2022 NFL Draft: Prospects to watch when Ohio State faces Minnesota

Which 2022 NFL Draft prospects should many keep an eye on when Ohio State takes on Minnesota?

The Ohio State Buckeyes begin their Big Ten title defense and their hopes to once again return to the College Football Playoff when they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the opener. The Buckeyes currently sit as near-two touchdown favorites heading into this one, and it’s going to be one to watch for fans regarding the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Buckeyes have reloaded after losing Justin Fields, their entire starting linebacker core, Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers on the line, Tommy Togiai and more to the NFL, but still have plenty of players to watch for next April. Minnesota lost Rashod Bateman and Benjamin St-Juste, but still have players to watch. Let’s dive in to look at the top talents and matchups to watch!

Top 2 WRs in the 2022 NFL Draft?

While Alabama has dominated at the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft of late, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a pair that could be tops in the draft this time around. They currently sit there in the preseason WR rankings here at NFL Mocks, at could still finish there.

Expectations will be hight for Garrett Wilson entering this season. He’s the dynamic separator that NFL teams will love, and he’s got the release package, route pacing and explosion out of his breaks that make him a potential WR1 in the league. He’s got great ball skills and has wicked change of direction skills in space. Wilson doesn’t really have a weakness, other than maybe his size at 188 pounds.

Chris Olave decided to return for his senior season, and it could pay off as he would’ve been behind a phenomenal group this past April. An elite separator in his own right, Olave attacks blind spots extremely well, can stack defenders vertically, and has potential the best hands in the class. His ceiling might not be quite as high as others, but he will be an elite WR2 in the NFL and could opt to head down to Mobile for the Senior Bowl.