Six Former Ohio State Buckeyes Among NFL Network’s Top 100 Players Of 2022

This marks the third straight year the Buckeyes have placed six players on the list, though some names have changed.

Author:
Andrew Lind
Aug 25, 2022 4:43 PM EDT

In this story:

Former Ohio State defensive ends Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa and Cameron Heyward, center Corey Linsley and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore were named this month to the NFL Network’s list of the top 100 players in the league.

The Buckeyes were tied with LSU for the most players on the list, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (No. 21), who spent three years in Columbus before finishing his college career with the Tigers.

Below is a list of the six Buckeyes, as well as their ranking relative to last year’s list:

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers - No. 25 (NR)

“Bosa started his career by winning AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, but couldn’t follow up that with a strong sophomore campaign because of a torn ACL suffered in Week 2 of the 2020 season. But third time’s the charm, because in Bosa’s third year, he came back strong and exceeded his production from his first season.

“Starting all 20 games during San Francisco's run to the NFC title game, Bosa broke his career-high in sacks with 15.5 (fourth in the league) -- adding four more in the playoffs -- and tied AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt for the most tackles for loss in the NFL (21). With Bosa only three years into his career, it’ll be interesting to see how high he can climb up the Top 100 in the coming seasons.”

Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers - No. 30 (No. 32)

“The former AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has been a solid presence on the Chargers’ defense for over six years now, and 2021 was no different. After missing a bit of time in 2020 due to injuries,

"Bosa started 16 games and was all over the place disrupting opposing offenses, recording a career-high seven forced fumbles and 10.5 sacks. His efforts earned him a fourth Pro Bowl nod, joining Hall of Famer Junior Seau as the only Chargers named to four Pro Bowls in their first five seasons.

Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers - No 42 (No. 57)

“A veteran leader for the Steelers' defense, Heyward has consistently put up quality numbers year after year, and his 11th season was no different. Heyward collected a career-high 83 tackles, 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits. He even tacked on an interception for good measure.

“All this earned Heyward his third first-team All-Pro selection, his fifth Pro Bowl nod and his highest-ever ranking in the Top 100. For a team that has defined consistency in not recording a losing record the past two decades, Heyward is a player who represents these ideals well, as you can count on him to be a solid presence on the defensive line year in and year out.”

Corey Linsley, Los Angeles Chargers - No. 60 (No. 60)

“Linsley hasn’t allowed a sack since Week 10 of 2020, per PFF, when he was a member of the Packers. The Chargers nabbed him from Green Bay in free agency ahead of the 2021 season by making him the highest-paid center at the time.

“Once there, he continued being an immovable force along a whole new line. Linsley is under contract until 2025, and new paydays being struck for other centers continue to paint this list’s No. 1 at the position as a steal.”

Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns - No. 87 (NR)

“The fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft, Ward has earned two trips to the Pro Bowl (2018, 2021). He’s proven to be a blanket corner, thanks to his excellent speed, agility and fluidity. Ward had three interceptions for the Browns last season, including a 99-yard return for a score against the Bengals in Week 9.

“In April, the former Ohio State Buckeye signed a five-year, $100.5 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.”

Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints - No. 89 (No. 86)

“Lattimore, the No. 11 overall pick out of Ohio State in 2017, has been selected to four Pro Bowls in his first five seasons. Last season, he had a career-best 68 tackles to go with three interceptions and 19 passes defensed.

“Lattimore was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, a season in which he recorded five interceptions. The 26-year-old has started every game he has played in New Orleans and was signed to a five-year, $97.6 million extension in Sept. 2021.”

That said, a pair of former Buckeyes who appeared on last year’s list did not make the cut this year. That includes Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (torn ACL) and Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle), who came in at No. 61 and No. 72, respectively.

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