Since the NFL Scouting Combine is done and several trades and free agent signings have been completed, it's time to revisit Mel Kiper's NFL Mock Draft.
The NFL Draft is right around the corner and is set to be held from Kansas City beginning April 27 through April 29. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be well represented with a number of players expected to be first-round picks.
Since the NFL Scouting Combine is done and several trades and free agent signings have been completed, it's time to revisit Mel Kiper's NFL Mock Draft.
Recently, the Chicago Bears, who already employ a former Buckeyes quarterback in Justin Fields, traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for wideout D.J. Moore, two 2023 picks, and 2024 pick, and a 2025 pick.
And Kiper has the Panthers selecting OSU quarterback C.J. Stroud with the first overall pick:
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Welcome to the top of the board, Carolina. The Panthers went big right before free agency, sending a bevy of picks and wide receiver DJ Moore to Chicago for the No. 1 selection. It's a lot to give up, but the trade gives the Panthers their choice of quarterbacks in this class, which they're still working through.
If they hit on that passer, they could have a 15-year starter. If they miss? Well, general manager Scott Fitterer and coach Frank Reich likely won't be around to see the end of their pick's tenure. It's a monumental decision for a team that has missed on recent deals for Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Which way will Carolina go now?
I'm leaning toward Stroud based on what I'm hearing. He's super accurate, has impressed everyone throughout the pre-draft process and is the ideal size profile of recent Frank Reich quarterbacks. He has the slight edge over Bryce Young based on fit.
Kiper also has a Buckeye being taken at No. 9 with the newly-acquired Bears pick from Carolina:
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
While the Bears could be in play for a defensive lineman here -- particularly if Jalen Carter drops -- I see offensive tackle as their biggest hole after their moves in free agency. They added guard Nate Davis to start on the right side, but are they really trusting Teven Jenkins to lock in the right tackle job?
They could have their choice of the class' tackles here. Johnson played both tackle spots and right guard for the Buckeyes, and he already has blocked for quarterback Justin Fields. Chicago needs to keep supporting Fields and get him a stellar lineman with this pick, and it could still address the defense with its two second-round picks (Nos. 53 and 61) and early third-rounder (No. 64).
Then Kiper has another OSU alum going to the Seahawks at 20:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Smith-Njigba has a chance to develop into a true No. 1 receiver. He didn't run the 40-yard dash at the combine, but he looked effortless in the pass-catching drills and led all receivers with a 6.57-second 3-cone time and a 3.93-second short shuttle.
A hamstring injury limited him to just five catches last season, but he caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards in 2021. He could be a plug-and-play starter for a team that already features Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. He could alternate reps outside and in the slot.
Ohio State is holding its Pro Day on Wednesday, and other players who will be working out in front of NFL representatives are cornerback CameronBrown, defensive tackle Jerron Cage, linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, defensive end Zach Harrison, safety Ronnie Hickman, offensive tackle Dawand Jones, safety/nickel back Tanner McCalister, long snapper Bradley Robinson, tight end Mitch Rossi, defensive tackle Taron Vincent and center Luke Wypler.
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