There are a few NFL mock drafts we like to follow here at Buckeyes Wire and ESPN is a good spot to get a trio of opinions as things make their way to April. There’s Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay, and Matt Miller.
Speaking of Miller, he recently released a two-round 2023 NFL mock draft (subscription required) and of course, we are paying attention and bringing you the Ohio State players that are a part of it. All told, four OSU players made the cut in the first 63 picks.
Here are the four Buckeyes included, what draft position Miller has them going to, and with what team. This will of course change a thousand ways from here until when the 2023 NFL draft goes down for real in Kansas City, but here are the projections … for now.
C.J. Stroud, Quarterback - First Round
Projected Draft Position
No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers
What Miller Says
“It’s likely the Panthers will try to trade up to secure a quarterback, but in this mock draft, general manager Scott Fitterer can hold tight and save his draft capital with Stroud available at No. 9. Re-signing Sam Darnold as a bridge quarterback and drafting Stroud to work with new coach Frank Reich is a smart team-building move. The Ohio State quarterback has awesome accuracy to all levels of the field and showed in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Georgia what he can do as a runner and mover in the pocket.
“Stroud’s 85 touchdown passes to 12 interceptions over his college career is impressive, and he finished second in QBR in 2022 (88.9). And although Stroud might need time to adjust to an NFL scheme, he has the passing ability to become the franchise quarterback this team so badly needs.”
What We Say
It’s hard to see Stroud falling this far in a league that puts a major premium on the quarterback position. Look for one of the best gunslingers in the draft to go before this spot one way or another.
Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle - First Round
Projected Draft Position
No. 13 to the New York Jets
What Miller Says
“The Mekhi Becton experiment hasn’t worked in New York after just 15 starts in his career and none since Week 1 of the 2021 season. The Jets need a left tackle, and Johnson was very good for Ohio State holding down that spot. The junior didn’t allow a sack until the Michigan game and surrendered just two on the season. A starter at right guard before this year, Johnson has the agility, balance and size (6-6, 310 pounds) to be a true Day 1 left tackle in the NFL. He’ll need to get a little stronger at the point of attack, but his frame will support that. For the Jets, with so much up in the air offensively, finding a long-term left tackle is key in this draft.”
What We Say
This seems about right for where Johnson Jr. will go. He has one of the highest ceilings of any tackle in the draft and a team is going to jump at the chance to get him in their grasp to develop a skill set that is already really good.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver - First Round
Projected Draft Position
No. 20 to the Seattle Seahawks
What Miller Says
“The Seahawks filled their most pressing need with Tyree Wilson at No. 5, which makes this selection about value and future needs. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett turns 31 in September, and even though he’s coming off his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, he’s not a player the team is building around long term at this stage of his career. Opposite Lockett is DK Metcalf, who is the subject of yearly trade rumors and has a contract that features an out clause in two seasons.
“Smith-Njigba entered the year as my top-ranked receiver and still holds that title despite missing all but three games because of a hamstring injury. Rewatch his record-setting Rose Bowl performance against Utah from the 2021 season for a reminder of what he can do on the field. JSN went off for 15 catches, 347 yards and three touchdowns that night to cap a 95-catch, 1,606-yard season. Yes, scouts are concerned about his hamstring injury, but multiple NFL evaluators have noted that, if healthy, Smith-Njigba is the best receiver in the class.”
What We Say
Smith-Njigba would have probably been a no-brainer in the first round had he not gotten injured last season and remained more or less on the shelf for the entire year. He’ll probably sneak into the first round, but it also wouldn’t be surprising to see him fall a wee bit because of the lack of game film from 2022.
Zach Harrison, Defensive End - Second Round
Projected Draft Position
No. 53 to the Chicago Bears
What Miller Says
“The Bears’ defense needs a 3-technique, and it got one in Round 1 with Jalen Carter. But it also needs a big, powerful edge rusher and finds that player in Round 2 with a former five-star recruit. Harrison, who is 6-6, 272 pounds, had his best season in 2022 with 3.5 sacks and 25 pressures. He’s an easy projection to defensive end next to Carter after the Bears finished last in the NFL in sacks (20).”
What We Say
Harrison has always had the measurables and body style to be a dominant force, but he never really grew into what everyone thought he would as a former 5-star prospect. That wingspan, length, and athleticism will be awfully tempting for a team to jump at. Don’t expect Harrison to jump up in the first round, and don’t be surprised if he goes later than this.
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