Ohio State to send 11 players to NFL Combine

This year could be another impressive draft class out of Ohio State, with 11 Buckeyes getting, and accepting, invitations to participate in the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Eight seniors and three juniors who declared early will try to extend their football careers and boost their draft stock along the way.

Players now preparing for the combine span a wide range of positions, including four offensive players and seven on defense. There are a lot of differing opinions about the NFL career potential for quarterback J.T. Barrett, but he was impressive during the week surrounding the Reese’s Senior Bowl and will now get another opportunity to show off his talent in front of scouts. While most of the media coverage will be surrounding other QB prospects, like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, Barrett will definitely get looks — especially from teams who already have a franchise quarterback and want to establish depth to the position.

Other offensive players heading to Indy, include tight end Marcus Baugh and linemen Jamarco Jones and Billy Price. Price already has a first-round expectation, despite having not played in a senior or All-Star game following the season. With the long list of successful centers/lineman from Ohio State, Price will be highly coveted come April.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes will send a handful of defensive backs, linebackers and notable Rushmen to the combine, including: Jerome Baker Jr., Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis, Denzel Ward, Damon Webb, and Chris Worley. Ward and Webb are looking to continue the DB draft streak established the past couple of years, and give Kerry Coombs a final sendoff, further establishing his NFL pipeline from Ohio State.

Missing out on invites, in a bit of a surprising move, were seniors Dante Booker and Tracy Sprinkle.