By Adam Kiefaber
With the NBA Draft less than a week away, I got to thinking who are the best NFL prospects on Ohio State’s 2007 roster?
In the 2006 NFL Draft five Buckeyes were chosen in the first round. In 2007, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Antonio Pittman left early to pursue NFL careers. Those three were among eight Buckeyes that were drafted. Also, a record fourteen Buckeyes were taken in 2004.
The point is, Ohio State’s draft history is rich and we shouldn’t get all worked about a couple of freshmen basketball players.
We all know what is important in the state of Ohio.
FOOTBALL!
Isn’t it fitting that Buckeye fans rooting for Troy Smith to win the Heisman Trophy have to pray that he fails as a Baltimore Raven. Many Buckeye fans high-five each other on Saturdays, but when the day becomes Sunday they turn on one another. However, whether you are a Bengie or a Brownie, everybody hates Baltimore.
For the most part, all OSU fans root for their own kind in the professional ranks. For instance, it is very hard to find a Buckeye fan that will root against Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk. However the Ohio State faithful cringed when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Santonio Holmes.
Below I have listed the top NFL-ready prospects currently on OSU’s roster.
Malcolm Jenkins CB (Junior)
- Jenkins started all 13 games last season finishing with 55 tackles and four interceptions, including a 61-yarder for a touchdown in the Penn State game. Has good size for a corner at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds. Should be in the running for the Jim Thorpe award, which is given to the top defensive back in the country. Hopefully for Buckeye fans, Jenkins will stay for his senior season in 2008. However, he could be ready to make the leap to the NFL. If Jenkins has an expected solid ’07 season, I could see him being selected in the mid-to-late first round. He reminds me of Bengals first-round pick Leon Hall of Michigan.
James Laurinaitis ILB (Junior)
- Laurinaitis could be the most marketable linebacker since the days of “The Boz” (Brian Bosworth). 
His marketability stems from his father Joe, who was a professional wrestler in the ’80s and ‘90s. Vince McMahon, known as the boss of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), has offered the Animal’s son an opportunity to wrestle if professional football doesn’t work out. However, there is no reason to think that it won’t. In 2006, Laurinaitis became the first player from Ohio State to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. The Football Writers Association of America gives the award to the best defensive player in nation every year since it started in 1993. He finished the season with 115 tackles, four sacks and five interceptions. Laurinaitis could stay for his senior season. However, with a solid season Laurinaitis should be a first round pick in the 2008 Draft and seems to be a great marketable player for a team like the Oakland Raiders.
Chris “Beanie” Wells RB (Sophomore)
- Fortunately for Buckeye fans, Wells is only two years removed from high school and cannot leave for the NFL after this season. Scout.com ranked Wells as the top recruit in the nation last year. As a true freshman, he rushed for 576 yards on 104 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and rushed for seven touchdowns. Many remember his 52-yard touchdown run against Michigan. Last season, Antonio Pittman gained 1,233 with 14 touchdowns on 242 carries. Since Wells will be getting those carries this season, he is Ohio State’s top candidate to win the Heisman Trophy.
Alex Boone OT (Junior)
-Like Jenkins and Laurinaitis, Boone is another junior that could decide to forgo his senior season next year and become a first round pick. However unlike Jenkins and Laurinaitis, Boone doesn’t need a career year and should be drafted based on size (6-foot-8 325 pounds) and skill (top recruit from Ohio in 2005). Last season, Boone didn’t seem ready for the NFL and could come back for his senior season.
Marcus Freeman OLB (Junior)
-Freeman is one of my favorites and could be the most successful pro from this bunch. Only a junior, Freeman should be a senior this year. In 2005, he was injured in the season opener and lost his starting position, but was redshirted. Last year, Freeman had 71 tackles, broke up six passes and had two interceptions. In the spring game, Freeman scored the first touchdown when he picked off Antonio Henton and returned it 49 yards. Freeman needs a breakout season in ’07 to be drafted in the first day of the 2008 NFL Draft and should be overshadowed by Laurinaitis. However, I believe Freeman has the skill set to be a great outside linebacker in the NFL.
Kirk Barton OT (Senior)
- Barton is the one of only three seniors who will begin the season as a starter. Only Barton has started before while fullback Dionte Johnson and linebacker Larry Grant are the other ’07 starting seniors. Barton will be entertaining his fourth season as the main starter at right tackle and should be an All-American candidate. It’s hard to know where Barton could be drafted, which will depend on the combine.
Vernon Gholston DE (Junior)
- Gholston surprised many last season when he broke out and led the team in tackles for loss (15) and sacks (8.5). When Gholston was recruited as part of the 2004 class, he was considered as a linebacker or a small defensive end. However, Gholston impressed coaches by learning the system and by bulking up. With further development, Gholston could turn out to be a first-round talent. I believe Gholston will stick around for his senior season.
Others to keep an eye on:
Sophomore WR Raymond Small
-Not eligible to go the to the NFL after this season, but could become an OSU fan favorite.
Junior WR Brian Robiskie
-Should stick around after this season. Will be the #1 receiving option this year.
Junior DE Lawrence Wilson and sophomore DE Robert Rose
-Both should split time at defensive end. Both are great prospects (Rose has to stay).
Senior OLB Larry Grant
-I expect Grant to have a breakout season. If he does, he will be a first-day pick.
Junior SS Jamario O’Neal
-Has been a disappointment so far, but you have to expect him to breakout.
