It seems inevitable that J.T. Barrett will have an NFL Draft decision to make at the end of the 2016 season. With just over a season and a half under his belt, the Buckeye captain already owns 19 different Ohio State and Big Ten Conference records and boasts an impressive 16-2 record as a starter.
If sheer production alone isn't enough to make Barrett consider forgoing his final year of eligibility, this might do the trick:
Mel Kiper's top QBs for 2017 draft. Apparently Webb can't win starting job at Texas Tech but is a franchise NFL QB. pic.twitter.com/gLSZLozo9E
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) May 22, 2016
To Barrett, being evaluated alongside the likes of Davis Webb and Mitch Leidner as the draft's top quarterback talent could sound like a dream come true.
To put it bluntly, there is a blatant lack of talent in the 2017 quarterback class, particularly among the seniors. Barrett's draft stock will likely never be higher than it will at the end of the 2016-'17 season. Throw in the fact that he's on track to earn his degree before then and you may have the perfect recipe for an early departure.
Of course, there are valid reasons he may choose to return for his redshirt senior season as well. He may have his sights set on a national title, or a Heisman trophy. He may see room for more development or not think himself ready for the NFL. Or he may even, bare with me here, enjoy college.
*gasps*
Time will tell. The calendar still says May, meaning we're discussing a decision that's over 10 months in the future, but the idea of Barrett leaving after his redshirt junior season seams at the very least a realistic possibility.
