NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler from The Athletic -- who is also a longtime guest of the Bucknuts Morning 5 podcast -- is out with an interesting story on how Ohio State is in position to perhaps dominate the 2025 draft and tie or set a new record.
Dave Biddle
NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler from The Athletic -- who is also a longtime guest of the Bucknuts Morning 5 podcast -- is out with an interesting story on how Ohio State is in position to perhaps dominate the 2025 draft. Brugler says "it's possible" that the Buckeyes will have 15 players selected in next year's draft, which would tie Georgia's record from 2022.
The previous record? Ohio State in 2004 with 14 players drafted. (Basically the crux of the 2002 national championship squad.)
Here are the 15 players from OSU that Brugler mentioned in his piece, in order, with his thoughts on some of the players included.
DTTyleik Williams(6-foot-2 1/2, 325 pounds)
Williams was my favorite player of this group to study — don't be surprised if he is the first Buckeye selected next April. He plays with outstanding run awareness and the point-of-attack strength to stack, detach and make stops at the line of scrimmage.
See AlsoOhio State and the NFL Draft: A Look at the Buckeyes Selected and Comparing OSU to MichiganCan Ohio State's 2025 NFL Draft class make history? It's possibleOhio State’s NBA Draft history by the numbersOhio State Buckeyes NFL DRAFT 2025 ProspectsEdgeJT Tuimoloau(6-4 1/8, 268)
I don't think anyone would use the word "dominant" to describe Tuimoloau's 2023 tape. But his motor, savvy and big-man athleticism consistently show up on film, and he gives blockers all they can handle while rushing the quarterback or stopping the run. Considered a borderline first-rounder byNFLscouts had he entered the 2024 NFL Draft, Tuimoloau has work to do this season to cement a top-32 spot.
RBQuinshon Judkins(5-11 1/8, 219)
An Ole Miss transfer, Judkins announced himself as a future NFL back with a combined 2,725 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns the past two seasons in the SEC. For a bigger back, he runs with nimble feet and quick reads to gash the defense with his physical run style (the play below is only a 5-yard gain, but it would have been a negative play for most backs).
Judkins has the talent to be a top-60 pick and an NFL starter.
RBTreVeyon Henderson(5-10, 214)
Given the nature of the running back position, Henderson was the most surprising returnee among Ohio State's underclassmen last year.
He is built low to the ground to grind through contact and also shows wiggle in his lower body to shake defenders in space. With his receiving skills and take-it-the-distance talent, Henderson will enter the season as the top senior prospect at his position.
CBDenzel Burke(5-11 1/4, 193)
After a standout freshman season in 2021, Burke had an up-and-down sophom*ore campaign. But he bounced back well last season as a junior and surprised many when he bypassed a potential top-100 draft spot to return to Columbus. He needs to be more consistent as a tackler and when making early contact once his back is to the quarterback, but with a strong final season, Burke can be the first senior defensive back drafted in April.
WREmeka Egbuka(6-0 3/4, 204)
Although he's not a no-doubt first-rounder like recent Ohio State receiversMarvin Harrison Jr.,Garrett WilsonandChris Olave, Egbuka has the skill set of an NFL starter. Working mostly out of the slot for the Buckeyes, he is tough to cover and has quarterback-friendly ball skills. His 2023 season was interrupted by a midseason ankle procedure, but a healthy Egbuka will enter this year as the No. 1 senior wide receiver prospect in my rankings.
Edge Jack Sawyer (6-4 1/4, 265)
Sawyer isn't the most deceptive pass rusher, but he is always in chase mode with the balanced athleticism to slip blockers and heavy hands to create movement. He led the Buckeyes last season in sacks (6.5) and forced fumbles (two) and projects as a long-time quality NFL starter.
CBDavison Igbinosun(6-1 3/4, 190)
After spending his freshman season at Ole Miss, Igbinosun transferred to Ohio State last year and earned a starting role. With Burke on the other side, offenses weren't shy throwing at Igbinosun — which led to plenty of volatility on his 2023 tape. He needs to play with better control in coverage, but his length and athleticism will give him a shot to be drafted on Day 2.
Preseason Day 3 draft grades
LGDonovan Jackson(6-3 3/8, 318)
It is easy to see why Jackson was a five-star recruit out of high school. He has the traits to be a Day 2 draft pick but needs to improve his timing, finish and overall consistency as a senior to cement a top-100 grade. Based on early scouting, it doesn't appear to be a strong interior O-line draft class, which would help Jackson.
CBJordan Hanco*ck(6-0, 190)
Playing primarily as a nickel, Hanco*ck put himself on the NFL radar last season and has earned draftable grades from NFL scouts. Now in his fourth year in Columbus, he will be looking to take another positive step and improve upon his mid-round draft grade.
QBWill Howard(6-4, 243)
Ohio State received solid quarterback play in 2023 — but solid isn't good enough in Columbus. Can Howard be a substantial upgrade overKyle McCord? TheKansas Statetransfer is a good-sized athlete with the mobility to evade the rush and keep plays alive. At times, Howard can be too willing to throw into tight coverage, but he also shows the anticipation needed to be a consistent downfield passer.
S Lathan Ransom (6-1, 205)
Ransom was expected to be a mid-round draft pick in the 2024 class, but a non-contact foot injury last November altered those plans and he returned to Ohio State for one more season. He plays with the range and read-and-drive quickness that demand the attention of NFL scouts.
LBSonny Styles(6-4 1/4, 239)
Is he a linebacker or safety? Or maybe stuck in between? Those are the questions being asked about Styles, a former five-star recruit with a ton of talent. He is more potential than production and must show improved anticipation in 2024. But he enters the season with draftable grades because of his intriguing promise.
DTTy Hamilton(6-2 1/2, 295)
It can be easy to overlook Hamilton, as he shared time with Williams andMike Hall Jr.on the 2023 tape. But he was more than a role player for the Buckeyes, using his physical hands to create push at the point of attack and disrupt the play. Hamilton is a late-round prospect.
LBCody Simon(6-2 238)
Simon spent much of 2023 coming off the bench, but he filled a key role down the stretch as Ohio State dealt with injuries — he had his best performance againstMissouriin the bowl game. WithTommy Eichenbergand Steele Chambers in the NFL, the Ohio State defense will rely on Simon's veteran presence in the middle.
Again, we encourage you to read the full story from Dane.
