2016 NFL Draft: No Guarantee Bosa Is First Buckeye Drafted

The Ohio State football team has so much talent in this year’s 2016 NFL Draft, so which player is drafted first? That is a good question.

Each year the Ohio State football team has multiple players who declare for the NFL draft. This year is no different. In fact, this year’s Buckeyes class should break the record for the most first-round picks from one school in this year’s 2016 NFL Draft.

By now it is just a waiting game in terms of pairing up former collegiate athletes with professional teams. The numerous debates as to why a certain Buckeye would fit with a team has also been discussed in various settings. Despite all of that, and being just over five weeks until the 2016 NFL Draft, there is still plenty to be determined so the various scenarios will continue to be evaluated.

Defensive end Joey Bosa by some is the best player in this year’s draft. That said, he should be the first pick then right? No not neccessarily. The Tennessee Titans have options and selecting Bosa is no sure thing. Instead, the Titans could select Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey or Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil, among others.

If Bosa does not get drafted by Tennessee (which seems less likely by the day), then where does he go? Cleveland could be a spot, but Ramsey, Tunsil, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz, and California quarterback Jared Goff needs to be ahead of him on the draft board.

Due to teams’ needs, it would not be a surprise if Bosa drops to sixth overall by the Baltimore Ravens. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ninth overall) or possibly out of the top 10 altogether could also be options. Although the last scenario is unlikely, I would agree with that possibility because Bosa is a top 15 player, not top 10 after evaluating him.

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With so much uncertainty surrounding Bosa from first overall and beyond, another Ohio State football player could be selected ahead of him in the 2016 NFL Draft. That other player is running back Ezekiel Elliott.

In last year’s draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Georgia running back Todd Gurley 10th overall. This year should see a repeat.

If the 2016 NFL Draft sees a running back drafted in the top 10, then Elliott will be the only player given that honor. For a running back who can do anything and everything on the field, he has the talent to be a great benefit to a team very early on.

Elliott could be a fit as a high as fourth overall with the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens (an upgrade at running back should be considered) and the Philadelphia Eagles (eighth overall) are other teams who could select the former Buckeye running back.

Teams outside the top 10 who could become more of a possibility of landing Elliott includes the Miami Dolphins (13th overall) and Houston Texans (22nd overall). If Dallas passes on Elliott and Houston wants to select him in the worse way, then the Texans better be prepared to give up multiple picks in a trade.

There is no question both of those players are very skilled at their respective positions. Whichever team(s) selects Bosa or Elliott in the 2016 NFL Draft should be very happy.

Wherever each of them lands will play a role in how successful they will be. However, if I had to choose one, I would go with Elliott. It is close but I have more questions with Bosa’s play.

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Many things can come up and change how we see the draft order going. Right now stating it is a 50/50 chance that Elliott could go before Bosa is very legitimate. The spot where we should know what is going to happen is Dallas’. Both players could be selected there, but if neither does, then everything is off of the table during the 2016 NFL Draft.

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