/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59492651/usa_today_10374273.0.jpg)
The day we’ve been waiting months for is finally upon us: Day 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ohio State has always had a reputation for sending pro-ready talent to the NFL year-after-year, but the past few draft classes have been particularly successful making the transition. The Buckeyes have yet another impressive delegation ready to make their mark, with the main event getting underway on Thursday, April 26 at 8 p.m. ET.
There’s a whole host of Buckeyes looking for a chance to live out there dreams, with 11 players being invited to the NFL Combine in early March and 18 players performing at Ohio State’s Pro Day later in the month. Among the 18 prospects are only three non-seniors — Jerome Baker, Sam Hubbard, Denzel Ward — and this is one case where declaring early will probably pay off for 100% of the Buckeye prospects.
Ward specifically is largely expected to be Ohio State’s only first round pick — considered the top CB in this year’s draft class since the end of the last regular season. His size and athleticism have him even considered to be a top-10 pick on Thursday. Kerry Coombs -- despite no longer being among the OSU coaching staff -- has a long history of sending secondary players to the NFL by way of a first-round pick, and Ward is hoping to be the next name on that growing list.
The cornerback isn’t the only Buckeye with Round 1 potential, either. Center Billy Price was expected to be a Day 1 pick up until he injured his pectoral muscle during the bench press event at the combine, and was forced to undergo surgery. He recently told Land-Grant Holy Land that his combine recheck with doctors went “excellent” and that he’s still on track to be cleared for action in June -- just in time for training camp. Despite the good news, Price likely will have fallen into the second round, with some teams hesitant to take on additional rehab.
Defensive end Sam Hubbard has also been mocked to the first and second rounds during the draft process, and could end up being the New England Patriot’s second of their two first round picks. Hubbard’s lacrosse background and versatility— with experience playing multiple positions throughout the defense— would make him a very viable option for the Pats at No. 31.
How to watch Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- TV: NFL Network | ESPN/ESPN 2 | FOX
- Online: NFL now live | NFL Network
- Radio: Westwood One Radio | SiriusXM NFL Radio | TuneIn Radio
Poll
How many Buckeyes will be drafted Round 1?
This poll is closed
-
19%
2 — Ward and Hubbard
-
19%
2 — Ward and Price
-
38%
1 — Just Ward
-
22%
3 — Ward, Hubbard and Price