later, becoming a staple of the worst run defense from 2022 with pass-rushing upside.

Hall is a quick-footed interior defender who displays burst out of the starting blocks at the snap. He checks a lot of key boxes as a pass-rusher, but his early-down reps as a run defender must improve in 2023. - Reid

Jackson, who enters his second full season as the team's starting left guard, heads down to South Beach as the Miami Dolphins selection at No. 18, giving a much-needed upgrade in pass protection for Tua Tagoviloa.

Donovan Jackson could help on the interior after he allowed just one sack on 796 snaps at left guard last season. He shows strong hands and solid foot quickness, helping him win in tight proximities. Jackson has the potential to be a plug-and-play starter at the next level. - Reid

Ohio State was the only program to feature five first-round picks in the mock draft. Georgia, Alabama, and Penn State each featured three prospects, while Texas and Washington rounded out the group of programs with multiple players selected at two apiece.