Get ready.
You are about to see all the musings of the upcoming 2022 NFL draft increase to ear-piercing levels. Projecting all the shenanigans of the annual spectacle is now a year-round deal, but with the Super Bowl now over, almost every news outlet will turn their attention to the draft.
One of those news outlets is ESPN, and one of the best in the business is Todd McShay. He releases several of his mock drafts through the year, but things heat up right about now, and he just released his post-Super Bowl first-round mock NFL draft (subscription required).
Ohio State is on the shortlist of teams that continually churn out first-round NFL widgets, and it’ll be no different this year. According to McShay, there are again a couple of Buckeyes that will walk across the state on day one out in Las Vegas.
Here’s a look at the two Ohio State players that Todd McShay has going in the first round of the draft, and which teams will be selecting each.
NEXT … The first Buckeye most likely to be selected first
No. 13 Overall – WR Garrett Wilson to the Cleveland Browns
What McShay Says
“Whether or not Baker Mayfield is still the Browns’ plan at quarterback, the offense is begging for some pass-catchers. Donovan Peoples-Jones led the team with just 597 receiving yards in 2021. Jarvis Landry is turning 30 next season and has one year left on his deal. Tight end David Njoku and receivers Rashard Higgins are free agents. But Wilson would immediately give Mayfield a playmaker. His best trait is body control, as he can adjust to passes in the air, but he is also a sudden route runner with fantastic speed and acceleration.”
NEXT … The other pass catcher wearing scarlet and gray
No. 22 Overall – WR Chris Olave to the Las Vegas Raiders
What McShay Says
“This is a no-brainer. Olave is a polished route runner. He’s fast with great explosion off the line. His ball skills are excellent. And his production speaks for itself: Olave found the end zone in nine of 11 games last season. Hunter Renfrow had a great season for Las Vegas, but tight end Darren Waller struggled to stay healthy and receiver Zay Jones is now a free agent. If the Raiders want to stay in stride with other AFC West offenses — especially if Denver finds a way to trade for Aaron Rodgers — then they have to get quarterback Derek Carr a better supporting cast and get their first-round draft success back on track.”
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