Ohio State: Which Buckeye Would Be Drafted First If Building A Team From Scratch?

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Nick Bosa (97) tries to get around Bowling Green Falcons offensive lineman Ben Steward (72) during the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Nick Bosa (97) tries to get around Bowling Green Falcons offensive lineman Ben Steward (72) during the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Which current Ohio State Buckeye would you build your NFL team with?

In just over two weeks, the 2017 NFL Draft will be here. There will be multiple former Ohio State football players drafted early and often.

Ohio State is a football powerhouse that yearly produces an impressive draft class. So, with it being draft season, it got me thinking: Of the Buckeyes on the current roster for the 2017, who would go first in an upcoming draft? Not only that, but would the pick be the same if you were drafting first for a team building from scratch?

I would say yes, especially if the organization was an expansion team building from the ground up. The four cornerstone football positions are pass rusher, whether that be an EDGE or a defensive end, cornerback, left tackle, and most importantly quarterback.

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Ohio State has always had very good quarterbacks playing for them. However, none in recent memory or in general were ever really first overall worthy. 2017’s group is highlighted by J.T. Barrett. The veteran quarterback has been very successful, but like many of his past predecessors, Barrett is not a top quarterback in any year’s draft.

One could argue, despite never playing a down, that freshman quarterback Tate Martell could be worthy. It may be a possibility, or more specifically a bold prediction. However, such a decision would be made strictly based off of what he could be. Who knows, in a few seasons, Martell could be the exception to the rule.

Since quarterback is not an option overall, let’s add left tackle and cornerback to that list too. Both positions have talented players but there is not a player who can be a franchise-changer, impacting a team in a number of ways as a draft’s top pick.

As a result, not surprisingly, the answers leads to defensive end where Nick Bosa stars. He is only a sophomore this fall. Barring a change and luckily for Ohio State fans, Bosa will play in Columbus for at least two more seasons.

Remember, Bosa frequently was doubled and tripled teamed too! According to sports-reference.com, Bosa racked up 29 tackles and five sacks in 2016.

Bosa made a lot of noise replacing his brother Joey Bosa at the same position. What is there not to like about the younger Bosa’s game? Sure, not everything is NFL caliber yet, but give it some time. 2016 was impressive and this fall Bosa’s game should take a big leap forward.

Bosa has so much potential and is in the best spot to achieve it before making his way to the NFL. He is already one of the best defensive players on his team. By the end of 2017, Bosa should be in the discussion as Ohio State’s best player heading into the 2018 season.

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Although he cannot be drafted next year, of the Buckeyes on the 2017 roster, I would still have listed him as the favorite if I could. Bosa’s time will come, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy what he does in college!