All-Ohio State NFL Team- Columbus Bucks (defense)

By Adam Kiefaber

Recently, I broke down what an NFL offense would look like, that is if the roster was filled entirely with Ohio State players.

Overall, the offense is solid. The weaknesses include quarterback, running back and tight end.

The strengths would include the offensive line and the wide receiving core. Especially the wide receivers, imagine your favorite NFL team listing Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn, Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez, Michael Jenkins, David Boston, Drew Carter and Roy Hall as their top nine receivers.

Even if Troy Smith isn’t NFL-ready, he still should put up solid numbers. I mean Jon Kitna threw for over 4,000 yards last year, how do you think he would’ve done with the Baltimore Ravens’ receiving core?

Now, I’m moving on to defense. Let’s see if this team would be good enough to make the playoffs.

DEs Will Smith (New Orleans) and Darrion Scott (Minnesota)- Both ends start and have had success at the NFL level. Rodney Bailey would be the top backup. Jay Richardson, Simon Fraser, Kenny Patterson would provide depth. OLB Mike Vrabel can line up at the end on passing downs. Also, DT David Patterson could play on the end on rushing downs.

DTs Ryan Pickett (St. Louis) and Quinn Pitcock (Indianapolis)- Pickett is a proven starter and Pitcock was a third-round pick in 2007 NFL Draft. Plus, you have to love the marketability of a duo called Pickett and Pitcock. Tim Anderson and Marcus Green would provide depth. You could always go out and sign Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson, who played for the Miami Dolphins in 2006.

OLBs A.J. Hawk (Green Bay) and Mike Vrabel (New England)- The Columbus Bucks might want to consider using the 3-4 with their depth at linebacker. Bobby Carpenter can play inside and outside. Na’il Diggs is a proven OLB that could be a starter on some teams.

MLB Bobby Carpenter (Dallas)- Plays inside as part of Dallas’ 3-4 defense. Anthony Schlegel, John Kerr and Matt Wilhelm are MLBs at heart, while Carpenter seems to better suited for the outside.

CBs Nate Clements (San Francisco) and Antoine Winfield (Minnesota)- Clements and Winfield provide you with a solid cornerback duo. However, Chris Gamble could win a starting job. There is great depth, Shawn Springs would be your fourth corner. Others would include Ashton Youboty, Antonio Smith and Dustin Fox.

FS Mike Doss (Minnesota) and SS Donte Whitner (Buffalo)- Whitner and Doss would make another nice duo. They would have a stellar backup in Will Allen. Also, Donnie Nickey has developed into a solid NFL player that seems ready for an opportunity to start. Nate Salley, Brandon Mitchell and Tyler Everett fill out the depth chart.

The Final Overview

Overall, I would rate the team as mediocre. Maybe a record ranging from 6-10 to 8-8 if they went out played this upcoming NFL season.

I like the offensive line, which would help out rookie running back Antonio Pittman.

The wide receivers are excellent, which would help Troy Smith look better.

The defense line is solid and the linebacking core is very good.

The secondary is excellent. Especially the cornerbacks.

Actually the defense should be in the top 10 in the NFL.

However, question marks at key positions on offense will limit the team’s chances for a Super Bowl run.

If this was a real team, you would have to like their future. Chris Wells will be on board in a couple of years. Some good quality linebackers are on the way. And two top offensive tackles will be ready very soon.