Tracking destinations of Ohio State undrafted free agents
COLUMBUS — The 2023 NFL Draft is officially over. Ohio State started things off with bang, watching three of its stars get picked in the top 20, most notably C.J. Stroud, who went No. 2 overall and became the highest-drafted quarterback in Buckeyes history.
The program only saw three more of its prospects selected over the next two days, however.
So, for the second year in a row, Ohio State was responsible for six picks: five on offense, one on defense.
But what about the rest of the Buckeyes’ prospects? The undrafted free agent (UDFA) frenzy has already started, and Ohio State standouts who didn’t hear their name called during the draft are getting their chance in the NFL another way.
Lettermen Row is tracking where each of the Buckeyes’ UDFAs end up.
S Ronnie Hickman —> Cleveland Browns (signed)
Safety Ronnie Hickman was projected to be a late Day Three pick. Instead, he’s signing with the Cleveland Browns as a UDFA. In 2021, Hickman became the first Buckeyes player in six years with 100 or more tackles in a season. Whether he was the “bullet” (hybrid linebacker/safety) in Kerry Coombs’ system or the “adjuster” (middle safety) in Jim Knowles’ system, Hickman frequently dropped down into the box and showed great short-area tackling ability. He also allowed just 13 catches on 30 targets this past season, registering a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 88.9, tops on the team in 2022.
S Tanner McCalister —> Cleveland Browns (signed)
Safety Tanner McCalister didn’t receive an invite to the NFL Combine or get drafted, but, man, did he show out at the Ohio State Pro Day. Now, he has an opportunity with the Cleveland Browns as a UDFA. McCalister ran a 4.44 40-yard dash during Pro Day. Granted that time’s unofficial, but it would have been second in his position group at the combine. Plus, his 37-inch vertical would have been seventh, and his 22 reps on the bench would have been tied for fourth. McCalister spent the first four years of his career at Oklahoma State. He defended a combined 11 passes in 2020 and 2021 before recording a team-high three interceptions for Ohio State in 2022.
CB Cam Brown —> Los Angeles Chargers (signed)
Cornerback Cam Brown has signed as a UDFA with the Los Angeles Chargers. Injuries limited Brown in his Ohio State career, including in 2022 when he missed five games because of a knee issue. Even though he was sidelined for close to half the season, Brown was tied for second on the team with five passes defended. He was up and down with the Buckeyes but, notably, went out on a high note, allowing just 33 yards on seven targets in the Peach Bowl versus Georgia, per PFF. Brown only ran a 4.53 at Ohio State’s Pro Day, but the former high school wideout does have some wheels.
DT Jerron Cage —> New Orleans Saints (signed)
Defensive tackle Jerron Cage has signed as a UDFA with the New Orleans Saints, according to John Hendrix of Saints News Network on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Cage started just five of the 42 games he appeared in at Ohio State. Although he never produced consistently, he did post a career-high 80.5 PFF defensive grade in 2022. The Cincinnati native logged a career-high 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and six pressures generated last season.
DT Taron Vincent —> Buffalo Bills (mini camp invite)
Defensive tackle Taron Vincent received a mini camp invite from the Buffalo Bills. Vincent will have to impress Bills staff to make the 90-man roster. He flashed during his Buckeyes career, often on big stages — like when he capped the 2021 season with a six-tackle performance in the Rose Bowl — but was inconsistent. Vincent played a career-high 489 defensive snaps last season, according to PFF, stepping up when Mike Hall Jr. was hobbled. Vincent is probably best in a gap-shooting, three-technique role.
FB Mitch Rossi —> New York Giants (mini camp invite)
Fullback Mitch Rossi received a mini camp invite from the New York Giants, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Rossi is trying out for the team with hopes of signing as an undrafted free agent. Rossi is used to the odds being stacked against him. He joined Ohio State as a preferred walk-on but ultimately earned a scholarship and made his mark in a hybrid fullback/tight end role. He caught six passes for a pair of touchdowns the last two seasons. In 2022, he registered the second-best PFF run blocking grade (82.6) on the team. Plus, he has significant special teams experience.
Ohio State picks in this year’s NFL Draft
ROUND 1
QB C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans, No. 2 overall
OT Paris Johnson Jr. – Arizona Cardinals, No. 6 overall
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Seattle Seahawks, No. 20 overall
ROUND 3
DE Zach Harrison – Atlanta Falcons, No. 75 overall
ROUND 4
OT Dawand Jones – Cleveland Browns, No. 111 overall
ROUND 6
C Luke Wypler – Cleveland Browns, No. 190 overall
