Ohio State's Max Klare's transfer sparks NFL draft buzz. Analysts laud his mismatch potential, envisioning him as a Day 2 steal, ready to dominate at the next level.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to unload much of their 2025 roster to the first round of next week's draft.
Outside of wide receiver Carnell Tate, most players getting buzz for the 2026 NFL Draft come from the defensive side of the ball. It's no wonder the Buckeyes gave defensive coordinator Matt Patricia a sizable contract extension this offseason.
Ohio State had a pretty young offense last season. Quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are expected to have an even greater impact on the team in the coming season.
With that being said, OSU is losing another key piece of the offense to the draft.
Andy Staples of On3 suggested this week that tight end Max Klare could be a "steal" in the draft. Klare could be a Day 2 pick.
Klare transferred to Ohio State after playing three seasons for the Purdue Boilermakers.
"He still wound up catching 48 passes for 448 yards, but he probably would have carried more of the statistical load in a less talented offense," Staples wrote of Klare. In the NFL, he’s unlikely to be playing with receivers who can get as wide open against their competition as Smith and Tate could at Ohio State.
"That’s where the 246-pound Klare’s ability to create mismatches will come in handy. He’ll drag linebackers farther down the field than they’re comfortable going, and he’s big enough and strong enough to box out corners and safeties."
Klare's best season statistically came in 2024, when he caught 51 passes for 685 yards and four touchdowns. He recorded 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns in his final season with the Buckeyes.
Rob Rang of FOX Sports recently picked the Denver Broncos as a possible landing spot for Klare. The Broncos are in need of a tight end to help quarterback Bo Nix in his third season in the league.
That could be an ideal place for Klare. He'd fit in as a savvy run blocker who could pop up as a security blanket for Nix. The Broncos need more targets to improve an offense that was one score short of making a Super Bowl last season.