2017 NFL Draft: Expectations for Ohio State Buckeyes as rookies

Receiver Noah Brown was the last Buckeye to be drafted. Brown was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 239th overall pick.

The Buckeyes’ receiving corps was basically nonexistent this season. The team may as well have played every game with extra linemen on the field. Outside of star halfback Curtis Samuel, there was no other real reliable option.

This was particularly concerning considering that Samuel is a ‘halfback’ and not a ‘receiver’. The three closest receiving options combined to have a total of only nine more receptions than Samuel. One of those receivers was Brown.

The three years that Brown spent at Ohio State were not exactly the easiest. He played in all of 15 games as a freshman but only managed one reception in that season. Brown was then red-shirted the following season due to injury.

Brown is a player who has a lot of potential. That much will be said as he flashed a couple times last season with some great plays. This was most evident in his outstanding performance at Oklahoma. Brown came up big with five receptions for 72 yards and four touchdowns to supplement the 21 point victory.

What looked like a breakout game for Brown turned out to be his peak. However, he did have some big catches and a score in the Bucks’ 30-23 win in overtime at Wisconsin.

Brown had a solid sophomore season with the Buckeyes. It may not have been a great season, but it was enough to get people excited for his future. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Brown’s full potential won’t be seen until he sees the field in the NFL.

Brown’s sudden declaration to leave for the draft left many people shocked. There was still much left to be desired from Brown at Ohio State, as he left two seasons of eligibility on the table to go pro.

The Dallas Cowboys decided to take a chance on Brown when they selected him with one of their final draft picks. Though, this may not have been as much of a roll of the dice as many may think.

Brown is a relatively large receiver and is a red zone threat. He may not have had a ton of receptions but he sure knew how to make the big plays in big games and score touchdowns. If the Cowboys can finish the necessary development that Brown needs, then he could become a great player.

This will be especially true if he can become more consistent. Brown has NFL size and length so all he needs now is the finishing touches.