Ohio State vs. Clemson Fiesta Bowl: 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch
Malik Harrison, Linebacker, Ohio State
Senior Malik Harrison has been very dependable the last two seasons for this Ohio State defense. Last season, Harrison totaled 81 tackles. This year he has 69 to this point on the year, but a whopping 16 for a loss. Harrison has been able to find his way into the backfield early and often this year, helping the Buckeyes and helping his draft stock.
Harrison has back-to-back seasons with four passes defended, showing his capability in coverage, and has 3.5 sacks on the year as well. A well-rounded, reliable linebacker, Harrison is a solid 2020 NFL Draft prospect and will be very important when it comes to stopping Etienne and the potent Clemson run game.
Baron Browning, Linebacker, Ohio State
Baron Browning’s 2020 NFL Draft stock will be based purely on potential rather than production. A five-star recruit out of high school, Browning has incredible talent and ability but has lacked consistency and discipline throughout his time at Ohio State.
This year, Browning may be starting to put things together a bit. His 40 total tackles, 10 for loss and four sacks are all career highs. He is slowly becoming more and more consistent with displaying his incredible potential as a player. We would likely benefit from another year with the Buckeyes to develop and take on a bigger role next season, possibly becoming a first-round pick if he really taps into his potential.
If he does decide to enter the 2020 NFL Draft, I expect him to be a mid-round pick. But he really does have the ability to be a very talented linebacker at the next level and has the capability to make a game-changing play for his team on Saturday night.
Tuf Borland, Linebacker, Ohio State
Tuf Borland’s name is rather fitting. Whether it is playing through injury or fighting to bring down a ball carrier short of the line of scrimmage, Borland is tough as nails. He isn’t the fastest, biggest and most gifted athlete, but he is smart and gives 100% every play.
While his NFL ceiling is limited, Borland could be one of the more important players on the Buckeye roster when it comes to stopping Clemson. Not only does he often make perfect reads to meet ball carriers in the hole, he helps the entire defense set up and ensures they are in the right place and mindset before the snap.