Cardale Jones is in another QB competition, but this time for the No. 2 spot with the Buffalo Bills

“He is the rawest quarterback on Buffalo’s roster but has far and away the best tools. Blessed with size and a cannon for an arm, Jones offers considerable upside.”

-Joe Marino, Fan Rag Sports Network

Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones filled the No. 3 spot on the Buffalo Bills roster during his rookie season, behind starter Tyrod Taylor and back-up E.J. Manuel. Manuel is no longer with the team, leaving Jones in a position to battle a rookie for the No. 2 role. He’ll be competing with the Bills fifth-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft, Nathan Peterman.

Despite Jones still being considered raw, as Marino noted above, all of the factors that led to his “12-Gauge” nickname at Ohio State could keep the Bills interested in his development. After all, how many quarterbacks can really sling the ball over 60-yards from on their knees?

The Buckeye also has to deal with having a new head coach in Buffalo, after having established a relationship with Rex Ryan. The former head coach called Jones with the news that his child was being born and told the quarterback to head straight to the airport. It’s this kind of personal relationship that benefited the second-year NFL player and could affect his development moving forward.

"We are aware of the incident regarding Adolphus Washington and have been in contact with him. Since it is a pending legal matter, we will have no further comment."

-Buffalo Bills team statement, via Bob Strickley, Cincinnati Enquirer

During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Washington was forced to answer to both teams and the media about his first arrest, that kept him out of the Fiesta Bowl earlier that year. The Buckeye was arrested following the 2015 regular season for soliciting a prostitute, and was suspended by head coach Urban Meyer as a result.

Now, the defensive lineman is facing his second charge in as many years. He was arrested on a firearms charge — improperly carrying a concealed firearm -- last Sunday, outside a Sharonville, OH waterpark, before being released later than night.

According to a Sharonville police report obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Washington "reached for and displayed a gun while sitting inside his vehicle; just feet away from officers. The suspect did not inform officers beforehand."

TMZ later released video of the tense stand-off between Washington and officers.

Washington hasn’t made a public statement since his arrest, but the legal ramifications could be just a drop in the bucket depending on what the Bills and the NFL decided to do.

“Some are already saying that Ward could be Ohio State’s next first round pick at the position, and because I cannot dispute that given his talent level, he is a true wild card in the 2018 NFL draft’s cornerback class.”

-Jonah Tuls, Draft Breakdown

Draft Twitter never takes a break, and with the 2017 NFL Draft in hindsight, analysts are already getting a headstart on the 2018 draft class. Already being heavily discussed in the early conversations is Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward.

With a strong season, Ward could carry on the recent tradition of Buckeye cornerbacks being taken in the first round of the draft. In 2016, it was Eli Apple. In 2017, it was Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley. Will Ward be next?

His size will undoubtedly be criticized by scouts, standing at 5’10, but his speed and footwork make up for it. Ward had 23 total tackles and broke up nine passes last season — three pass breakups came against Nebraska. Tuls suggests in his breakdown that Ward could line up at nickel in the NFL, thanks to his ability to defend against the run and pass coverage against speedy wideouts.

With good production this fall, Ward could be the next Buckeye to hear his name called on the first day of next year’s draft, carrying on the rich tradition of #DBU.