NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay released his mock draft 1.0 and to no surprise, there are Buckeyes everywhere.
Although the Ohio State Buckeyes aren't competing for a National Championship this season, that does not take away from the fact that this team is absolutely littered with NFL talent. It is truly amazing to look back over the last 24 months and realize the the last two Buckeyes had close to 30 NFL-caliber players on their team.
Last year, the program lost 15 starters to the NFL. This year, it looks as if there will be 13 draft eligible players who enter their name in the 2026 Draft.
After the NFL's regular season came to a close over the past weekend, NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay got to work quickly putting together his Mock Draft 1.0.
The first mock draft is just a starting point. There is so much change that is coming between now and the end of April, but it is a fun start on the very, very long journey to identify this rookie class.
In McShay's first 15 picks, its a whole heck of a lot of Buckeyes being selected early.
The first one off the board is the story of the year. Linebacker Arvell Reese entered the season as a relative unknown within the Ohio State team. He was a special team ace for his first two seasons in Columbus, but this year was a totally different story.
Reese took full advantage of his opportunity this season and catapulted himself to the No. 4 pick in the draft, landing with the Tennessee Titans.
Right after Reese is the Buckeyes' wide receiver No. 2, Carnell Tate.
Tate showed this year that he is just as elite as pervious Ohio State wide receivers. He runs incredible routes, he is an unbelievable athlete, and his super power is how he attacks the football with his hands. Because of that, McShay has Tate landing in New York, teaming up with Malik Nabers and being a key cog in the Giants' young core that is turning reshaping the direction of the franchise.
The Buckeyes take a quick break for about a total of seven picks, and Safety Caleb Downs lands with the Dallas Cowboys. Downs has been so special since coming to Columbus for his Sophomore and Junior seasons. He hasn't had to show his skill all that much this year, but it is quite easy to see that he is one of the best pure football players that you will ever see.
The Buckeyes aren't done yet in the top-15. Rounding out the first half of the draft class is none other than the great Sonny Styles. McShay has Styles joining former teammate Emeka Egbuka down in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers, who sorely need defensive help.
Man, how special was this year's team? Potentially four picks in the top-15 is absolutely unbelievable, and each one of those guys would deserve it.
There is a lot that will change from now until actual draft night, but as starts go, this is as good as it gets.
These Buckeyes are elite and they are going to earn it on draft night.