The Big Ten is historically known for their legendary coaches and the NFL factories that their programs have become. Since nearly the dawn of the NFL, the Big Ten has put playmakers at every position in the league and the 2024 draft will be no different.
Here to talk Big Ten football, prospects and potential coaching hires is Josh Keatley (@JoshKeatley16) from Buckeyes Wire.
Q: Tough ending to the year for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are about to lose major talent to the NFL Draft. Considering the Rams’ current drafting position and positional needs, which Buckeyes do you think would be a good fit in LA?
Keatley: Denzel Burke (CB) would be a fun fit in LA if he declares. Burke doesn’t have first-round tape, but may test his way there. Burke is a super physical, man-style corner who struggled as a sophomore, but regained to an elite form as a junior. J.T. Tuimoloau (DE) does have first-round tape and has an All-Pro ceiling. The former five-star recruit can be an instant starter in the NFL.
Q: Sean McVay is no stranger to hiring coaches from the collegiate ranks. Current assistant head coach Jimmy Lake came from Washington, former OC Liam Coen was brought back after his stint at Kentucky and McVay hired running backs coach Ron Gould in 2023 after a 30-plus year college coaching career amongst others. Which coaches at Ohio State and in the Big Ten would be a good fit for the Rams
Keatley: Jim Knowles is too old to make that transition now, but he has some fun concepts that would work well in today’s pass-happy NFL that may never reach its potential in the Big Ten. Tom Allen isn’t a dumb guy, he just needs a fresh start and despite his age, I do think he still has something to offer the game and would be an interesting addition.
Q: Outside of Ohio State, the Big Ten is filled with a bunch of talent that will be Day 1 or Day 2 picks. In the same breath, a bunch of talented players will fall through the cracks. Which Day 3/UDFA-graded players from the Big Ten would be instant contributors on the Rams?
Keatley: An underrated player is Nebraska corner, Quinton Newsome, who just declared for the draft today. Dude has the length and speed to be effective in the NFL and can play special teams. I don’t think this is necessarily a need, but Cade Stover is likely not going to test well, but has starting NFL potential and should fall in that day three range.
Q: With the future of Matthew Stafford unknown beyond 2023, should the Rams take a chance on Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy?
Keatley: J.J. McCarthy is a weird prospect. There are some fun traits and great athleticism, but lots of inconsistency. That is a guy I would take a chance on late, but it would not be surprising if he tested well and was drafted before he should be and I don’t want it to be my team.
Q: Big Ten title game was on Saturday. Michigan defeated Iowa 26-0. Pick one prospect from each team that would be a Day 1 starter on the Rams.
Keatley: Blake Corum (RB) would be a fun addition who is productive, reliable, and has the required long speed when healthy. Corum didn’t look as good this year as he was last season, but fully healthy the guy can be an impactful player. The dude for Iowa that I think is underrated is Erick All (TE), before going down with an ACL injury he was their leading receiver.
I would like to thank Josh for his time and efforts. Josh and his fellow Buckeyes Wire contributor Mike Chen host an Ohio State-centered podcast titled “Ohio State of Mind.” Listen for more Buckeyes content.
