Last weekend was pretty fantastic for Ohio State, as the NFL Draft served as a virtual three-day infomercial for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes. With 12 players drafted, Ohio State was the talk of the entire show in Chicago. The Big Ten as a whole also fared quite nicely. The conference saw 47 players selected. The SEC led the way with 51 selections while the Pac-12 checked in at third with 32.
While the 2017 NFL Draft isn't expected to see nearly as many Ohio State names called, there are still several players who are going to be heavily scrutinized leading up to next year's event. From a recruiting standpoint, the scholarship crunch for the 2017 class means it may be even more important to keep an eye on the players who could elect to forego some playing time in Columbus.
Here are some current Buckeyes and players around the Big Ten who are in prime position to make a splash in next year's NFL Draft.
The way-too-early 2017 mocks are starting to be released and the Ohio State names are pretty much what one would expect. It appears likely that the Buckeyes' 2017 Draft efforts will come from a number of underclassman – albeit a number much smaller than we saw this year – so several key contributors may face tough decisions come January.
Entering his junior season, Raekwon McMillan is currently listed as the top inside linebacker for the 2017 draft class. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, he also has the ideal size to man the inside at the next level. In two seasons in Columbus, McMillan has tallied 173 tackles and four sacks. McMillan's recruitment was was well documented. As a five-star at Hinesville, Georgia's Liberty County High School, he chose the Buckeyes over Alabama and Clemson. To this date, McMillan remains one of the biggest recruiting triumphs for Urban Meyer.
Contrary to popular belief, the Buckeyes' leading sack man from a season ago will once again be playing in Columbus next season – not San Diego. As a third-year sophomore, Tyquan Lewis recorded 14 tackles for loss including 8.0 sacks. With the departure of Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington, Lewis will look to lead the way for Larry Johnson's rushmen in 2016. Hailing from Tarboro, North Carolina, the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder chose Ohio State over LSU and the in-state Tarheels.
Gareon Conley is back this year and the redshirt junior looks to take over where Eli Apple left off in the Buckeye secondary. At one point last season, a lot of people were saying that Conley actually was playing better than Apple, who was just selected 10th overall by the New York Giants. It will be interesting to see how Conley progresses under the tutelage of defensive backs guru Greg Schiano. He has the size and length that is coveted in NFL secondaries, so he may very well have a decision to make at the conclusion of the 2016 season. The former Massillon star had pledged to the Wolverines before making the flip to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.
Outside of the big three underclassmen, senior Pat Elflein could be one of the top interior linemen selected. NFL Draft Scout currently lists the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder as the nation's top guard. Senior wideouts Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith probably have a lot of work to do this season if they want to work their way into the picture. Bri'onte Dunn's name hasn't been mentioned often, but a breakout senior season in a run-heavy offense could do wonders for him. Of course, it remains to be seen how things will shake out in the Buckeye backfield.
J.T. Barrett and Jalyn Holmes are two other juniors who could consider heading to the next level. Barrett lacks the ideal size and arm strength, but a potentially weak quarterback class could lead him to test the waters. Redshirt sophomore Sam Hubbard could be another name to watch depending on how the upcoming season unfolds.
Elsewhere in the Big Ten, a number of other talented prospects could factor in to the early rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Hawkeye defense got a big boost when 2015 All-American and Thorpe Award winner Desmond King announced that he would return for his senior season. Some outlets have the corner listed as the top player at the position and a potential top-ten pick.
NFL folks could be enamored with Peppers' versatility. Via
The Wolverines have not had more than three players drafted since 1999, but that could change next year. Jabrill Peppers hasn't exactly set the world on fire since arriving in Ann Arbor, but there's no denying that his athleticism is off the charts. He's versatile enough to play a number of spots on both sides of the ball and this season's experimentation at linebacker will be interesting to follow. Jake Butt, Jourdan Lewis, Jehu Chesson, and Chris Wormley are other players expected to be selected.
It seems like just yesterday Malik McDowell was involved in one of the craziest recruitments we have ever seen, but the defensive lineman has made the most of his time in East Lansing. He will be a junior this season but could certainly elect to move on to the professional ranks if he can follow up on his 4.5-sack sophomore campaign. Linebacker Riley Bullough will be another Spartan to watch.
Not to be outdone by the traditional Big Ten powers, the Hoosiers and Wildcats could also send some early-round talent to the National Football League. Indiana guard Dan Feeney had been slated as possible third-round pick had he elected to forego his senior season in Bloomington. Alas, he is back for 2016 and some services currently have him listed as the nation's No. 2 guard prospect.
Northwestern linebacker Anthony Walker was named first-team all conference as a sophomore in 2015. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound inside backer is rated as the second-best at his position for 2018, but a successful 2016 season could lead to him making the jump in 2017.
