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Nine former Ohio State players saw the chopping block ahead of the regular season. Three were released before the first deadline, with an additional eleven players let go in the last round of cuts. Should these players clear waivers and get overlooked by other teams, the younger players could still land on a team's practice squad.
This might be a good option for receiver Evan Spencer who was released by Washington. He was plagued with several injuries during the preseason, culminating in missing a game due to concussion protocol. The practice squad might give him time to rehab while also gaining experience for an impact next season.
Another surprising cut was running back Rod Smith from Seattle. He had an impressive preseason, but was ultimately passed up with the team having depth already at the position. All of these players are dealing with the darker side of playing at the next level, and will be hoping to find themselves in the league this year and years to come.
Buckeyes cut
PLAYER | TEAM | POSITION | EXPERIENCE |
Darryl Baldwin | Baltimore Ravens | Offensive Tackle | Rookie |
Zach Boren | Tennessee Titans | Fullback | 1st year |
Bryant Browning | Miami Dolphins | Guard | 5th year |
Christian Bryant (PS) | St. Louis Rams | Safety | 1st year |
Reid Fragel | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Offensive Tackle | 3rd year |
Curtis Grant | San Diego Chargers | Linebacker | Rookie |
Doran Grant (PS) | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cornerback | Rookie |
Daniel Herron | Indianapolis Colts | Running Back | 4th year |
Steve Miller | Carolina Panthers | Defensive End | Rookie |
DeVier Posey | New York Jets | Wide Receiver | 4th year |
Rod Smith (PS) | Seattle Seahawks | Running Back | Rookie |
Evan Spencer | Washington | Wide Receiver | Rookie |
Jake Stoneburner (PS) | Miami Dolphins | Tight End | 2nd year |
Doug Worthington (PS) | St. Louis Rams | Defensive Tackle | 3rd year |
(PS) = Practice Squad
Ohio State boasts an impressive number of players on final team rosters ahead of the season. There's still time for those cut to join a team or earn a spot on a practice squad, but these are the Buckeyes in the NFL ahead of Week 1.
Buckeyes in the NFL
PLAYER | TEAM | POSITION |
Mike Adams (PUP) | Pittsburgh Steelers | Offensive Tackle |
Will Allen | Pittsburgh Steelers | Safety |
Michael Bennett | Jacksonville Jaguars | Defensive Tackle |
Alex Boone | San Francisco 49ers | Guard |
Mike Brewster (IR) | New Orleans Saints | Center |
Corey Brown | Carolina Panthers | Wide Receiver |
Chimdi Chekwa (IR) | Oakland Raiders | Cornerback |
Kurt Coleman | Carolina Panthers | Safety |
Nate Ebner | New England Patriots | Defensive Back |
Ted Ginn Jr. | Carolina Panthers | Wide Receiver |
Johnathan Hankins | New York Giants | Defensive Tackle |
Brian Hartline | Cleveland Browns | Wide Receiver |
A.J. Hawk | Cincinnati Bengals | Linebacker |
Jeff Heuerman (IR) | Denver Broncos | Tight End |
Cameron Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers | Defensive End |
Travis Howard (IR) | Atlanta Falcons | Cornerback |
Carlos Hyde | San Francisco 49ers | Running Back |
Malcolm Jenkins | Philadelphia Eagles | Safety |
James Laurinaitis | St. Louis Rams | Linebacker |
Corey Linsley | Green Bay Packers | Center |
Nick Mangold | New York Jets | Center |
Jake McQuaide | St. Louis Rams | Long Snapper |
Jack Mewhort | Indianapolis Colts | Offensive Tackle |
Andrew Norwell | Carolina Panthers | Guard |
Mike Nugent | Cincinnati Bengals | Place kicker |
Terrelle Pryor | Cleveland Browns | Wide Receiver |
Bradley Roby | Denver Broncos | Cornerback |
Ryan Shazier | Pittsburgh Steelers | Linebacker |
John Simon | Houston Texans | Linebacker |
Devin Smith | New York Jets | Wide Receiver |
Donte Whitner | Cleveland Browns | Defensive Back |
Catch your favorite former Buckeyes as they try to make an impact in the NFL this season.