CHICAGO — Ohio State's Nick Vannett is headed to the great Northwest.
The fifth-year senior tight end is headed to Seattle. The Seahawks selected Vannett with the 94th overall pick in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft Friday. Vannett is the 10th Buckeye selected in the first three rounds, a draft record.
Vannett served as part of Ohio State's one-two punch at tight end when it won the national championship in 2014, a serviceable receiver at the position and ever-improving blocker. He ended his career with six touchdown receptions, five coming during Ohio State's title run.
Vannett was a casualty to the giant step back the Ohio State passing game took in 2015, largely due to a new offensive coordinator and the back-and-forth at quarterback. He only recorded 19 catches for 162 yards during his senior season.
However, Vannett performed well at the Senior Bowl and became the unquestioned best option at his position at Ohio State after the departure of Jeff Heuerman. He joins his former teammate as the second tight end in as many years from Ohio State to enter the NFL. Denver also selected Heuerman in the third round, 92nd overall.
Before Heuerman, the last Buckeye tight end drafted was Ben Hartsock in 2004 when Indianapolis took him in the third round.
