Ohio State Football: Two Buckeyes went in Charles Casserly’s first-round mock
By Ryan Rosko
Mock draft season is here and for the foreseeable future we will see Ohio State football players projected all over.
Another NFL draft is upon us and that means many Ohio State football players will be drafted. Before they do, however, those players, fans, and teams must get through this very hectic season.
First off is the preparation of free agency and watching tape (which never truly stops). From there, in early March the 2018 NFL Draft Combine will take off, then teams will begin to sign free agents.
Before and after the March 14th date when free agents can sign, individual meetings for upcoming draftees with teams along with pro days will occur.
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As we wait for the draft to get here, there will be countless mocks being made. One, in particular, had two former Ohio State football players recently slotted in some interesting situations.
NFL Network‘s Charley Casserly revealed his first mock for the 2018 draft a few days ago. In it, he had Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the ninth pick. Meanwhile, he mocked center Billy Price 12 spots later to the Buffalo Bills with the 21st pick.
Both players would fill a need for those two teams. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when thinking about these picks. While Ward would certainly upgrade the 49ers’ secondary and is a starter from day one, don’t discount the possibility of Iowa CB Josh Jackson being the better fit.
In addition, San Fran just reached a deal with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. There is plenty of value earl on at corner in this draft, so it may be best for them to go elsewhere in round one. Thus, adding to the offensive talent surrounding Jimmy G may be the better route to go.
As far as Price is concerned, he is the best center in this draft class. Like his former teammate Pat Elflein did, who is now with the Minnesota Vikings, Price should come in and solidify part of whatever offensive line he joins. In Buffalo’ case, he would replace veteran Eric Wood, who retired.
On the other hand, what has Buffalo been lacking? A quarterback. Their starter Tyrod Taylor is headed to free agency and is not a difference-making signal-caller. Buffalo needs that answer but to get their quarterback, they will need to trade up which Casserly discussed.
"The first priority for Buffalo should be to trade up to get a QB. If that doesn’t work out, then Price can replace Eric Wood at center."
If it were me, San Francisco would consider Ward but add more to their offense first. For Buffalo, if they don’t go quarterback and Price is still on the board at 21, I’d be racing that card up as fast as possible.
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Ohio State’s Ward and Price could very well up in San Francisco and Buffalo respectively. With free agency a focus first, plenty will change in mocks but maybe not with these two teams’ picks.