2022 NFL Draft: 5 Big Ten players to keep an eye on in 2021
By Kyle Edmond
2022 NFL Draft Prospect: Master Teague III, RB, Ohio State
The 2021 season could be a huge opportunity for Ohio State junior running back Master Teague III. While Ohio State is coming off a strong campaign a year ago, the team saw quarterback Justin Fields head to the NFL, meaning the Buckeyes will have a new, and less experienced, quarterback under center. Translation, the running game could become the lifeblood of Ohio State’s offense.
During the 2020 season, Teague totaled 514 rushing yards on 104 carries, averaging 4.9 yards a rush, while logging eight touchdowns. That part of his game could become the focal point of the team this coming season. For the first time in a long time, the quarterback at Ohio State isn’t grabbing headlines or hype, at least not like we’re accustomed to, so the door is open for Teague.
Back in the 2019 season he was named Third Team All-Big Ten and nearly cracked 1,000 yards rushing while sharing the backfield with J.K. Dobbins. The drawback to his game is in the receiving game.
Over the course of the 2019 and 2020 seasons combined, Teague has just 106 receiving yards on nine catches and no touchdowns. Given the lack of experience that will lineup under center for Ohio State, there could be more check downs to the running back. Should Teague be in on those plays, it could really boost his value.
If he isn’t, there’s still a market for him in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Buckeyes have turned out tough running backs with little on their receiving resume before. Players, like Carlos Hyde and Beanie Wells, have been just fine without the receiving stats.