1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State (6-5, 285, 4.82)
Even as the dust settles on this year’s NFL draft, we are already making predictions for the 2016 draft class. And it’s a good one for Ohio State, with five players predicted to go in the first round. Defensive end Joey Bosa is projected to go number one overall (assuming the same order as the 2015 draft), followed by offensive tackle Taylor Decker, quarterback Cardale Jones, running back Ezekiel Elliott and outside linebacker Darron Lee. Three other Big Ten prospects are also predicted to be first rounders next year.
Of course, Michael Bennett and Noah Spence were also predicted to be first round picks this in 2014 (see last year’s CBS post-draft mock draft here). A lot can happen in a year, but if things hold up, 2016 could be a big year for Buckeyes in the NFL.
"In three seasons, Urban Meyer has built Ohio State into the country's hottest program...The scariest part: Meyer might only be getting warmed up."
With a loaded backfield, scary defensive line, and three elite QBs, it's easy to see why the defending national champs are atop just about every preseason Top-25 list, including this one from ESPN. Fellow Big Ten East squad Michigan State also gets high marks, along with the usual suspects (TCU, Auburn, Oregon). Barring significant injury or unluckiness, there's no reason why Ohio State can't compete for another spot in the college football playoff, and national outlets have taken notice.
"In three seasons, Urban Meyer has built Ohio State into the country's hottest program, going 38-3 overall, 24-0 in Big Ten regular-season games and winning the inaugural College Football Playoff. The scariest part: Meyer might only be getting warmed up. With multiple star quarterbacks, the country's best tailback and a menacing defensive line, the Buckeyes are the team to beat in 215."
And if you are curious about the pre-season bowl predictions, here is a list of early Big Ten Bowl predictions. ESPN’s Mitch Sherman placed reigning champs Ohio State in the top spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal, with Michigan State heading to the Rose Bowl.
Ohio State plays at No.5 seed Duke in first round of #NCAALax Championship. Release->>http://t.co/SU7dE45M5C #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/OaFXamtYC4
— Ohio State Men's LAX (@OhioState_MLAX) May 4, 2015
BUCKEYES ARE IN THE NCAA FIELD!!! Buckeyes will take on Notre Dame in Evanston this weekend. Time and date TBA. #GoBucks
— OhioStateWomen's LAX (@OhioState_WLAX) May 4, 2015
Following their selection shows last night, both the Ohio State men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are heading to the postseason in their respective NCAA lacrosse tournaments. The men will face five-seeded Duke Saturday at 7:30, while the women will take on Notre Dame Friday.
Despite being the first year of Big Ten lacrosse, the conference earned three spots in the men’s tournament (Johns Hopkins, Maryland and Ohio State) and four in the women’s (Maryland, Northwestern, Ohio State and Penn State).
Seton Hall transfer Sterling Gibbs told @CBSSports that in addition to visiting Pitt on Tuesday, he will also visit Ohio State on Thursday.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 4, 2015
Seton Hall transfer Sterling Gibbs is scheduled to visit Pittsburgh and Ohio State this week. Gibbs began his college career at Texas before transferring to Seton Hall after his freshman year. The junior guard earned second team All-Big East honors last season. With Ohio State lacking in point guard depth or experience, Gibbs could be a very welcome addition to the Buckeyes, although it would make the scholarship math much trickier.
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