With the college football season getting further and further away in the rearview mirror (and that object isn’t as close as it seems), the focus has shifted to the NFL playoffs, and soon thereafter the 2023 NFL Draft.
We’re just a few steps away from the conference championship game and the Super Bowl. Get ready to be bombarded with draft coverage until April, when all the real shenanigans die down in Kansas City.
One of the most followed draft guru is none other than ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. burner.
And here we are in late January. Kipper just updated his first-round predictions for his 2023 NFL Draft (subscription required), and after staring into his crystal ball, three Ohio State players were mentioned. I was. Below are the Buckeyes he predicts will go with the first 31 picks, and where he thinks they’ll land.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, wide receiver
September 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA. Buckeyes, Ohio wide receiver Jackson-Smith-Nigba, 11, saw Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Tarik Bracey, 28, during his NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
What is the Kiper project?
13th overall pick | New York Jets
Kuiper’s words
“We thought offensive lineman here, but instead let’s reunite the top-ranked receiver in this class with the top-ranked receiver in the 2022 class. The Jets selected Garrett Wilson with the 10th pick last April. He caught 83 for 1,103 yards as a rookie, but his teammate Smith-Nigba was the Buckeyes’ top wideout in 2021. However, he was plagued with injuries in 2022 and finished just five times. His health is in big question after he was only able to catch 1 pass.He had a nagging hamstring injury.
“I am a huge Smith-Nigba fan and I think he could be a star in the right circumstances. This offense could be greatly improved Last year’s Jets draft was great Smith-Njigba is a great start to this one Yes, now a top 15 pick for Jets receivers We know it will be a second year in a row, but Smith Niziba is worth it for what he and Wilson can do together.”
Paris Johnson Jr., offensive tackle
November 5, 2022. Evanston, Illinois, USA. Offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., 77, for the Buckeyes, Ohio, hit his shot for the head in the second half at Ryan Field. Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
What is the Kiper project?
11th overall pick | Tennessee Titans
Kuiper’s words
“Tennessee’s offense this season has been a mess, with the dismissal of coordinator Todd Downing. Longtime left tackle Taylor Lewan, who has only played 20 games in the last three seasons, could be a victim of an offseason cap. Johnson played guard for the Buckeyes in 2021, but moved to left tackle in 2022 and he’s been great, making him a top 15 pick plug-and-play starter. will be.”
CJ Stroud, quarterback
December 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Buckeyes, Ohio quarterback CJ Stroud, 7, touchdown wide to his receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (not pictured) in the second quarter of his 2022 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. throw his pass. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
What is the Kiper project?
No. 2 Overall Pick | Houston Texans
Kuiper’s words
“Houston just fired coach Rabby Smith, and the franchise’s clear offseason priority is improving its quarterback position. They really struggled in their second season because they were the worst in the league, and with two top 12 picks in this draft, they need to get quality starters to continue their rebuild.
“The Texans can pick top passers, so I think Stroud is the best fit here. I don’t usually put a lot of stock into a single game rating, but Stroud’s performance in a close loss to Georgia in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs showed me something. It’s been brilliant against elite defense, chopping up bulldogs, using his feet to manipulate pockets to find receivers, etc. Houston still has some needs, but that should start with Stroud.I just Stroud. I have barely Although behind Will Levis (Kentucky) and Bryce Young (Alabama) in my rankings, Stroud nods here because of how he fits in.
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