Browns draft seven in Mike Mayock’s top 100
May 4, 2015Indians Series Summary No.8: Backs against the wall
May 4, 2015Following the 2015 NFL Draft, a total of five Ohio State Buckeyes were drafted and another three will sign with teams as undrafted free agents. Here’s a look at which members of the Scarlet and Grey will be giving their go at the next level and what teams will provide them with those opportunities.
Drafted
Devin Smith – New York Jets (Round 2, Pick 37)
The first Buckeye to get drafted in 2015, Smith will head to the Big Apple to be a wide receiver for the Jets.
Known as one of the best deep threats in college football last season, Smith will provide the Jets with an opportunity to open the middle of the field for both running the ball and short, quick passes, while obviously being a deep threat as well.
During Ohio State’s championship run his senior season, Smith averaged 28.2 yards per reception (led the country) and totaled 961 yards and 12 touchdowns on 33 catches. He was named a honorable mention All-Big Ten for his efforts during the 2014 season.
At the NFL Combine in February, he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash.
The first Buckeye selected in the 2015 draft, Smith seemed to be very happy to be a J-E-T, Jet, Jet, Jet (and to join former teammate, DeVier Posey).
https://twitter.com/dsmithosu/status/594286104133505024
NFL.com gave Smith a 5.79 grade on their scale, which means that they think he can become a starter in the NFL. His NFL comparison according to them is DeSean Jackson. If Smith can play like Jackson did in the NFL, he will have a successful career in the NFL. Also, they projected him to be a second round selection, so looks like he was picked where he should have been.
Along with playing wide receiver for the Jets, he has a great opportunity to be a gunner on special teams as well, with his speed and athleticism.
With receivers like Brandon Marshall (acquired via trade with the Chicago Bears), Eric Decker, and Jeremy Kerley, Smith will have plenty of competition when training camp begins.
Smith became the first Buckeye wide receiver to be selected in the draft since 2012, when Posey was selected in the third round by the Houston Texans (only second Ohio State wide receiver drafted sine 2009). Ironically, Posey is also on the Jets.
NFL Media draft expert Mike Mayock, said of Smith being selected by the Jets, “I like this pick. This guy tracks the football deep as well as any wide receiver in this draft. He has 4.4 speed. It seemed like every catch he made this year was for a touchdown.”
Jeff Heuerman – Denver Broncos (Round 3, Pick 92)
Selected by the Denver Broncos with the 92nd selection in the draft on Saturday, Heuerman could not have been put in a better spot. With a quarterback like Peyton Manning, good receivers, and a spot to potentially start for the Broncos, Heuerman should be very excited.
Broncos General Manager John Elway gave his thoughts about Heuerman on Twitter, following the selection.
We've picked Jeff Heuerman, a very experienced TE from Ohio State. He brings the right mentality & was the top guy on our board at the time.
— John Elway (@johnelway) May 2, 2015
One of four captains on the national champion Buckeyes’ team. Heuerman is well respected for what he does on and off the field.
He had the second most reps at the bench press during the NFL Combine, with 26 reps. Not only does he have good hands, but he is also a very good run blocker. While battling through injuries, Heuerman split time with Nick Vannett and nabbed 17 receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns with the Buckeyes in 2014.
NFL.com gave Heuerman a 5.42 grade, meaning that they believe he has the potential to be an NFL backup or on special teams. They also projected him to be a be a fourth or fifth round pick, so the Broncons may have reached on him, but it was obviously a need and position that had to fill.
With the Broncos losing All Pro tight end Julius Thomas through free agency this offseason, Heuerman could be competing for the starting tight end spot in training camp with veteran Owen Daniels.
NFL analyst Charles Davis said of the Broncos selecting Heuerman, “”Heuerman played last year with a bad foot.. He is a heck of a pass protector. Also, he can swing inside and be a lead blocking back. He’s a lot more athletic than you think.”
Doran Grant – Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 4, Pick 121)
With the Steelers selecting Grant in the fourth round, he fills a gaping hole and a major need in their defensive backfield.
Although his size (5-foot-10) could be an issue, he went up against some of the best receivers in college football during his career with the Buckeyes and the Steelers obviously believe that he fills a major need.
As a first-team All-Big Ten player in 2014, Grant started all 15 games and was Ohio State’s top cornerback during their championship run. Racking up 63 tackles, five interceptions, and nine pass breakups while up against the opposition’s best wideout, Grant made a name for himself during his senior season at Ohio State.
He also played in appeared in all 54 games (30 starts) in his four-year career as a Buckeye.
Grant seemed to be very happy when he selected by the Steelers.
Black and Yellow!!!!!!!
— Doran Grant (@AkronsVO_21) May 2, 2015
NFL.com gave him a 5.45 grade, which meant that they believe he will be an NFL backup or on special teams. They also projected that he would be drafted in the third round, so it looks like he dropped a little, according to NFL.com.
Mark Dulgerian, who works at NFL Network and is the Head West Scout for Optimum Scouting had praise for Grant and said, “The Steelers’ defensive backfield has some gaping holes in it and they continue to address it in the draft with this selection. Like Senquez Golson, Grant is a cerebral player who reads and reacts quickly in coverage.”
Michael Bennett – Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 6, Pick 180)
Projected to be a second or third round selection by many analysts, including NFL.com, the fact that Bennett was not selected until the sixth round was not only a surpise, but also meant that he could be one of the biggest steals of the 2015 draft.
Many analysts believed that Bennett’s downfall in the draft was due to his size, but his heart can obviously not be measured.
Unexpectedly falling down the draft board, Bennett tweeted this Saturday morning, before the final day of the 2015 draft:
Just creating a monster
— Michael Bennett (@mike96bennett) May 2, 2015
When the Jaguars finally selected him with their sixth round pick, Bennett seemed to have been very happy.
Could not ask for a better fit or a better city. Can't wait to start my pro career in Jacksonville. Thank you @Jaguars for the opportunity
— Michael Bennett (@mike96bennett) May 2, 2015
Bennett was named a third-team All-American in 2014 and was a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection (2013 and 2014).
Given a 5.94 grade by NFL.com, they believe he has the chance to be a starter in the NFL.
Dulgerian said, of Bennett, “Jacksonville lands one of Urban Meyer’s most productive players later in the draft than many expected. He needs to become a more efficient player but he wins off the snap with his initial surge and quickness. Gus Bradley will have fun integrating him into the rotation.”
With a huge chip on his shoulder, the other 31 NFL teams better watch out if and when they take on Bennett and the Jaguars. He will have something to prove to the other teams that passed on him.
Evan Spencer – Washington Redskins (Round 6, Pick 187)
Given high honors by Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer for what he did that was not on the stat sheet, Spencer was one of the Buckeyes that analysts thought could go undrafted.
Fortunately for Spencer, the Redskins decided to take him with their sixth round pick. Obviously, he was excited and will be reunited with his brother (area scout for Washington).
Officially a Redskin!!! #HTTR
— Evan Spencer (@E_Spencer6) May 2, 2015
Meyer even called Spencer the 2014, national championship team’s MVP, which is a very high praise.
From a football family – his father (Tim) is the running backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his brother is an area scout for the Redskins, Spencer knows what it takes to be an NFL player.
Willing to do all the dirty work offensively and not be a “stats sheet stuffer”, Spencer could be a good wide out in Washington.
NFL.com projected Spencer to be a seventh round pick or a priority free agent. Given a 5.14 grade, they believe he has a better-than-average chance to make an NFL roster.
Undrafted Free Agents
Darryl Baldwin – Baltimore Ravens
#BuckeyeNation congrats to all pro client Darryl Baldwin now Baltimore Raven!
— Lamont Smith (@CLamontSmith) May 3, 2015
Once a defensive end for Ohio State, Baldwin was the lone senior starter on Ohio State’s national champion offensive line in 2014.
Given a 4.96 grade by NFL.com and projected to be a seventh round pick or priority free agent, they project him to be in training camp with an NFL team.
Obviously, Baldwin has very raw skills when it comes to being an offensive lineman, because he made the transition during his final year in Columbus. If he can develop and has good coaching, Baldwin could make an NFL roster and be a good backup in the league.
Curtis Grant – San Diego Chargers
Curtis Grant Herm grad and National Champ with Ohio St signs with San Diego Chargers! Herm Proud!!
— Patrick Kane (@pbKane61) May 3, 2015
A captain for the 2014 Buckeyes, Grant had 69 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception during the national championship run.
While playing 45 games during his four-year career at Ohio State, Grant caught the eye of the Chargers and was signed as an undrafted free agent.
Although he did not play up to his (recruiting-star) potential during his tenure in Columbus, Grant will look to impress the Chargers’ coaches during the summer and training camp.
Having the measurables of an NFL linebacker, Grant was given a 4.9 grade (should be in an NFL training camp) by NFL.com. They also projected him to not get drafted and to be a priority free agent.
Rod Smith – Seattle Seahawks
https://twitter.com/JaeeSmiff9ENT/status/594628048416337920
After being dismissed from the Ohio State football team in October, it looks as though an NFL team is still going to give Smith a chance of making a roster.
During the 2014 campaign, he racked up just 24 carries for 101 yards and four touchdowns.
6 Comments
I hate, HATE, HATE! that Pittsburgh keeps drafting Buckeyes.
maybe next year we can get cardale jones …
Begs the question why the Browns never do. It’s our backyard talent and yet we took 7 players from the Pac12.
It also gives all those Ohio Steeler fans another reason to defend their front-runningness.
Absolutely right. I hate it.
Pittsburgh will probably get him as Roethlisberger’s replacement.
lmao !! … you’re probably right.