The Best NFL Buckeyes Selected with Every Pick in the First Round of the NFL Draft

Today, we take a look at the best Buckeyes – based on their pro careers – to be picked at each draft slot of the first round.

Round 1, Pick 1: Orlando Pace, OT, Rams

To date, three Ohio State players have been selected as the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL draft. Tom Cousineau was the first Buckeye and Dan Wilkinson was the second, but Pace had the best NFL career.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle started in 165 games, was a Super Bowl champion, was on the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s, was a first-team All-Pro player three times, second-team All-Pro twice and made seven consecutive Pro Bowls (1999-2005).

Round 1, Pick 2: Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers

Bosa edges out Chase Young and Jim McDonald as Ohio State's best player selected second in the draft.

Last year, the defensive end was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was also the NFL’s sacks leader and a first-team All-Pro in 2022. The youngest Bosa brother has made the Pro Bowl in three of his first four NFL seasons (2019, 2021 and 2022).

During his rookie season in 2019, Bosa was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Round 1, Pick 3: Shawn Springs, CB, Seahawks 

Hopalong Cassady, John Hicks, Joey Bosa and Jeff Okudah join Springs as Buckeyes selected with the third overall pick.

Being named to the Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team, being a second-team All-Pro cornerback in 2004, going to the Pro Bowl in 1998 and being a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1997 makes Springs the most decorated Ohio State player drafted in this spot. 

Round 1, Pick 4: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys 

Four Ohio State players have heard their names called at the fourth pick of the NFL draft. Elliott tops Denzel Ward, Art Schlichter and Chris Ward as the Buckeye who has accomplished the most in the league of those four.

Zeke led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018. He was a first-team All-Pro player in 2016 and a second-team All-Pro in 2018. Elliott has also made three Pro Bowls and was on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016. He currently has 8,262 career rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns, 305 receptions for 2,336 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. 

Round 1, Pick 5: Bob Vogel, OT, Colts

A.J. Hawk and Bob Ferguson had fine NFL careers after going fifth in the draft, but tackle Bob Vogel is Ohio State's best at this spot.

Vogel won Super Bowl V with the Colts and was an NFL champion in 1968. He was a five-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl player and started in all of the 139 games he played in.

Round 1, Pick 6: Vernon Gholston, DE, Jets 

Gholston didn’t live up to the hype in the NFL, but he is the only Buckeye to get drafted with the sixth pick. He finished his NFL career with 42 tackles. The Jets waited seven years – Devin Smith in the second round – before selecting another Ohio State player in the NFL draft.

Round 1, Pick 7: Tom Matte, RB, Colts

No offense to Don Clark, but Terry Glenn made going with Matte as Ohio State's best at this position very difficult. The two players had very similar accolades, but Matte gets the nod as a Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s leader in rushing touchdowns in 1969.

Glenn won Super Bowl XXXVI, made one Pro Bowl, was on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and was named to the Patriots All-1990s Team.

Round 1, Pick 8: Jim Parker, OT, Colts 

Unlike the previous draft spot, pick eight was not very difficult. Donte Whitner, David Boston, Joey Galloway, Jim Houston and Dan James had fine pro careers, but none of them are on the same level as the player that has arguably had the best NFL career of any Ohio State footballer.

Parker is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, won two NFL championships (1958, 1959), had his No. 77 retired by the Colts and was named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams and the 1950s All-Decade Team.

The honors don't stop there as Parker was a first-team All-Pro in nine consecutive seasons (1957-65), made eight straight Pro Bowls (1958-65) and was a second-team All-Pro player in 1966. Making his accomplishment more extraordinary is that Parker moved from tackle to guard in 1963 to make room for fellow Buckeye, Bob Vogel, on the Colts' offensive line.

Round 1, Pick 9: John Brockington, RB, Packers 

Ted Ginn Jr., Rickey Dudley and Don Scott are the other three Buckeyes to get drafted at number nine, but the recently deceased Brockington gets the nod.

The talented running back is in the Packers Hall of Fame, was a two-time first-team All-Pro Player (1971, 1973) and a one-time second-team All-Pro (1972), three-time Pro Bowler (1971-73) and the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1971. The first player in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in his first three seasons in the league, Brockington finished his career with 5,185 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns.

Round 1, Pick 10: Keith Byars, RB, Eagles

Besides Byars, Garrett Wilson, Eli Apple and Fred "Curly" Morrison are the other Ohio State players drafted at the 10th spot. 

Although he was snubbed for the 1984 Heisman Trophy, Byars was named to the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team and made the 1993 Pro Bowl. He finished his career with 865 carries for 3,109 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Round 1, Pick 11: Paul Warfield, WR, Browns 

When you are selected at the same spot in the draft as Warfield, you are likely going to get overlooked. Chris Olave, Justin Fields and Marshon Lattimore find themselves in this exact predicament. 

When his Hall of Fame career ended in 1977, Warfield was a two-time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII) with the Dolphins and an NFL Champion (1964) with the Browns. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions twice (1968, 1971), was a two-time first-team All-Pro (1971, 1973), three-time second-team All-Pro (1968, 1970, 1972) and made the Pro Bowl eight times (1964, 1968, 1969-74). 

After his retirement, Warfield was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, 1970s NFL All-Decade Team, the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor and the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll. In 15 years, Olave and Fields might make a case to supplant Warfield, but they have a long way to go.

Round 1, Pick 12: Jim Lachey, OT, Chargers 

Lachey is a graduate from one of Ohio State's greatest small-school pipelines, St. Henry. In his 11-year NFL career, most of which was spent in Washington, Lachey was a Super Bowl champion (XXVI), named a first-team All-Pro three times (1989-91) and second-team All-Pro once (1987), made three Pro Bowls (1987, 1990, 1991) and was on the PFWA All-Rookie team in 1985. He was named one of the 70 greatest players in Washington history in 2002.

Kurt Schumacher and Daryl Sanders are the other Ohio State players drafted 12th overall.

Round 1, Pick 13: Rick Middleton, LB, Saints

Middleton is the only Buckeye to get selected 13th. The linebacker played for the New Orleans Saints (1974-75) and San Diego Chargers (1976-78) and is now a teacher at Olentangy High School.

Round 1, Pick 14: Randy Gradishar, LB, Broncos

Gradishar had plenty of competition to claim this spot. Eddie George and Malcolm Jenkins are also worthy, but the linebacker who played 10 seasons in Denver had a slightly more productive career than his younger fellow Buckeyes. 

In 1978, Gradishar was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 1977 and 1978, was also a three-time second-team All-Pro (1979, 1981, 1983) and made seven Pro Bowls. Gradishar is also in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. 

Gradishar finished his NFL career with 2,049 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 20 interceptions and four touchdowns. It's a shame his bust is not in Canton.

Round 1, Pick 15: Ryan Shazier, LB, Steelers 

In a career cut short by a life-changing injury, Shazier made consecutive Pro Bowls in 2016 and 2017. He brought his speed and hard hits from Columbus to Pittsburgh and was exhibiting the talent to be an all-time great before his career-ending injury in December 2017.

In 2019, Shazier received the George Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers of America as the NFL individual who overcame the most adversity to succeed.

The late Dwayne Haskins and Malik Hooker were also drafted 15th.

Round 1, Pick 16: Taylor Decker, OT, Lions 

Decker was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016 and has been a stalwart on the Lions' offensive line for seven years. To date, he has started in all 96 games he has played and has three receptions for 15 yards and two touchdowns in addition to his consistent play at left tackle.

Round 1, Pick 17: Nobody

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold the 17th pick. Some are speculating that the franchise is looking for a cornerback, offensive lineman or defensive end at this position. In the unlikely event Paris Johnson Jr. is available at this spot, he would likely become the fifth-ever Ohio State player selected in the first round by the Steelers and the 23rd overall Buckeye drafted by the Steelers. He would also fill the only missing spot on Ohio State’s table of first-rounders by becoming Ohio State’s first-ever No. 17 overall pick.

OHIO STATE'S 87 FIRST-ROUND PICKS

PICK	PLAYER(S)
1	Orlando Pace Dan Wilkinson Tom Cousineau
2	Chase Young Nick Bosa Jim McDonald
3	Jeff Okudah Joey Bosa Shawn Springs John Hicks Hopalong Cassady
4	Denzel Ward Ezekiel Elliott Art Schlichter Chris Ward
5	A.J. Hawk Bob Vogel Bob Ferguson
6	Vernon Gholston
7	Terry Glenn Tom Matte Don Clark
8	Donte Whitner David Boston Joey Galloway Jim Houston Dan James Jim Parker
9	Ted Ginn Jr. Rickey Dudley John Brockington Don Scott
10	Garrett Wilson Eli Apple Keith Byars Fred Morrison
11	Chris Olave Justin Fields Marshon Lattimore Paul Warfield
12	Jim Lachey Kurt Schumacher Daryl Sanders
13	Rick Middleton
14	Malcolm Jenkins Eddie George Randy Gradishar Rufus Mayes
15	Dwayne Haskins Malik Hooker Ryan Shazier
16	Taylor Decker Eric Kumerow
17	None
18	Bobby Carpenter Will Smith
19	Damon Arnette Vinnie Clark Jack Tatum
20	Darron Lee Doug France
21	Billy Price Nate Clements Robert Smith Tim Fox
22	Alonzo Spellman
23	Antoine Winfield Bob Brudzinski Tim Anderson
24	Gereon Conley Ahmed Plummer Korey Stringer Archie Griffin Neil Colzie Leo Hayden
25	Santonio Holmes
26	Dave Foley
27	William Roberts
28	Chris Gamble Andy Katzenmoyer
29	Nick Mangold Michael Jenkins Ryan Pickett
30	Craig Powell
31	Bradley Roby Cameron Heyward Beanie Wells
32	Anthony Gonzalez

Round 1, Pick 18: Will Smith, DE, Saints

Smith amassed 459 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions during his time with the Saints. He helped the team win Super Bowl XLIV, made the 2006 Pro Bowl and was on the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2004.

Following his untimely passing, Smith was enshrined in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor.

Bobby Carpenter is the only other Buckeye drafted at the 18th spot.

Round 1, Pick 19: Jack Tatum, DB, Raiders

Feared for his hard hits, Tatum embodied the ruthlessness projected by the Raider Nation. He was a Super Bowl champion (XI), three-time Pro Bowler (1973-75) and a second-team All-Pro in 1974 and 1977. 

Tatum finished his career with 37 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries and one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

Other Buckeyes drafted 19th are Damon Arnette and Vinnie Clark. 

Round 1, Pick 20: Doug France, OT, Rams

Two Ohio State players have been selected 20th: France and Darron Lee.

France was a two-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle in 1977 and 1978. He also made the All-Pro second team in 1978. As a rookie in 1975, France was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. 

Round 1, Pick 21: Robert Smith, RB, Vikings 

Smith spent his entire NFL career in Minneapolis and was recognized as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings for his efforts. He was also named to the Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team and Minnesota Vikings All-Mall of America Field Team.

Smith made the Pro Bowl in 1998 and 2000 and was a second-team All-Pro in 2000. He finished his career with 6,818 rushing yards (4.8 ypc) and 32 rushing touchdowns plus 178 receptions, 1,292 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. 

Tim Fox, Nate Clements and Billy Price were also selected as the 21st overall player off the board.

Round 1, Pick 22: Alonzo Spellman, DE, Bears

Spellman played for the Chicago Bears (1992-97), Dallas Cowboys (1999-2000) and Detroit Lions (2001). He finished his career with 207 tackles, 43.0 sacks and eight interceptions over 123 games.

Since 1936, Spellman is the only Buckeye drafted 22nd.

Round 1, Pick 23: Antoine Winfield, DB, Bills 

Like Robert Smith, Winfield was also named as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. The hard-hitting cornerback was a three-time Pro Bowl player (2008-10) and a second-team All-Pro in 2008.

Winfield finished his career with 1,094 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 27 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries and five touchdowns.

Bob Brudzinski and Tim Anderson are the other Buckeyes to hear their names called as the 23rd selection of the draft.

Round 1, Pick 24: Korey Stringer, OT, Vikings 

Stringer was coming into his own in the NFL when his life and career came to an end due to suffering from heat stroke during the second day of preseason training camp for the 2001 season.

In his final season, Stringer made the 2000 Pro Bowl. For his six-year career, Stringer started 91 of the 93 games he played. 

The Vikings retired his jersey, No. 77, following his death.

Neal Colzie, Archie Griffin, Ahmed Plummer and Gareon Conley round out the five Buckeyes selected 24th.

Round 1, Pick 25: Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers 

Holmes is the only Ohio State player drafted 25th, but he likely will remain the best for years to come as he was named Super Bowl MVP when the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII. To this day, Holmes is the only Buckeye to be named MVP of the Super Bowl. 

For his career, the receiver from Belle Glade, Florida had 389 receptions for 6,030 receiving yards and 36 receiving touchdowns.

Round 1, Pick 26: Dave Foley, OT, Jets

Foley started in 90 of the 110 games he played in and was named to the 1973 Pro Bowl. He is the only Buckeye to hear his name called with the 26th pick.

Round 1, Pick 27: William Roberts, OT, Giants

Roberts was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants. He was with the team when New York won Super Bowls XXI and XXV.

During his 13-year career, Roberts made one Pro Bowl (1990) and played for the Giants, Patriots and Jets. He is the only Buckeye drafted at this spot.

Round 1, Pick 28: Chris Gamble, DB, Panthers

Gamble is the only Ohio State player to be selected by the Panthers in the first round of the draft. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2004 and played his entire nine-year NFL career with Carolina. 

During his time with the Panthers, Gamble recorded 508 tackles, 96 pass deflections and three touchdowns. At the time of his retirement, Gamble held the Panthers' record with 27 career interceptions.

Andy Katzenmoyer is the only other Ohio State player drafted 28th.

Round 1, Pick 29: Nick Mangold, C, Jets 

Ryan Pickett, Michael Jenkins and Mangold are the Buckeyes selected with the 29th pick of the NFL draft's first round.

Mangold separated himself by being a two-time first-team All-Pro (2009, 2010) and a second-team All-Pro in 2011. The talented center also made the Pro Bowl seven times in an eight-year span (2008-15) and was on the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2006. He started all 164 games he played in.

Round 1, Pick 30: Craig Powell, LB, Browns 

The only Buckeye taken with the 30th pick, Powell played for the Cleveland Browns (1995), Baltimore Ravens (1996) and New York Jets (1998) before finishing his football career with the San Francisco Demons of the XFL in 2001.

Round 1 Pick 31: Cameron Heyward, DE, Steelers 

Like a fine wine, Heyward's game has improved as he has aged. The defensive tackle is a three-time first-team All-Pro (2017, 2019, 2021) who was also a second-team All-Pro in 2020. Heyward has an active streak of making six consecutive Pro Bowls (2017-22) and has tallied 614 tackles and 78.5 sacks during his career, which will likely make him a future Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Beanie Wells and Bradley Roby were also the 31st overall selection in their respective drafts.

Round 1, Pick 32: Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts 

The wide receiver from Ohio State big-school pipeline St. Ignatius played for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons (2007-11) and caught 99 passes for 1,307 yards and seven touchdowns.

Gonzalez is the only Buckeye to get drafted with the 32nd pick of the first round.