The 2017 college football season has not arrived yet but it is never too early to look ahead to the 2018 NFL Draft. It goes without saying that a lot can change between now and when the league's 32 teams will be making selections next year but Matt Miller of Bleacher Report shed a positive light on one particular program.
After a year in which the Ohio State Buckeyes lost an immense amount of talent to the NFL, Miller indicates that Urban Meyer and company could send a staggering six players to the first round in 2018.
Early look is another 4-5 Ohio State first-rounders on defense and maybe Price on offense. Loaded as always.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) July 7, 2017
The defensive talent is off the charts once again at Ohio State, with Denzel Ward, Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield ready to take on big roles in the secondary. Beyond that, Sam Hubbard is perhaps the most hyped player on the defense in Columbus and Tyquan Lewis is coming off the best season of any returning player for the Buckeyes.
As Miller notes, the offensive side could have a first-round pick as well and he elaborated on offensive lineman Billy Price.
Talked about Billy Price on radio yesterday so watching more film. I absolutely love his play. Tough as hell mentality. Will be a Rd1 center
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) July 7, 2017
Price played guard a season ago as big-time veteran Pat Elflein occupied the center spot. Still, no one questions Price's ability at this point and, if he can navigate the transition, it is certainly possible that a first-round pick could be in the cards.
It is awfully telling that this list does not include quarterback J.T. Barrett, who is a tremendous college player and the leader of the offense. In short, Ohio State's talent is off the charts once again and the Big Ten is on notice as a result.
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