Eight Ohio State Players To Test At 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

The Buckeyes will be well-represented in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The journey from college to the NFL begins at Lucas Oil Stadium starting on Thursday afternoon. For several Ohio State Buckeyes prospects, that journey will start when they sit down with scouts and general managers for the pre-draft interviews.

Eight Ohio State players will take the field this week here in Indianapolis at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, hoping to carry on the legacy of being drafted between picks No. 1-No. 256. All eight players will speak with the media between Wednesday-Saturday before testing starts Thursday afternoon.

The eight players representing Ohio State include quarterback C.J. Stroud, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, offensive lineman Luke Wypler, defensive end Zach Harrison, cornerback Cameron Brown and safety Ronnie Hickman.

Stroud, Smith-Njigba and Johnson all seem to be locks as first-round prospects, while Jones could find his way into Day 1 chatter with a strong showing on Sunday. Stroud, who led all FBS quarterbacks in passer rating (177.9) and finished second in touchdown passes (41), could be the top player selected with a promising outing in front of all 32 NFL head coaches and GMs.

Stroud, along with Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson, will all work throwing drills at the combine on Saturday. The trio is looking to gain ground on Alabama's Bryce Young, the presumed top passer in the class. Young will not throw at the combine and will only participate in drills at Alabama's Pro Day on March 23.

Johnson is viewed by most scouts as the top offensive tackle in the class due to his size and footwork. Last season with the Buckeyes, Johnson allowed two sacks and 13 pressures on 449 pass-blocking reps.

Smith-Njigba is the wild card of the trio when it comes to draft status due to his limited production last season in Columbus. After leading the team in receptions (95) yards (1,606) and yards per catch (16.9), the junior was limited to just three games due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Smith-Njigba finished with five catches for 43 yards. He rarely saw action following Ohio State's Week 1 win over Notre Dame. In the latest mock draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., Smith-Njigba was the first receiver selected, taken by the New England Patriots with the No. 14 pick.

The Buckeyes have 11 draftable players in this year's class. Kicker Noah Ruggles, safety Tanner McCallister and defensive tackle Taron Vincent were not invited to the combine with the eight other Ohio State prospects. 

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