Tyvis Powell will be missed at Ohio State, both for what he did on the field and also his personality off it either in the locker room or a media setting.
Powell never shied away from a camera, always ready to offer a smile and the quick wit that made him so popular among his teammates. He committed to Ohio State amid the turmoil of the tattoo scandal that rocked the program in 2011 and cost Jim Tressel his job, then teamed up with Vonn Bell to become an integral part in the revamp of the back end of the defense.
Even though he had one year of eligibility remaining, Powell chose to leave for the NFL along with eight other underclassmen. He earned his degree last year and left his mark on the final start of his Buckeye career, snatching an interception of Notre Dame's Deshone Kizer and recording five tackles in the Fiesta Bowl.
For his career, Powell finished with nine passes defensed and eight interceptions. He also served as a team captain in 2015 and had a nose of making big plays in big games. Not bad for a three-star recruit from Bedford, Ohio.
Powell is a projected late round draft pick this weekend in Chicago. Where could he land?
Denver Broncos
Where They're Picking: First Round (31st overall), Second Round (63rd overall), Third Round (94th overall, 98th overall), Fourth Round (136th overall), Fifth Round (144th overall, 157th overall), Sixth Round (219th overall), Seventh Round (228th overall, 253rd overall)
Breakdown: Denver lost safeties David Bruton Jr. and Omar Bolden in free agency, leaving it thin on the back line outside of T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart. John Elway could look at another player at the position more highly regarded than Powell in the earlier rounds, but chances are he will be available when it is Denver's turn in the fifth and possibly sixth rounds. Powell isn't anything special athletically, but tested well at the combine in speed drills and has great length. That should help him find a spot at the next level.
San Diego Chargers
Where They're Picking: First Round (third overall), Second Round (35th overall), Third Round (66th overall), Fourth Round (102nd overall), Fifth Round (175th overall), Sixth Round (179th overall, 198th overall), Seventh Round (224th overall)
Breakdown: The Chargers need to look for a longterm solution at safety after mainstay Eric Weddle signed with Baltimore following last season. San Diego is in a good position with the No. 3 overall pick and both Laremy Tunsil and Jalen Ramsey are likely to be available because Los Angeles and Philadelphia moved in front of it to presumably take quarterbacks. If the Chargers take Ramsey and try to make him their safety for the future, picking up Powell in the later rounds as insurance fits their longterm plan.
Minnesota Vikings
Where They're Picking: First Round (23rd overall), Second Round (54th overall), Third Round (86th overall), Fourth Round (121st overall), Fifth Round (160th overall), Sixth Round (180th overall), Seventh Round (240th overall, 244th overall)
Breakdown: Minnesota has greater needs in the draft, mainly on the offensive side of the ball. It needs protection for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and some new playmakers not named Adrian Peterson. However, the Vikings also should look to add another safety despite signing Michael Griffin in free agency. Powell could become a value pick depending on how he performs in the early stages of his career and if he can stay in the league. That is because he won't cost a team a high pick. Minnesota's nine interceptions tied for 26th-most in the NFL last year, so adding pieces that always seem to be around the ball is crucial. Powell did that often at Ohio State.
Arizona Cardinals
Where They're Picking: First Round (29th overall), Third Round (92nd overall), Fourth Round (128th overall), Fifth Round (167th overall, 170th overall), Sixth Round (205th overall)
Breakdown: The Cardinals lost Rashad Johnson in free agency, but feel comfortable with Tyrann Mathieu and Tony Jefferson as their starters at safety this fall. Still, the need to add depth at the position could push the franchise to look at drafting one this year. Powell isn't viewed as an early impact prospect in this year's class based on his late-round projection, so going to a franchise where he won't be asked to start right away is likely. If Arizona took him in the fifth or sixth round, he'd have the chance to sit behind Mathieu and Jefferson, learn and potentially surprise.
Houston Texans
Where They're Picking: First Round (22nd overall), Second Round (55th overall), Third Round (85th overall), Fourth Round (119th overall), Fifth Round (159th overall, 166th overall), Sixth Round (195th overall)
Breakdown: Houston's offense is due for a facelift in this year's draft, with Bill O'Brien moving forward with Brock Osweiler at quarterback and the team cutting Arian Foster. That side of the ball is sure to be the team's focus in the first four rounds, but it needs depth and competition at safety behind Eddie Pleasant, Andre Hal and Kurtis Drummond. Powell will bring an eagerness and desire to push the presumed starters at safety while also getting a chance to develop his game.
Honorable Mention: Oakland Raiders, New York Giants, Detroit Lions
