2. Sam Hubbard
Had Sam Hubbard opted to enter the 2017 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes defensive end would likely been picked high — perhaps in the first round. Instead, Hubbard opted to return to Ohio State for his redshirt junior season, where he’ll help anchor one of the nation’s top defensive lines.
With the versatility to also play linebacker, the former lacrosse standout is already on the radar of NFL teams. Even if he doesn’t post big numbers in the coming year, the 6-5, 265-pound Hubbard should hear his name called sooner rather than later in the next draft.
1. Jerome Baker
At this time a year ago, linebacker Jerome Baker was preparing to backup Dante Booker on the Buckeyes’ depth chart.
What a difference a year makes.
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After a Booker injury in the season opener paved the way for a breakout season from his understudy, Baker enters his junior campaign as one of the top defensive players in college football. The Cleveland native has also garnered attention for his potential in the pros, with Bleacher Report’s Miller projecting him as a first-round pick.
At 6-1, 225 pounds, Baker is similar in size to former Ohio State linebackers Ryan Shazier and Darron Lee. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that both of those players were drafted in the first round. Baker appears to be next in line in the lineage of NFL-ready Buckeyes linebackers.