NFL Hot Press: Ohio State Prospect Notes

*Walt taking 2014 and 2018

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Ohio State Prospect Notes

In the 2016 NFL Draft, Ohio State was the dominant program for NFL talent. The Buckeyes had three players drafted in the top 10 and five players selected in the first round. Five more players were chosen on Day 2, and more prospects were taken the following day. However, despite losing those players to the NFL, the Buckeyes have a lot of talent for the 2017 NFL Draft. League sources have scouted their training camp practices and shared some interesting thoughts about Ohio State’s 2017 crop.  

• Inside linebacker Raekwon McMillan has impressed scouts with his speed and athleticism. McMillan was Ohio State’s most consistent linebacker last year, and that includes top-20 selection Darron Lee. Sources sayMcMillan looked fluid and athletic. They see him as a potential three-down starter in the NFL, and he is among the top inside linebacker prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft. 

• Ohio State coaches and staff have raved about guard-turned-center Pat Elflein to NFL scouts. They love Elflein and what he has done for the team. However, sources say that Elflein (6-3, 300) doesn’t have a great body for the NFL. He needs a strong senior year to help teams look past his physical make-up. 

• Sources say they’ve heard hype about the Buckeyes wide receivers, but they didn’t blow away evaluators in fall practice. Seniors Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith have a big opportunity as the Buckeyes’ top three wideouts from last year moved on to the NFL. They will need to be more impressive in game action this fall to validate that hype.

• Redshirt sophomore cornerback Marshon Lattimore really impressed scouts. They say he has a first-round skill set. The 6-foot, 192-pound Lattimore could be in store for a breakout season. Sources say they also like junior corner Gareon Conley, but not as much as Lattimore. They think that Conkley and Lattimore could both enter the 2017 NFL Draft.