2015 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: The Ohio State Buckeyes

Senior defensive tackle Michael Bennett is likely to be the first Buckeye drafted next spring (Photo: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

Ohio State won its first 24 games under Head Coach Urban Meyer, and seemed poised to play for a national championship; but instead the Buckeyes stumbled to two straight defeats to close out the year, losing to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game, and to Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Meyer’s dominant run game has now lost workhorse running back Carlos Hyde, and four-fifths of the starting offensive line, and an already suspect defense will be missing stalwarts Ryan Shazier and Bradley Roby. Despite the turnover, the Buckeyes are a talented squad who still appear to be Big Ten favorites heading into the fall. But a third consecutive undefeated regular season would be major coup. Here’s a look at some of the 2015 draft-eligible prospects who hope to make it a reality. (Asterisks denote underclassmen)

Braxton Miller QB 6’1” 215

Four-star recruit out of Wayne High School in Huber Heights, OH in 2011
School QB record 1271 rushing yards in 2012
Two consecutive seasons with at least 2000 yards passing and 1000 yards rushing
2013 Stats: 162-255 (63.5%) 2094 YDS 24 TD 7 INT passing 1068 YDS 6.3 AVG 12 TD rushing

Miller became the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback four games into his freshman season, and has maintained a firm grip on the job ever since. After considering entry into the 2014 NFL Draft, he ultimately opted to return for his senior season and take one more shot at a National Championship. Miller needs just six touchdown passes to break the school career record of 57 shared by Bobby Hoying and Terrelle Pryor (who did it in only three seasons), and has an outside shot at becoming Ohio State’s all-time leader in passing yards. With a duplication of last year’s efforts, Miller will end the year in the top two in career passing and rushing yards in school history, cementing his status as one of the most exciting players ever to play for the Buckeyes. His professional prospects, however, remain uncertain. While Miller has certainly made strides as a passer, his accuracy and composure under pressure are still question marks. He has a strong right arm, and is a dynamic open-field runner, but his playing style and relatively thin frame often lead to big hits, turnovers, and injuries. NFL teams will wonder if he can make it through a season intact after missing two games last season, and being knocked out of a couple of others throughout his career. Still, Miller is an exceptional athlete who has improved as a passer in each of his three college seasons. In a seemingly wide-open 2015 quarterback class, he is one of the more intriguing players to watch this coming season.

Devin Smith WR 6’1” 198

Three-star recruit out of Washington High School in Massillon, OH in 2011
Holds the Ohio State record for longest touchdown reception (90 yards vs. Cal in 2013)
2013 Stats: 44 REC 660 YDS 15.0 AVG 8 TD

As a true freshman, Smith tied for the team lead with 14 receptions, and led the team with 294 receiving yards. In 2012, he started the year with a spectacular one-handed TD catch in a win over Miami (OH). Smith continued to provide a deep threat for Ohio State, and finished the year averaging over 20 yards per reception. He got off to a hot start as a junior, but his production tailed off significantly as the season wore on – he caught just six passes over the final five games of the year. Smith has always been effective down the field, but as the most experienced and prolific returning receiver, he’ll need to provide more help for Miller underneath and down the middle of the field. Without much production on the roster behind him, the Buckeyes will be counting on Smith to emerge as a more complete receiver this fall.

Jeff Heuerman TE 6’5” 255

Three-star recruit out of Barron Collier High School in Naples, FL in 2011
Reportedly has a 36.5 vertical and can bench press 225 lbs 33 times
2013 Stats: 26 REC 466 YDS 17.9 AVG 4 TD

After two seasons of reserve duty, Heuerman became a productive receiver in 2013, and by the end of the season emerged as a big play threat. Though not always seeing consistent targets, he averaged nearly 30 yards per catch on 11 receptions, and scored three of his four touchdowns over the final six games of the season. Heuerman is Ohio State’s second-leading returning receiver behind Smith, and is likely to see his production increase as a senior. With an impressive blend of size and athleticism, he should see his stock climb throughout the regular season.

Michael Bennett DT 6’3” 288

Four-star recruit out of Centerville High School in Centerville, OH in 2011
Missed four games during the 2012 season due to a groin injury
2013 Stats: 42 TKL 11.5 TFL 7 SCK 1 QBH 3 FF

Bennett made an impact as a freshman in 2011, with three sacks among his five tackles for loss. The following year he was a non-factor, unable to shake the effects of his early season groin injury. After the disappointment of his sophomore season, Bennett rededicated himself and emerged as a leader on the Ohio State defense. He was one of four Buckeyes to finish the year with at least seven sacks, and he was second on the team with three forced fumbles. Despite his success as a junior, Bennett never submitted paperwork to the NFL Draft advisory board, opting instead to commit to returning for his senior season. Interior pass rushers are currently at a premium in the NFL, and as a result, Bennett will likely be the highest rated Buckeye heading into next spring’s draft.

Noah Spence DE 6’3” 252*

Five-star recruit out of Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA in 2012
Suspended for the first two games of the 2014 season due to a violation of Big Ten rules
2013 Stats: 50 TKL 14 TFL 7.5 SCK 4 QBH 1 FF 2 PBU

Spence reportedly tested positive for ecstasy last year, and after appealing a year-long ban, had his suspension reduced to three games. This included the Orange Bowl loss to Clemson, and will extend through the first two games of the 2014 regular season. Before this off-the-field dustup, Spence had been tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks, and second on the team with 14 tackles for loss. Without him, Ohio State lacks skill and experience rushing off the edge, so it will be crucial to both the team and the player for Spence to return from his suspension motivated and ready to build on his sophomore successes.

Doran Grant CB 5’11” 191

Four-star recruit out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, OH in 2011
Has played in all 39 games during his college career
2013 Stats: 58 TKL 2 TFL 1 FF 3 INT 1 TD 10 PBU 1 BLK

At times during the 2013 season, Grant was the most consistent performer in an Ohio State defensive backfield plagued by injuries and missed assignments. Through the first seven games of the year he tallied two INTs and seven pass breakups, covering secondary targets while Roby shadowed the number one receiver. Now a senior leader, Grant takes over the defense’s “boundary corner” position, and will play the key role in stopping opposing pass offenses.

Other Players to Watch:

Rod Smith RB 6’2” 232