Ohio State Poised to Make NFL Draft History with Potential Four Top-10 Picks
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s football program has long been a powerhouse under head coach Ryan Day, but this week’s NFL Draft could cement the Buckeyes in a league of their own. If projections hold, Ohio State is on track to become just the third school in history to have four players selected in the top 10—a feat not achieved in nearly six decades.
The last team to pull it off was Michigan State in 1967, with Notre Dame being the first in 1946. Since then, only 12 schools have managed three top-10 picks in a single draft, including Alabama in 2021. For Ohio State, this year’s draft isn’t just a celebration of individual talent—it’s a testament to the program’s elite player development.
“This speaks volumes about what we do here,” Day said after Ohio State’s pro day last month. “These guys are held to a high standard, and seeing them ready for the NFL after three years shows the kind of program we run.”
The Buckeyes’ Draft Standouts
Four key players are expected to hear their names called early Thursday night in Pittsburgh:
- Arvell Reese (Edge Rusher/LB) – A dominant force off the edge, Reese is a likely top-five pick with explosive power and versatility.
- Caleb Downs (Safety) – A defensive playmaker with elite football IQ, Downs has been a projected first-rounder since last season.
- Carnell Tate (WR) – Emerging as a deep threat, Tate capitalized on defenses focusing on star receiver Jeremiah Smith, racking up nine touchdowns.
- Sonny Styles (LB) – A freak athlete, Styles wowed scouts with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical at the combine—the highest for a player his size in two decades.
All four were instrumental in Ohio State’s 2024 College Football Playoff run, though the Buckeyes fell short in the Big Ten title game and Cotton Bowl.
Why This Draft Class is Special
While wide receivers and edge rushers frequently go early, having a safety (Downs) and linebacker (Styles) in the top 10 is rare. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick argues that teams undervalue these positions at their own peril.
“When you have a guy like Styles, you throw conventional wisdom out the window,” Riddick said. “Nothing’s worse than facing an elite tight end in October and realizing you passed on the one linebacker who could shut him down.”
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who has NFL experience with the Patriots and Lions, praised the group’s intelligence and adaptability. Reese, in particular, thrived in Patricia’s hybrid defensive schemes, reminiscent of how he utilized Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins in New England.
“Arvell’s explosive, but his football IQ is what sets him apart,” Patricia said. “Same with Caleb—he sees the game like a coach, which is rare for a young player.”
A Potential Fifth First-Rounder?
While the focus is on the top four, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald could sneak into the first round as well. A first-team All-American, McDonald was a force against the run in his first year as a starter.
The Bigger Picture
For Ohio State, this draft is more than just a milestone—it’s a recruiting tool. As Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry noted, the Buckeyes’ ability to develop NFL-ready talent makes them a magnet for top high school prospects.
But as Patricia emphasized, getting drafted is just the beginning.
“The real work starts when they get to the league,” he said. “We want them to be great players for a long time—that’s the ultimate goal.”
With the draft set to kick off Thursday night, all eyes will be on Ohio State as it looks to make history—and further solidify its reputation as one of college football’s premier programs.
— Reported by Nexio News
