3 Buckeyes Picked in First Round of Latest NFL.com Mock Draft

Three members of an elite Ohio State offense hear their name called in the first round of this mock draft.

As the NFL prepares for the draft in April, so do the dozens of experts and draft sites with their countless mock drafts. 

While there will be numerous different mock drafts, most mock drafts have multiple Ohio State Buckeyes going in the first round. This was no different in NFL.com's latest mock, which saw three Buckeyes off the board in round one. 

Rd. 1 No. 4 - C.J. Stroud - QB (Ohio State)

The Colts need to turn the page on their recent approach to the game's most important position: cycling through veteran arms. Stroud will be a great fit with new head coach Shane Steichen in Indy.

Stroud is widely considered a sure thing in the first round and has been routinely mocked within the Top 5. It isn't hard to see why, either, as he was one of college football's top quarterbacks. 

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. 

Joining Stroud in the first round is one of his favorite weapons as well as one of his primary protectors on the offensive line. 

Says Jeremiah:

Rd. 1 No. 11 - Paris Johnson Jr. - OT (Ohio State)

Given the uncertainty about Taylor Lewan’s future, Tennessee's offensive line must be addressed.

(

EDITOR'S UPDATE:

Lewan tweeted on Wednesday that he is being released by the Titans.)

Johnson needs to get a bit stronger, but he’s an outstanding athlete.

Rd. 1 No. 20 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR (Ohio State)

Seattle adds another weapon to complement Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Smith-Njigba is a pure route runner and will be a high-volume target.

Both Johnson and Smith-Njigba land in the ideal starting spot in this draft. Johnson would head to Tennessee where he would help anchor an offensive line blocking for Derek Henry. 

As for Smith-Njigba, he would elevate Seattle's offense even higher. Joining DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, as well as Kenneth Walker III and Geno Smith, would make for one of the NFL's best offenses. 

While the injury might be concerning to some, one look at his 347-yard, three-touchdown performance in Ohio State's 2022 Rose Bowl win over Utah shows how much of a game-breaker he can be. 

Between now and April there will be several more mock drafts, with no way to tell who will end up where. When the draft does roll around, though, don't be surprised to see the trio of Stroud, Johnson Jr. and Smith-Njigba go in the first round. 

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