The Ohio State Buckeyes’ defensive performance was one of the hot topics at the NFL Scouting Combine, with several prospects drawing close attention from scouts and coaches. What’s unique about this year is not just the usual slate of first-round prospects; quantity The OSU linebacker’s versatility has everyone excited.
In an episode of the “Football 301” podcast, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Theis and Matt Harmon took a look at these star Buckeyes live at the combine in Indianapolis this week.
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According to Theis, this year’s draft is “basically a quarterback, a running back, a lot of linebackers and some tackles.” No school is more important to this defensive wealth than Ohio State.
What’s special about the Buckeye class is that it fits today’s NFL. As Theis points out, “the league needs [off-ball linebackers] They are very important now. “With defenses in constant flux, players who can move from linebacker to the edge or even to the outside are at a premium, and Ohio State’s blue-chip prospects all check those boxes.
As Harmon concludes, “When you look back [Ohio State’s defense]it’s not like, ‘Oh, yeah, they’re very good players. ‘It’s like, no, they’re the best players in this draft. “
Sonny Styles: The Prototype Modern Guard
Harmon calls Styles “one of those guys” who combines elite athleticism (legally 6-foot-5, 240-plus pounds) with rare athletic skills and the ability to do everything required in the modern NFL: “He can play off-ball back but can also line up on the edge and make plays from there, play against the run and against tight ends.”
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What Theis said: “The cool thing about Styles is he can do all the modern demands because that’s what he was asked to do at Ohio State under Matt Patricia. Line up on the edge, like the Eagles did with Zach Baun at times.”
Both Theis and Harmon project Styles to be a top-15 pick, possibly even higher given the evolution of the defense.
Ohio State’s Avir Reese (right) could be one of the top guards in this year’s draft due to his versatility and skill. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
(Luke Hales via Getty Images)
Arvell Reese: The next hybrid
Reese is considered likely to be “the first non-quarterback drafted since Fernando Mendoza.” Like Styles, Reese brings versatility to the table. Theis said he can play off the ball, can line up on the edge and has “evolving game awareness in coverage.” He has the perfect combination of pass rush and coverage ability that fits exactly what today’s defensive coordinators are looking for.
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Kayden McDonald: An Anchor for Interiors
Not to be outdone, McDonald solidified himself as a top run defensive tackle. He may not have the flashiest pass rush yet, but his ability to “line up inside, eat blocks and stay balanced” is attracting the attention of teams looking for a reliable presence in the trenches.
Caleb Downs: The Swiss Army Knife of High School
On the defensive line, safety Towns is the rookie on everyone’s radar. Theis described him as more of a Budda Baker or Antoine Winfield Jr. type — “someone who inspires other people because he’s very, very smart.” Towns’ practice numbers will be scrutinized, but his tape already gives him a very high floor.
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Unsung Hero: Kaden Curry
He’s likely a Day 2 pick who has real flash and the tools to get coaches excited. He’s the type of rookie who continues to improve during the combine weeks.
Estimated overall draft impact
With Styles and Reese expected to be first-round picks and McDonald and Towns likely to be called up early, it’s not a stretch to say that four or five Ohio State linebackers could be drafted in the top 15. Other teams may soon follow their approach, blending size, athleticism and versatility as the new defensive standard.