3 Buckeyes Taken in 1st Round of Mel Kiper's Latest Mock Draft

Mel Kiper is the latest draft analyst that has three Buckeyes off the board in the first round of the draft.

With the NFL draft just over a month away, and the start of the combine in Indianapolis, we are set to see even more mock drafts come out as a result.

While those mocks may change drastically between now and the start of the draft, what won't change is the likelihood of multiple Ohio State Buckeyes hearing their name called in the first round. 

That was the case in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, which saw three Buckeyes off the board in round one. First off the board, of course, was quarterback C.J. Stroud after a trade up to the second pick by the Indianapolis Colts. 

After pursuing multiple veteran quarterbacks it could be time for the Colts to go younger, and it isn't hard to see why Stroud may be the guy. 

In two seasons as the starter for Ohio State, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions. With the Colts likely going quarterback with this pick, Stroud could very well be the next franchise quarterback.

As for the other two Buckeyes taken by Kiper in his mock, they were offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 

Kiper believes that Johnson could be taken at No. 11 overall by the Tennessee Titans, where he would fill in for the recently released Taylor Lewan. Johnson to Tennessee is a popular mock draft pick, and a pick that could help the Titans anchor the left side of their line. 

Smith-Njigba was not too far behind Johnson in Kiper's draft, going No. 14 overall to the New England Patriots. The Patriots are in need of a true "WR1" and Smith-Njigba is a guy that could elevate their offense, and make life easier for quarterback Mac Jones. 

Between now and April there will be no shortage of mock drafts to go around. However, while we won't know who goes where until then, it is looking increasingly likely that we see Buckeyes drafted on the first day. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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