Over the last five years, just five college programs have produced at least 35 total draft picks: three SEC teams (Alabama, Georgia, LSU) and the two Big Ten schools, Michigan and Ohio State, that make up one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
And this year’s version of “The Game” could feature as many as 25 to 30 players who will be drafted in April (depending on how many underclassmen declare for the draft). That sounds like an exaggerated projection, but I asked a few NFL scouts for their opinion, and they agreed that is a realistic range.
In the 30 years of the current seven-round NFL Draft format, the most combined draft picks from this matchup came in 2019, when Ohio State defeated Michigan, 56-27. The following April, 20 players from that contest were drafted.
Let’s rank the top 30 Michigan and Ohio State prospects from this year’s matchup.
(Note: This list only includes draft-eligible players and does not include players who are currently out with major injuries, like Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom or running back Miyan Williams).
You know my exuberant feelings about Harrison. There is no debate about who belongs at No. 1 on this list.
Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Kalen King
The tape was even more lopsided than I expected ???? pic.twitter.com/woI0KWN8TE
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 22, 2023
One of the more polarizing prospects in this game and the entire 2024 draft class, McCarthy is coming off his shakiest outing of the year against Maryland (50 percent completions, zero TDs, one interception). The conversation of how early he should be drafted is ongoing, and his performance in this game certainly will help shape that narrative. But scouts are optimistic about his pro future, considering his tools and intangibles.
Aside from maybe McCarthy, I would argue no other prospect can make more money off his performance in this game than Tuimoloau. In my opinion, the outcome on Saturday will come down to whether Ohio State can generate pressure with its front four.
Though he doesn’t win with pure edge speed, Tuimoloau has power in his hands, and the way he mixes up his attack is the key that can unlock steady pressures. Scouts like his pass-rush process, but better results are what can get him in the top 25.
This season has not gone according to plan for Egbuka, who missed three full games and parts of several others due to a knee injury. In a receiver-rich draft class, he might not be drafted in the top 25, as originally expected, but that just means an NFL team will get a slight discount on his pro-ready skill set.
Another Buckeye who has missed time this season due to injuries, Burke can get handsy downfield and must become a more consistent run defender. But he has the athleticism and coverage tools that NFL teams covet. Despite missing a pair of games, Burke still leads Ohio State with nine passes defended.
One of the biggest risers in this draft class, Williams has been equally effective stuffing the run and rushing the pocket — he leads Ohio State with 10 tackles for loss. His block recognition, gap integrity and physical traits to pursue the ball will translate well to the pro game.
Any chance we get to see Wilson versus Burke one-on-one will be a scouting treat. Although undersized at 5 feet 10 1/2 and 187 pounds, the Hawaii native is a speedy athlete who does some of his best work on shallow crossers and catch-and-go routes that give him a runway. Wilson has put himself in the top-100 mix.
If durability wasn’t a concern, Henderson might be the easy RB1 in this draft class. Even with the injury questions, he still has a chance to be the first back drafted because of his agility, balance and home-run hitting skills. Henderson is averaging 6.7 yards per carry this season, and his impact goes beyond the raw numbers.
GO DEEPER
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After tallying 10 carries of 20-plus yards last season (including several in Columbus), Edwards has just two explosive runs in 2023 and a 3.4 yards-per-carry average. But despite a mediocre statistical season, scouts remain high on Edwards — mostly because of his versatility in the passing game.
Although his 2023 tape hasn’t been dominant, Zinter is consistently getting the job done in pass protection (zero sacks allowed) and has shown improvements in the run game (zero penalties this season). His tape doesn’t show star potential, but it does say he can be a solid NFL starter.
Sawyer had his best game of the season against Minnesota (3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble) and has played his best football over the second half of the season. Similarly to Zinter, he might not have the makings of a future NFL star, but he can be a dependable starter and valuable depth piece.
There was a lot of preseason hype for Jenkins, but he has been more of a solid role player (25.8 snaps per game) than a defensive game-wrecker. Nonetheless, he has a budding NFL skill set.
The nation’s leader in rushing touchdowns (20), Corum isn’t having a Heisman-worthy season like he did last year, but his quick, urgent decisions and the way he pairs his feet with his eyes will make him a nice addition to an NFL backfield.
BLAKE. CORUM. TOUCHDOWN ????
Michigan’s star running back with an exclamation point late vs. Penn State.
???? @CFBONFOXpic.twitter.com/boE640YQCP
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 11, 2023
Although not a proven playmaker in coverage, Eichenberg has outstanding key/read/flow skills when defending the run. His feel for the game and football character give him a good chance to earn an NFL starting job next season.
At only 5-9 and 185, Sainristil will go overlooked by many because of his size. But he made several key plays in this matchup last season and has the goods to be an impactful nickel corner in the league.
Although he isn’t a top-tier blocker or a Brock Bowers-level athlete, Stover is solid in all phases and has been outstanding with his catch adjustments this season — 70.0 percent of his receptions have resulted in a first down or touchdown.
Michigan’s leader in tackles (60), Colson can get sucked into the wrong gap, but he moves well. When he reads the play correctly, he rarely misses tackles.
With his disruptive qualities, Hall has produced some fun highlights shooting gaps and getting off blocks. But his lack of size tends to show up, especially against the run.
GO DEEPER
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With his range and movements, it is easy to see why Jackson was a five-star recruit. He has the tools to be an NFL starter, but his consistency must improve.
A three-year starter at left guard, Keegan has shown gradual improvements each season. There is nothing exceptional about his game, but he does enough to get the job done.
A good-sized perimeter receiver at 6-2 and 209, Johnson doesn’t have a differentiating trait, but he is solid across the board. His only 100-yard receiving game in the last two seasons came against the Buckeyes last November.
GO DEEPER
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After his career was sidetracked by injuries, Proctor has played well as a sixth-year senior and put his name back into the draftable territory. Teams love his size (6-2, 205, with a 78 1/2-inch wingspan) and speed.
Harrell is the Wolverines’ most productive pass rusher (6.5 sacks), and NFL scouts like his athletic range at 6-3 1/2 and 242 with 33 1/4-inch arms. They also think he would benefit from another year spent honing his craft in college.
A former left tackle and left guard at Arizona State, Henderson transferred to Ann Arbor for his final season and has produced mixed results. His best assets are his long arms (35 3/8 inches) and big hands (10 3/4 inches).
A transfer center from Stanford, Nugent is undersized, but he moves well and drives his feet at contact in the run game. He is considered a potential Day 3 pick.
After missing the start of the season, Moore worked his way back into the starting rotation. He has been up and down, though, both against the run and in coverage. Another year at Michigan would really help him.
McGregor has several “almost” plays on tape. He also could use another season in college, but you can see the 6-6, 267-pounder starting to put it together.
After enrolling in college as a running back, Chambers moved to linebacker and has gotten better and better each season. His physicality and pursuit speed will give him a fighting chance in the NFL.
GO DEEPER
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After filling up the stat sheet at Coastal Carolina, Stewart transferred to Michigan, where he has been an adequate part of the pass-rush rotation off the bench.
A former top recruit, Fleming is missing an explosive element in his route running, but he has consistently played through injuries and been valuable as a receiver who’s willing to do the dirty work.
A dozen others who just missed the cut
QB Kyle McCord (Ohio State), RB Chip Trayanum (Ohio State), WR Xavier Johnson (Ohio State), TE AJ Barner (Michigan), OT Trente Jones (Michigan), OT Myles Hinton (Michigan), OT Karsen Barnhart (Michigan). ), OT Josh Fryar (Ohio State), G Matthew Jones (Ohio State), LB Cody Simon (Ohio State), LB Michael Barrett (Michigan), S Makari Paige (Michigan).
(Photos of J.J. McCarthy and Marvin Harrison Jr.: Scott Taetsch, Rich Schultz / Getty Images)
2023-11-22 12:27:37
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