Breaking down how the proposed rule change could impact former Buckeyes.
Next month, NFL owners are set to vote on a proposal what would allow running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs to wear a new range of numbers, including single digits.
The current numbering system only allows for running backs and defensive backs to wear 20-49; wide receivers to wear 10-19 and 80-89; tight ends 40-49 and 80-89; and linebackers 40-59 and 90-99.
Under the new proposal – which was prompted by the Kansas City Chiefs running out of usable numbers last season – running backs, wide receivers and tight ends would be able to wear 1-49 or 80-89, defensive backs will be able to wear 1-49 and linebackers will be able to wear 1-59 or 90-99.
So which former Ohio State players could the proposed rule change impact, especially if they want to return to their college number? Let’s take a look.
Kendall Sheffield - Atlanta Falcons
Current number: 20 College number: 8
Nobody on the Falcons’ roster wears No. 8.
J.K. Dobbins - Baltimore Ravens
Current number: 27 • College number: 2
Worn by quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Binjimen Victor - Baltimore Ravens
Current number: Not assigned • College number: 9
Worn by All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker.
Eli Apple - Cincinnati Bengals
Current number: Not assigned • College number: 13
Nobody on the Bengals’ roster wears No. 13.
Vonn Bell - Cincinnati Bengals
Current number: 24 • College number: 11
Nobody on the Bengals’ roster wears No. 11.
Denzel Ward - Cleveland Browns
Current number: 21 • College number: 12
Worn by wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge.
Ezekiel Elliott - Dallas Cowboys
Current number: 21 • College number: 15
Worn by wide receiver Chris Lacy.
Jeff Okudah - Detroit Lions
Current number: 23 • College number: 1
Nobody on the Lions’ roster wears No. 1.
Mike Weber - Green Bay Packers
Current number: 40 • College number: 5*
Nobody on the Packers’ roster wears No. 5.
*Also wore No. 25 in college, which would not be impacted by rule change.
Bradley Roby - Houston Texans
Current number: 21 • College number: 1
Nobody on the Texans’ roster wears No. 1.
Paris Campbell - Indianapolis Colts
Current number: 15 • College number: 21
Worn by running back Nyheim Hines.
Jordan Fuller - Los Angeles Rams
Current number: 32 • College number: 4
Worn by punter Brandon Wright.
Damon Arnette - Las Vegas Raiders
Current number: 20 • College number: 3
Worn by quarterback Nathan Peterman.
Jerome Baker - Miami Dolphins
Current number: 55 • College number: 17
Worn by quarterback Reid Sinnett.
Rashod Berry - New England Patriots
Current number: 43 • College number: 13
Worn by former Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith.
Raekwon McMillan - New England Patriots
Current number: Not assigned • College number: 5
Nobody on the Patriots’ roster wears No. 5.
Devin Smith - New England Patriots
Current number: 13 • College number: 9
Worn by kicker Roberto Aguayo.
Malcolm Jenkins - New Orleans Saints
Current number: 27 • College number: 2
Worn by quarterback Jameis Winston.
Marshon Lattimore - New Orleans Saints
Current number: 23 • College number: 2
Could create a bidding war for Winston’s number.
Michael Thomas - New Orleans Saints
Current number: 13 • College number: 3
Worn by kicker Will Lutz.
Curtis Samuel - Washington Football Team
Current number: 10 • College number: 4
Worn by quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Incoming Rookie Class
Trey Sermon • College number: 8
Baron Browning • College number: 5
Pete Werner • College number: 20
Tuf Borland • College number: 32
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