Ohio State Mock Draft: Where Will These 10 Buckeyes Get Drafted?

Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus Buckeye greets members of the National Guard before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus Buckeye greets members of the National Guard before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pat Elflein, C/G, Cincinnati Bengals Round 2, Pick 41

This former Buckeye should be tapped to stay in his home state, as Pat Elflein will bring versatility and talent to a Bengals line that’s had a rough offseason. Elflein was an excellent, no matter where he played on the line for Ohio State. He played his first two seasons at guard, and then switched to center last year.

Elflein would upgrade the Bengals rushing attack, which ranked 21st in the NFL during the 2016 campaign, as he’s a superior run blocker. His pass protection needs some polishing, but there’s no reason to believe he can’t fix that problem quickly. Remember, he only played center for one season and won the Rimington Award, which is given annually to college football’s top center.

Owner Mike Brown let Andrew Whitworth and guard Kevin Zeitler leave free agency. If the season started today, Russell Bodine–the same Russell Bodine who got benched late in 2016–would be slated to start at center.

Here’s what Sports Illustrated’s Chris Burke wrote about Elflein’s ability to play different positions and the impact that it will have on the upcoming draft.

"That Elflein can offer an NFL-ready skill set at either guard or center should give him a draft boost. While many interior linemen have experience at both spots, few have excelled the way Elflein did."

A lot of mocks predict Elflein will be selected in the second or third round. Assuming the Bengals go defense in the first round, and that’s a good possibility, Elflein should be waiting on day 2. His selection would instantly upgrade their offensive line as a day one starter.