Five Buckeyes selected in latest seven-round mock draft from The Athletic

COLUMBUS — The NFL Draft is less than a week away, and although Ohio State had most of its top prospects return for another year of college football, the draft is still expected to be littered with Buckeyes alums.

The Athletic NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler released a massive seven-round mock draft this week, and five Buckeyes are selected in his projection. Let’s dive into the picks and what they mean for each former Ohio State star.

WR Marvin Harrison Jr. — No. 5 overall to Arizona Cardinals

The steam surrounding LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers overtaking Marvin Harrison Jr. as the top wide receiver in the draft has finally died down. But Brugler is holding strong in maintaining that Harrison can’t be topped. Brugler has four quarterbacks being selected with the first four picks — and then Harrison.

He believes Marvin Harrison Jr. is a can’t-miss prospect.

This is what Brugler had to say about Harrison Jr. and the Cardinals, after he has the Cardinals trading down — then back up to get their receiver:

Just like last year, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort works the phones to trade out of the top five … but then jumps right back up to grab an Ohio State stud. In 2023, it was Paris Johnson Jr.; this year it’s Harrison. The smooth maneuvering costs Arizona the No. 35 pick here, but it adds No. 23 and a 2025 third-rounder for essentially moving back one spot.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

DT Mike Hall Jr. — No. 43 overall to Atlanta Falcons

Another Ohio State defensive lineman to the Falcons? That’s right. A year after selecting former Buckeyes defensive end Zach Harrison in the third round — and watching him have 33 tackles and three sacks as a rookie — the Falcons dip into the Ohio State defensive line again, according to Brugler, for Hall. Mike Hall Jr. would add a pass-rusher that the Falcons desperately need.

Hall has seen his draft stock range from the bottom of the third round to the middle of the second round. Brugler is confident Hall will be picked in the second round and begin his career with a chance to shine in a retooled defensive line.

TE Cade Stover — No. 121 overall to Denver Broncos

The Broncos need pass-catching options in the middle of the draft, and Brugler has them selecting former Ohio State star Cade Stover in the middle of the fourth round. Stover would bring a pass-catching acumen and run-blocking ability to the Mile High City. Stover proved what he can do during his time at Ohio State, and he’ll be teammed up — in this mock draft — with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler (third-round pick) and rookie wide receiver Johnny Wilson of Florida State (fifth-round selection).

As the Broncos restock their talent on offense, Stover will be a key piece of the rebuild under head coach Sean Payton.

LB Tommy Eichenberg — No. 138 overall to Arizona Cardinals

At pick No. 138, the Arizona Cardinals select Tommy Eichenberg — at least that happens in Brugler mock draft. Eichenberg was the Buckeyes leading tackler and two-time captain at linebacker. He would be the second Buckeyes player selected by the Cardinals in this draft — and third since last year.

Eichenberg could be a candidate for ‘best sleeper selection’ in the fifth round, especially because of his ability to tackle.

SAF Josh Proctor — No. 199 overall to New Orleans Saints

Remember when the New Orleans Saints were a lock to select Buckeyes every year in the NFL Draft? Maybe that trend can continue. Brugler sees it happening this year with Josh Proctor, the six-year safety who played his best football last year at Ohio State. Proctor would be a candidate to make the roster as a sixth-round selection and find a way to earn a role in the Big Easy.

Ohio State will have undrafted free agents, according to Brugler

A few Buckeyes, according to Brugler, didn’t get drafted in his seven-round mock draft. Those prospects: linebacker Steele Chambers, running back Miyan Williams, guard Matthew Jones and wide receiver Xavier Johnson. If this happens, all four will certainly land contracts as undrafted free-agents.