Evaluating the Buckeyes’ NFL Draft Landing Spots: The Good and Bad

Every player gets drafted thinks each NFL team has a unique plan. While this can be true, some are value picks because the player slid and they were too good to pass up. It seems good, but is it? Here are the questions every drafted Buckeye needs answered.

-How do they fit in the scheme?

-Playing time expectations? Relative to Draft position?

-What are the team expectations?

The Players:

Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns (no.4)

This might not have been the most popular pick among the Cleveland faithful, but Denzel was the best cover corner in draft. He has great balls skills and and is great in press coverage. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams plays a ton of press man and no one was better than Ward in this draft.

“Ward. The reason is our need for a press cover cornerback. Denzel probably plays that position as well as anyone I’ve seen in college football in some time. We probably play the most press of any team in the league. -Gregg Williams

He has rare athleticism combined with great character. Week 1 starter.

 

Billy Price, Cincinnati Bengals (no.21)

Offensive line was huge position of need for Cincy. They spent a 1st and 2nd rounder a few years back on tackles Ogbuehi and Fisher that has produced limited success. Price is already penciled in as the starter heading into training camp for a team that has been searching for a replaced for Kevin Zeitler who left via free agency. The Bengals were at their best running the ball to set up the pass a couple of seasons ago.

Price’s strength will give them great push inside. His pec injury should be fully healed by August. Week 1 starter.

 

Tyquan Lewis, Indianapolis Colts (no.64)

The Colts defense was in need of a massive overall. One of the more porous units over the past few seasons, newly minted Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus will be converting the from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive front. To make the change, a different type of player was needed. Lewis fits this need. His strength and fundamental play make him the ideal run stuffer to play left defensive end.  Henry Anderson is penciled in as the incumbent starter, but Lewis will be given his shot and was drafted due to his scheme fit.

Lewis is a tough and physical player. Not the most athletic pass rusher, but he was a 5 year college player and very polished. Will play 65% of snaps.

 

Jerome Baker, Miami Dolphins (no.73)

Miami loves Buckeye Linebackers. After drafting Raekwon McMillian in the 2nd round a year ago to fill their need at MLB, the Dolphins returned to the Buckeye state for help at the strong side. Miami is in the midst of a youth movement and Baker will add the type of speed that Coordinator Matt Burke covets. Last season Miami made the midseason acquisition of Stephone Anthony. The 3rd year player was traded from New Orleans after a couple of injury riddled season.

Prior to the start of the 2017 season many “experts” thought Baker would be a 1st rounder, however is smaller size and deficiences caused him to fall. He has a great opportunity to become a full time starter but he conservatively will play 35% of snaps.

 

Sam Hubbard, Cincinnati Bengals (no.77)

The second Buckeye selected by Cincy. Hubbard will return home to the Queen City where he starred at Archbishop Moeller. Teryl Austin joins the Bengals at Defensive Coordinator after leading a Lions squad for the last four seasons. The Bengals have always been very multiple in their front packages under previous D Coordinators Mike Zimmer and Paul Guenther, the drafting of players like Hubbard looks to keep this trend alive. Carlos Dunlap has been a mainstay at the left defensive end for many years and Hubbard will be expected to be a solid rotation player.

Hubbard’s length and versatility could afford him the ability to play some outside linebacker in sub packaging situations. He’s a smart player that lacks long range speed, but will play at least 35% of snaps.

 

Jalyn Holmes, Minnesota Vikings (no.102)

The Minnesota Vikings love their D Lineman. Going pack to the Purple People Eaters, the Vikings have always boasted a fantastic front. With Sheldon Richardson and Linval Joseph anchoring the inside on run downs, Holmes (Defensive End) will provide a nice inside rotational pass rusher on 3rd downs. Joseph is aging and will need spelled later in games. On 1st and 2nd down Holmes will likely stay outside at defensive end and help provide relief for Brian Robinson.

Holmes added size every year at Ohio State and has the potential to continue the trend. Eventually he could become a full time defensive tackle but this season he should play 15% to 20%.

 

Jamarco Jones, Seattle Seahawks (no.168)

One of the more surprising developments in the 2018 draft. Jones was pretty highly ranked after his Junior season, but many scouts saw a decline in his play his senior year. Seattle is undergoing a massive redevelopment along the offensive line. After firing longtime coach Tom Cable this offseason the Seahawks look to change philosophies of how they draft and develop players. They traded for former Texan left tackle Duane Brown, but Jones could be seen as his eventual replacement.

Jones is talented and has good technique, but his size could be concern. With development he could become a starter, but he will have to prove he can over come his lack of size against longer defenders. He will be a backup swing tackle.