Ohio State football: Discussing first round options for Los Angeles teams
By Ryan Rosko
The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers could go in a number of different ways early in the 2018 NFL Draft. Depending on what they want to do, there are a couple of former Ohio State players that could help.
Ohio State is a powerhouse when it comes to football games on Saturdays. The university is also known for providing impressive NFL draft classes yearly.
Free agency will take over the NFL soon. When it does, we will see some former Buckeyes move elsewhere or re-sign where they currently are.
After free agency takes off, everyone will have a better idea as to how the 2018 NFL Draft could play out. Ohio State has two of the top players at their respective positions who are focal points for the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers respectively: Cornerback Denzel Ward and center Billy Price.
More from Factory of Sadness
- Bet $1 on ANYTHING to Unlock $200 Guaranteed with Crazy Bet365 Ohio Promo!
- 3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good shot to win the East next year
- It might be too soon to say it but it looks like the Cleveland Guardians are back
- Are the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?
- Eastern Conference Solidarity: Back the Heat with $5 Bet, Win $200 Bonus INSTANTLY with DraftKings Promo
FanSided’s L.A. Sports Hub‘s Site Expert Jason Reed gave his thoughts on five questions I sent over on what the Rams and Chargers could do in the draft and how those former Buckeyes could be part of those teams.
FoS: Cornerback Denzel Ward would be a welcomed addition to the Rams’ defense. That said, would you expect him to have a rookie season similar to another former Ohio State DB in current New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore, who was recently named Rookie Defensive Player of the Year?
LASH: Those are definitely some big shoes to fill but I can’t see why not. Ward definitely has the talent to produce that kind of season the Rams secondary is in a similar place to the Saints a year ago.
With the right coverages and free rein, I think it is more than possible.
FoS: Is Ward priority number one even if Los Angeles re-signs cornerback Trumaine Johnson?
LASH: I would think so. Even with Johnson, that secondary is ultimately holding the defense back. If Aaron Donald walks, though, and Johnson stays maybe that focuses should shift to DT. That is the only case.
More from Ohio State Buckeyes
- Ohio State losing Quinn Ewers a week after the Michigan loss is bad optics
- Ohio State football: CFP still possible as long as defense not hot mess
- Ohio State football: Once C.J. Stroud settled in, Minnesota was done
- Ohio State basketball: Aaron Craft back in uniform for Buckeyes
- 2021 NFL Draft chatter: Justin Fields falls into Patriots laps after trade up?
FoS: Would you prefer to have the Chargers go with value if someone falls rather than selecting Price?
LASH: Yes, if the Chargers have an absolute steal then they should. ONLY if it is a top ten guy, in a position they need, though. If not, the Chargers (who don’t really need much more) should add to one of their weak points: center. Price fills that void nicely.
FoS: By selecting Price, the Chargers would have arguably the best young interior offensive line. Safe to assume they’d look to upgrade the tackles somehow too, likely in free agency?
LASH: Russell Okung is pretty solid at left tackle. Joe Barksdale is okay at right tackle. I would not make it a priority, but if the Chargers can get a solid pickup at right tackle I definitely wouldn’t be opposed.
FoS: If both Ward and Price are off the board when the Rams and the Chargers on the clock, who are your respective plan B’s and why?
LASH: Ooh, that’s tough. For the Chargers, I’d like to see them take a defensive tackle. (Michigan’s) Maurice Hurst has really jumped out to me as a great fit.
He excels at getting to the passer. Making the Chargers arguably the best pass-rushing team in football, if they aren’t already.
For the Rams, I’d like to see an interior linebacker like (Texas’) Malik Jefferson or (Virginia Tech’s) Tremaine Edmunds. A different corner is a possibility too, but those middle linebackers may be too good to pass on.
As I said, free agency will help a lot once players are able to sign prior to the draft. However, being that the Chargers are at 17 and the Rams are at 23, the Chargers seem to be more likely to add Price than Ward heading to the Rams but anything can happen.
Next: Is Cleveland or Columbus a legit option for the XFL?
We thank Jason for his thoughts on the two former Buckeyes who declared for the upcoming draft. He seems to like Ward a lot for L.A., but as he discussed, if Donald were to leave that may change L.A.’s plans this offseason. On another note, it would be pretty cool to watch the Chargers draft another Ohio State Buckeye!