2016 NFL Draft: Ohio State Football Draft Projections

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Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

2nd Round: Darron Lee, Nick Vannett, Josh Perry, Eli Apple, Adolphus Washington

No, Darron Lee doesn’t make it into the first round. Teams will see his speed all over the field and his playmaking ability, but they will also see his struggles at the point of attack against the run.

Lee might not be worth a first rounder if teams feel that he can’t play on first down. In any event, Lee won’t last long in the second round at all and will easily go in the top third of that round based on his sideline to sideline abilities. Teams will see a future Lavonte David in Lee.

Likely landing spot: No. 39, Jacksonville Jaguars

Eli Apple‘s decision to leave early might have come as a surprise to Urban Meyer and many Buckeye fans, but no one will deny his talent. Apple will rate somewhere in the top five corners in the draft, but that won’t get him into the first round. Apple, like Perry, has been a steady contributor for multiple seasons for one of the highest rated pass defenses in college football. He has usually been matched up on the opponents best receiver and will have excellent film that shows his competitive nature. He won’t make it out of the second round either.

Likely landing spot: No. 42, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s a shame Adolphus Washington got arrested because he was easily a first-round pick. His arrest on solicitation will raise a red flag for teams, much like they did for Randy Gregory last season. Washington will be rated similarly to Michael Bennett in last season’s draft, as a playmaking defensive tackle best suited to play in a 4-3 or multiple front where he won’t be asked to play like a nose tackle.

Kyle Kalis vs. Adolphus Washington: https://t.co/EzlHttkm7D
— Scarlet & Game (@ScarletAndGame) November 28, 2015

No one denies his talent, but teams are being more cautious than ever with off the field issues, even if Marcus Peters proved doubters wrong in Kansas City. Because of those issues, Washington will go early in the second round instead of the mid to late first as he should.

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Likely landing spot: No.46, Detroit Lions

Joshua Perry is a name that might surprise people this early. But think about it. He’s been a multi-year impact contributor on a good defense that won a national title and a Fiesta Bowl with Perry on the strong side. He has experience playing in the middle and can be a really versatile linebacker in the NFL. Not many 255 pound linebackers run like Perry, so there will definitely be teams in the 2nd round that see Perry as a week one rookie contributor.

Likely landing spot: No. 58, Arizona Cardinals

Nick Vannett or Hunter Henry will be the first tight end taken in the draft. Henry has better film, but Vannett is underrated. He’s a reliable pass catcher and a very strong blocker, which will appeal to teams that ask their tight ends to do more than just catch passes. The senior might not go until late in the 2nd round, but there’s no way he doesn’t get taken in the round.

Likely landing spot: No. 62, Denver Broncos

Next: 3rd Round

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