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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The conclusion of the Ohio State football season always triggers an intense week or two of anticipation for the NFL draft decision.
Shaun Wade became the first Buckeye to make his early entry decision known on Friday when he announced he would enter the 2021 draft. Josh Myers followed that night. Undergraduates have until Monday to submit their names for review in the April Draft, which will be held in Cleveland.
Sources from Cleveland.com have said many of those decisions are still pending, and it may be Monday before we know what some Buckeyes are deciding.
The 2020 season modified by the coronavirus pandemic has added a new wrinkle to the offseason. Regardless of the number of games played, no player has racked up NCAA eligibility during the season. So the seniors, from an eligibility standpoint, basically ended the season as juniors. (Or, if you prefer, withhold one year of graduate school if they choose to use it.)
Some older people in Buckeye are at least considering that option. Haskell Garrett, who went from being a relative unknown to an All-American marginal, said last month he could return. A source close to Thayer Munford said the three-year-old starting left tackle, who has ranked among the top tackles in the country. according to Pro Football Focus, has also not decided with certainty that he will leave for opportunities in the NFL.
It can easily be seen where even a few of these decisions would improve Ohio State’s odds – or at the very least raise the floor for 2021.
• What Josh Myers’ NFL Draft Decision Means for Ohio State Football: Buckeyes 2021
Imagine an offensive line where Munford and junior Nicholas Petit-Frère decide to return. Harry Miller moves to center and Matthew Jones and Paris Johnson Jr. take over vacant guard positions. One of the best offensive lines in the country remains mostly intact.
Imagine a defensive line where Garrett and junior Tommy Togiai both choose to return. Both have dramatically improved their NFL Draft stocks with breakthrough seasons. Maybe both see the benefit of returning for another full season of production.
Imagine the boost on offense if Luke Farrell decided to replay his senior season and Jeremy Ruckert decided to stay for his. Without those tight veteran ends, the Buckeyes are watching a group of largely unproven candidates for an often overlooked position.
The problem is, you must also imagine the following. Imagine none of the senior linebackers came back, leaving the Buckeyes to rely only on staters for the first time across the board.
You don’t have to imagine what’s going on in high school. The reality is, the Buckeyes need a makeover at the back of the defense. Sevyn Banks and Josh Proctor provide some stability, but no one has emerged as a consistent playmaker.
• What Shaun Wade’s NFL Draft Decision Means for Ohio State Football: Buckeyes 2021
Ohio State’s defensive ends will come back mostly assuming Jonathon Cooper moves on. They have yet to take the step the Buckeyes expected of them in 2020. The rush for passing and secondary performances are inextricably linked, and the former is crucial in helping the latter.
Chris Olave’s name continues to appear in first round screenings. We know the state of Ohio has some talented prospects to plug in behind it around Garrett Wilson. None of them have yet had the opportunity to prove themselves.
The state of Ohio could receive unexpected good news by Monday, or by May. In some positions, however, questions do not have easy answers.
Get the Ohio State Sugar Bowl Champions and CFP Gear: Check out shirts, hats and more merchandise commemorating the Ohio State Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson, as well as gear on the Buckeyes advancing to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
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