We’ve got a new 2023 NFL mock draft dropping here in the College Wires family, and there’s plenty of representation from YOUR Ohio State Buckeyes. In fact, the two-round projection has five OSU players projected to be selected among the first 63 picks.
Sure, you know CJ Stroud, but where is he projected to go next, and what three other Ohio State players does Patrick Conn think will hear their names in the first two rounds in Kansas City?
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You can watch the entire two-round mock draft here, but in the meantime, here’s how it all breaks down for the five Buckeye players expected to pick up the phone or walk the stage in April at the annual extravaganza that is NFL 2023. . draft.
December 31, 2022; Atlanta Georgia; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud (7) walks off the field after losing 42-41 to the Georgia Bulldogs during the Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
the barb
No. 2 overall (first round) – Houston Texans
what conn says
“The Texans are next and they would have their quarterback pick, we’re rolling with CJ Stroud from Ohio State. He showed that he can be mobile when called upon, but also the Heisman Trophy finalist can carry the ball down the field to challenge defenses.”
November 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) headshot during the second half at Ryan Field. Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
the barb
No. 14 overall (first round) – New England Patriots
what conn says
“The Patriots could lose Isaiah Wynn in free agency, so addressing limit protection will be key. Johnson could immediately slide in to contribute, which should help quarterback Mac Jones.”
September 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) is tackled on a kick return by Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback TaRiq Bracy (28) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium . Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
the barb
No. 26 overall (1st round) – Dallas Cowboys
what conn says
“If you watched the playoff game against the 49ers, you saw a team that had a reliable target. CeeDee Lamb needs a little help and that’s why we’re projecting Smith-Njigba to Dallas. He showed in the Rose Bowl that he absolutely can dominate a game.”
August 5, 2022; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Dawand Jones (79) during a practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio on Aug. 5, 2022. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
the barb
No. 28 overall (1st round) – Cincinnati Bengals
what conn says
“If you watched the playoff game against the 49ers, you saw a team that had a reliable target. CeeDee Lamb needs a little help and that’s why we’re projecting Smith-Njigba to Dallas. He showed in the Rose Bowl that he absolutely can dominate a game.”
November 19, 2022; College Park, Maryland, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Wypler (53) jumps onto the field before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
the barb
No. 47th General (Second Round) – Washington Commanders
what conn says
“Washington needs help on the offensive line and can help on the inside with Wypler.”
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