NFL Draft Notebook: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads a loaded Ohio State draft class

The Ohio State Buckeyes had two players drafted in the top ten of the2023 NFL Draft and had a total of six players selected.

This year Ohio State could have the most players taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Going into the season I have 18 Buckeyes with draftable grades, and while some of the players listed will likely head back to school in 2024 they still will compete with Georgia’s 2022 team that had 15 players selected for most players ever selected from one school.

Along with looking at Ohio State’s draft prospects, this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also previews the 2024 defensive tackle class, looks back at the 2020 interior defensive line group, and much more.

Ohio State NFL Draft Prospects

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, First Round

There is no doubt who the top prospect at Ohio State is this year, and that is All-American wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. What makes Harrison such a special prospect starts with his strong hands that consistently allow him to make the tough catch in traffic. He also shows impressive agility for a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, and this allows him to have a tremendous catch radius. Look for Harrison to be one of the top five players drafted next April, and to become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

JT Tuimoloau, DE, First Round
JT Tuimoloau who is the highest-rated defensive prospect to sign with Ohio State in the modern recruiting era has a mid-first round grade on my board. The reason he carries this grade is his ability to play the run displaying a strong punch and the overall strength to consistently set the edge. While I have a top 20 grade on Tuimoloau, I don’t see him as a top ten pick like some draftnicks do, because he is not an elite pass rusher who lacks the burst off the ball the top edge rushers have.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, First Round
Ohio State is proving why they are considered Wide Receiver U with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka who are my top two receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft and make the best college wide receiver duo since Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Egbuka is one of the better playmakers in college football having averaged 15.6 yards per reception last year and also finishing ninth nationally with 46 receptions of 10-or-more yards. In addition to his game-breaking ability as a wide receiver, he is also a proven kick returner who has experience returning both kickoffs and punts.

Donovan Jackson, OG, First Round
My second-rated guard in the NFL Draft is Donovan Jackson. The reason I am so high on him is his impressive strength that allows him to hold his ground as a pass blocker and control his man in the running game. He also moves well for someone 320 pounds and displays the versatility to play in either a power or zone run scheme.

Denzel Burke, CB, Second Round
A player who has the potential to be a high-quality starting corner in the NFL is Ohio State’s, Denzel Burke. In order to live up that potential though he will need to improve his footwork and ball skills.

Tommy Eichenberg, MLB, Second Round
Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg has a good chance of being the first middle linebacker drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, after recording 120 tackles and 12 tackles for loss last year. What will attract scouts to Eichenberg is his well-rounded game. He shows a nose for the ball in the run games and also does a great job of shedding blocks. Against the pass, he is one of the better athletes in this year’s linebacker class which allows him to hold his own in coverage.

Michael Hall Jr, DT, Second Round
Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. is an explosive defensive tackle who tends to win with speed. This quickness allowed him to rack up 4.5 sacks last year, despite starting only five games. The biggest concern with his game is how will he hold up vs. the run due to his lack of size coming in at only 285 pounds. Another concern is that he battled injuries last year, so he will need to stay healthy this season to have any shot of being a first-round pick.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Second Round
Expectations were high for TreVeyon Henderson last season after he rushed for 1,248 yards in 2021. Unfortunately, Henderson battled injuries most of last season which caused him to miss five games last year. If Henderson can remain healthy this year he will likely be one of the first running backs drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. As a pro prospect, he is a bigger back who shows surprising quickness and agility for someone 214 pounds. He also has the ability to help out in the passing game catching 27 passes for 312 yards in 2021. One area he will need to work on this season though is being a more aggressive blocker in pass protection.

Jack Sawyer, DE, Third Round
A player who was forced to play out of position last year was Jack Sawyer who saw time as both a defensive end and outside linebacker in Ohio State’s defense. This year Sawyer will be focused on defensive end which should help him improve on the 24 tackles and 4.5 sacks he posted last year.

Lathan Ransom, S, Fourth Round
Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom had a strong bounce-back season last season, after breaking his leg in the previous year’s Rose Bowl. Overall on the year he accounted for 74 tackles and showed he is not afraid to come down and be a force vs. the run. He also displayed the ability to hold up in coverage routinely shutting down opposing teams’ tight ends. One area he will need to impress scouts with this year is his ability to play the ball since he only has one career interception.

Miyan Williams, RB, Fourth Round
Ohio State’s leading rusher last season was Miyan Williams who rushed for 825 yards last season while averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. However, the most impressive statistic Williams put up last season was 14 rushing touchdowns, including five against Rutgers. One of the reasons he was able to be such a threat in the red zone is his physical running style that makes the 5-foot-9 225-pound back extremely hard to bring down.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Fourth Round
A player who has the potential to be dominant yet has to consistently dominate at the college level Tyleik Williams. Part of the reason for this is that his practice habits have not allowed him to consistently earn playing time according to Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. This issue will surely hurt him in the draft process if he continues to have that problem this year. The reason he does carry a fourth-round grade though is impressive athletic ability. He fires off the ball extremely well for someone 320 pounds and also has the agility to consistently make plays.

Ty Hamilton, DT, Fifth Round
Although Ty Hamilton starts over Tyleik Williams, he carries a slightly lower draft grade. The main reason for this is he doesn’t have the natural ability Williams has. However, he doesn’t have any personality concerns and shows a relentless motor play after play. Another positive with him is his strength which allows him to be a force vs. the run. Look for Hamilton to be a good rotational defensive tackle in the NFL.

Steele Chambers, OLB, Fifth Round
Steele Chambers started his Ohio State career off as a running back before switching to linebacker two years ago. Despite his limited experience at the position Chambers has already established himself as one of the Big Tens better linebackers. His top trait as a pro prospect is how comfortable he operates in space displaying the agility to hold up in coverage, and also the speed to make plays sideline to sideline.

Cade Stover, TE, Fifth Round
An Ohio State prospect I am lower on than other people is tight end, Cade Stover. The reason I am not sold on Stover is his lack of upside as a prospect. He is only an average athlete and also doesn’t have the speed to stretch a defense. On the positive side, he is a good blocker, and his defensive background should help him contribute on special teams.

Julian Fleming, WR, Sixth Round
Coming out of high school Julian Fleming was rated as the top high school wide receiver after setting Pennsylvania state record in receiving yards and touchdowns. Unfortunately, he has not been able to live up to that billing though due to numerous injuries he has suffered during his Ohio State career. If he can stay healthy Fleming should be able to find a home in the NFL as a number three or four wide receiver.

Josh Fryar, OT, Seventh Round
This will be a big year for Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Fryar as he moves into the starting lineup as the team’s first-string left tackle. His top traits as a pro prospect are his strength and ability to play either offensive tackle or guard in the NFL. He will need to do a better job of not lunging this season though if he wants to be anything more than a late draft pick.

Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
A player who earns a seventh-round grade based on his potential instead of his production is cornerback Jordan Hancock. Going into the 2023 season Hancock has a total of nine tackles and one pass deflections. However, this season could be a breakout year for him since he is currently projected to start alongside Denzel Burke in Ohio State’s defense.

2024 NFL Draft defensive tackle class preview

Top Player: Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
Despite not putting up big numbers one of the best defensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft is Nazir Stackhouse. The biggest strength of his game is how well he plays the run. He consistently faces double teams in Georgia’s defense yet it is almost impossible to move the 320-pound nose tackle off the ball. In addition to his size he also shows impressive strength consistently jolting his blocker back on initial contact.

Unfortunately, he is not much of a pass rusher with only one career sack, and has limited range as a defender. Despite this though look for teams to consider him late in the first round due to his ability to instantly upgrade a team’s rush defense.

Guy I Would Stand on the Table for: Gabe Hall, Baylor
A player who carries a first-round grade on my board yet is viewed as a day-three pick by most draftniks is Baylor’s Gabe Hall. One of the reasons I am so high on him is his measurables. He is listed at 6-foot-6 by Baylor which gives him the length to keep offensive linemen from getting into his body. He also possesses good strength and was named Bruce Feldman’s seventeenth biggest Freak Athlete last year. Some of his impressive weight numbers include a 465-pound power clean and a 750-pound deadlift. On the field, Hall has yet to be a dominant defender but he shows the flashes to make you believe he can develop into one.

Overrated: Maason Smith, LSU
LSU’s Maason Smith has the raw talent to be a high first-round pick, but he has yet to show he is worth that high of a draft pick on the field.

The main reason for this is his lack of time on the field only having five career stats, and missing all but the opening quarter of the 2022 season due to a torn ACL. His 2021 statistics can also be a bit misleading since three of his four sacks on the year came against FCS opponent McNeese State. As a prospect, he shows good explosion off the ball, impressive athletic ability, and the long arms and strength to consistently disengage from blockers.

Sleeper: Thor Griffith, Harvard
The top NFL Draft prospect in the Ivy League, and one of the best in the entire FCS is Harvard defensive tackle Thor Griffith. What makes Griffith such a special prospect is his impressive strength. He uses this power to consistently fight off double teams to be one of the best run defenders in college football.

Last season, Griffith was given a 92.5 grade against the run which was the top in the FCS by Pro Football Focus. His strength also makes him a threat in the passing game having recorded five sacks last year. In addition to this trait, a couple of other things that NFL scouts will like about him are his work ethic, high intelligence, and short-area quickness.

Biggest Risk: Tyler Davis, Clemson
The reason Clemson’s Tyler Davis is a risk in the 2024 NFL Draft is his long history of injuries. He has missed at least two games each of the past three years and even when he is in the lineup these injuries slow him down. Despite not playing at 100% though he has still produced at a high level. Last season, he was named second-team All-American after making 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. If he can stay healthy he should be able to be a starter in the NFL, but right now that is a big if.

Breakout Player: Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
One of the more underrated Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2024 NFL Draft is Ty Hamilton who carries an undrafted free agent grade according to NFL Mock Draft Database. Look for that to change this season though as Hamilton displayed the potential to be a high day three pick in the 2024 NFL, in the last five games of the season last season. During that time he proved that he is a strong run defender who consistently plays with good pad level.

Overall Defensive Tackle Rankings
Please note in parentheses is the draft grade I give them

1. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (first round)
2. Leonard Taylor, Miami (first round)
3. Gabe Hall, Baylor (first round)
4. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (first round)
5. Maason Smith, LSU (second round)
6. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois (second round)
7. McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M (second round)
8. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State (second round)
9. Kris Jenkins, Michigan (second round)
10. Tyler Davis, Clemson (second round)
11. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (third round)
12. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas (third round)
13. Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina (fourth round)
14. Darian Varner, Wisconsin (fourth round)
15. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (fourth round)
16. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (fifth round)
17. Mekhi Wingo, LSU (fifth round)
18. Thor Griffith, Harvard (fifth round)
19. Ty Hamilton, Ohio State (fifth round)
20. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati (fifth round)
21. DeWayne Carter, Duke (sixth round)
22. Logan Lee, Iowa (sixth round)
23. Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois (sixth round)
24. Warren Brinson, Georgia (seventh round)
25. Fabien Lovett, Florida State (seventh round)
26. Tim Smith, Alabama (seventh round)
27. Justin Eboigbe, Alabama (seventh round)

Top defensive tackles from the 2020 NFL Draft

It usually takes three years to evaluate a draft class, so over the next few months NFL Draft Notebook will be looking back at the 2020 draft class. This week we look at the defensive tackle position.

1. Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panther drafted Derrick Brown with the seventh overall pick, and while he has not lived up to being a top ten pick he has established himself as one of the better young defensive tackles in the NFL. Last season, he set career high with 29 hurries and a 84.4 Pro Football Focus grade.

2. Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
Another player who is coming off the best year of his career is Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. Last season, Madubuike was able to record 5.5 sacks which ranked second on the team. If he can be more consistent this year, he could be looking at a fat new contract next offseason.

3. DaVon Hamilton, Jacksonville Jaguars
To say the 2022 season was a good year for the 2020 defensive tackle class is an understatement. Another player from this group who had a career year last season is DeVon Hamilton who the Jacksonville Jaguars took with the 73rd overall pick. Hamilton’s best year of his career allowed him to sign a three-year 34.5 million dollar contract this offseason.

4. Raekwon Davis, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins got good value with the selection of Raekwon Davis with the 56th overall pick, despite him not making much progress since his rookie year. This season will be a big year for Davis because he is scheduled to be a free agent after the season and will need to prove to the Dolphins he has the skills to be a consistent starting defensive tackle.

5. Javon Kinlaw, San Fransico 49ers
One of the bigger busts from the 2020 draft class is Javon Kinlaw who the 49ers picked 14th overall. The past two seasons Kinlaw has only played in ten games and he only has 1.5 career sacks, which is quite a disappointment for a player who had ten sacks over his last two years at South Carolina. Hopefully, things will turn around for Kinlaw this year since he has already impressed 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in training camp.

Scouting Notes

— A disruptive defensive tackle who is being overlooked is DeWayne Carter of Duke. Over the past two seasons, he has accounted for 11 sacks and also registered 18.5 tackles for loss. In addition to his ability to make plays in the backfield, he also has the character NFL coaches want being named a team captain three years in a row, which is the first time in school history that has happened. One area he will need to improve on is defending the run, since he can get pushed around at times.

— One of the better pass-rushing defensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft is Tonka Hemingway of South Carolina. Last season, Hemingway led the Gamecocks in sacks with four despite not even being a starter at the start of the season. His top trait as a pass rusher is his quickness off the ball which consistently allows him to beat his man off the ball. He also displays the agility to get off blocks which combined with his non-stop motor allowed him to register eight tackles for loss last year. Look for some team to draft Hemingway early on day three of the 2024 NFL Draft, and line him up as a 3-technique defensive tackle.

— According to ESPN’s Matt Miller one player scouts are comparing to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is Malachi Corley of Western Kentucky. One of the reasons for this is his ability to pick up yards after the catch. Last season, Corley led all wide receivers with 975 yards after the catch and also forced 40 missed tackles.

— Former Syracuse safety Ja’Had Carter was one of the top safeties in the transfer portal, which landed him a chance to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Despite this high ranking though it sounds like Carter will not be in the starting lineup this season. This has to be a disappointment for a player who was hoping to upgrade his draft status this year.

— It sounds like New England Patriots rookie Demario Douglas is standing out so far in camp. He has gotten several first-team snaps and could see plenty of time as a slot receiver this year. This is quite impressive for a sixth-round pick, but shouldn’t be a shock to anyone who saw him have a strong Shrine Bowl and also haul in 79 passes for 993 yards for Liberty last year.

— Another rookie wide receiver who has looked good so far is Tampa Bay’s, Rakim Jarrett. Jarrett has impressed coaches and quarterback Bake Mayfield with his ability to go get the jump ball. This was one of his strengths coming out of Maryland and a major reason he carried a sixth-round grade going into the 2023 NFL Draft.

— For all the latest NFL Draft news make sure to check out The Notebook.

Prediction of the Week
Ohio State will snap Michigan’s two-game win streak this year