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2017 NFL Draft: Expectations for Ohio State Buckeyes as rookies

By Alec Hartman

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) blocks during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) blocks during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Veteran offensive lineman Pat Elflein was the only Buckeye drafted in the third round. Elflein was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 70th overall pick during the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Buckeyes’ offensive line took some criticism at times during last season. There were some issues getting a push at the point of attack and even more so in pass protection.

Some of those struggles could be attributed to the loss of tackle Taylor Decker to the 2016 NFL Draft. With that being said, veteran offensive lineman Pat Elflein was one of the few bright spots.

The Minnesota Vikings were in desperate need for offensive lineman. The team’s offensive line was atrocious as their rushing offense ranked dead last in the league according to ESPN.

This was especially notable as all-time great running back Adrian Peterson averaged a mere 1.9 yards per carry in 2016 before he was injured. Per NFL.com, Peterson averaged 4.9 yards per carry throughout his storied career.

The addition of Elflein should give the Vikings a nice push in the right direction on the field and towards the future. He may not be an immediate solution to the major issues plaguing the entire line, but it is certainly a step up. Elflein should get an opportunity to compete for a starting spot in his first season as a pro.

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