NFL Draft: College Football National Championship

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Ohio State

DT Michael Bennett, SR #63 (6’2 | 288 | 5.09)

Scouting report – Quick, disruptive 3-tech DT who has good balance, footwork and football instincts. Bennett has shown the ability to get to the QB with 13 sacks over the last two seasons. He’s a little small for an NFL DT so he will need to put on weight and may struggle initially against the run, but his solid instincts and sure tackling should allow Bennett to be effective inside. Bennett should be able to contribute immediately at least as a 3rd down pass rusher.

Projection: 1st-2nd round

WR Devin Smith, SR #9 (6’1 | 197 | 4.40)

Scouting report – Dangerous deep threat who only caught 30 passes this season, but took 11 of them to the house. He’s a one dimensional player who basically just runs go routes, but Smith is good at what he does.  He gets up to top speed in a hurry, but struggles with most of the route tree and has dropped too many passes this season. To his credit Smith is a valuable special teams contributor as a gunner on coverage teams. He’ll get drafted for his deep speed and special teams ability, but won’t be a starter at the next level without a massive improvement on his concentration and technique as a route-runner.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

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QB Cardale Jones, SO (RS) # (6’5 | 250 | 4.88)

Scouting report – The national championship will be only the 3rd game Jones has started in his college career, but after beating both #9 Wisconsin and #1 Alabama his draft stock is skyrocketing. If the Buckeyes beat Oregon and Jones plays well, the hype train will be out of control. He’s only a redshirt sophomore and should probably come back to school, but he will most likely go back to being a 3rd string QB next year with both Braxton Miller and JT Barrett probably coming back to Columbus. About half the teams in the NFL are looking for an upgrade at QB and could be tempted by Jones’ big frame, cannon arm, and above average mobility. A good game tonight vs the Ducks and Jones could be a day 2 pick.

Projection: 3rd-7th round

TE Jeff Heuerman, SR #86 (6’5 | 255 | 4.68)

Scouting report – Under-utilized receiver with just 17 catches for 207 yards and 2 TDs this year. Heuerman is a solid blocker, but has sneaky speed, good body control and reliable hands. He’s a rare TE prospect who can be a dual weapon as both a run blocker and as a receiver up the seam. Heuerman is athletic enough to play as either an inline TE or an H-back and he also contributes on special teams.

Projection: 4th round-5th round

CB Doran Grant, SR #12 (5’11 | 193 | 4.49)

Scouting report – 2 year starter and solid all-around coverage corner. Grant has shown good instincts, anticipation and ball skills over the last two seasons. He might not be strong enough to play on the outside at the next level, but could be a starting-caliber slot corner.

Projection: 4th round-5th round