We’re getting ever so closer to the annual spectacle that is the NFL draft. All the hoopla and pomp and circumstance is set to take place in Kansas City from April 27 through April 29, and there’s sure to be plenty of Ohio State players littered throughout the three-day event.
Leading up to the real thing in late April, we are sure to see countless NFL mock drafts make the rounds over and over, but we are a little biased and like to follow our very own Patrick Conn as he releases updates on where things are headed. .
In his latest College Sports Wire mock draft, Conn again has three Ohio State players going in the first round, but has the selection and landing spots shuffled a little since his last look.
Here’s the latest after a lot of free agency news with even more still to come.
CJ Stroud, Quarterback
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud throws during Ohio State football’s pro day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 22, 2023. USA TODAY Sports
The Projected Pick
No. 1 Overall – Carolina Panthers
What Conn Says
It is no secret Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich prefers bigger quarterbacks, which takes Bryce Young off my list here. CJ Stroud has all the tools to bring the Panthers out of the doldrums of the NFC South.
Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle
March 5, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana; Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson, Jr. (OL24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Pick
No. 11 – Tennessee Titans
What Conn Says
“The Tennessee Titans need to bolster their offensive line, and Paris Johnson can be a piece to build around. If they fail to move down in the first round, sticking and picking isn’t a bad fallback plan with Johnson.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba catches a pass during Ohio State football’s pro day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 22, 2023. USA TODAY Sports
The Pick
No. 14 – New England Patriots
What Conn Says
“This is a selection that could go multiple ways, but giving quarterback Mac Jones a go-to option should be priority No. 1 for the New England Patriots. Smith-Njigba will create plenty of big plays with his precise route-running ability.”
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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire