Almost 150 NFL Representatives Attend the Pro Day at Ohio State
Nearly 150 NFL Representatives Attend Ohio State’s Pro Day
On a crisp, early spring day in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State University Buckeyes showcased their athletic prowess and NFL prospects to nearly 150 NFL representatives, marking a crucial event in the NFL Draft process. Ohio State’s Pro Day is a longstanding tradition that attracts scouts, coaches, general managers, and other key personnel from teams across the league. This year’s Pro Day, held at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, was no different in terms of significance, drawing a crowd of nearly 150 representatives from various NFL franchises. The event allowed athletes from Ohio State to showcase their talents in front of those with the power to make or break their professional football futures.
Pro Day: An Essential Part of the NFL Draft Process
The NFL Draft, which is a multi-day event that occurs annually in late April, serves as the primary method for teams to acquire new talent. While scouts, coaches, and general managers watch film and study college game tape all season long, Pro Day offers a crucial in-person opportunity to evaluate prospects in various physical tests, drills, and workouts. College players looking to make a leap to the NFL must demonstrate their athleticism, agility, and football-specific skills at Pro Day, which includes a series of combine-like exercises such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle drills, and position-specific drills.
For Ohio State athletes, Pro Day is the culmination of months of training and preparation. It provides an opportunity to impress NFL scouts, who may not have seen them in person throughout the regular season or during the Combine due to scheduling conflicts or travel limitations. It also offers players a chance to show that they have improved in areas such as speed, strength, flexibility, and agility.
The Ohio State Buckeyes: A Football Powerhouse
Ohio State is widely regarded as one of the premier football programs in the country, with a history of producing top-tier NFL talent. Over the years, numerous Buckeye alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, from Hall of Fame players like Jack Tatum and Cris Carter to modern-day stars like Nick Bosa, Dwayne Haskins, and Chase Young.
The significance of Ohio State’s Pro Day is therefore heightened, as scouts know that they are likely witnessing some of the nation’s best and brightest football talent. Ohio State consistently sends players to the NFL Draft, with some being selected in the early rounds and others emerging as valuable contributors later in the draft or as undrafted free agents.
This year, Ohio State was no exception, as a strong group of prospects took the field for Pro Day with the hopes of solidifying their draft stock and impressing scouts. Some of the biggest names in the group included wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., cornerback Cameron Brown, and quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had already received attention for his outstanding performances throughout the previous college season.
Key Players at Ohio State’s Pro Day
- C.J. Stroud – Quarterback
C.J. Stroud entered Ohio State’s Pro Day as one of the most highly anticipated players in the 2025 NFL Draft. As one of the top quarterbacks in college football over the past two seasons, Stroud was expected to be among the top picks in the upcoming draft. His decision to declare for the NFL Draft, following a stellar college career, was met with great fanfare.
Stroud’s performance at Pro Day drew significant attention, as scouts were eager to see how his skills would translate to an NFL system. Known for his precise arm, ability to read defenses, and quick decision-making, Stroud demonstrated his impressive throwing mechanics, ability to make tight throws under pressure, and his composure in the pocket. His leadership qualities were also on display as he conducted his throwing session with poise and focus. Stroud has long been considered a top quarterback prospect, and Pro Day was his chance to further solidify his draft stock.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, widely considered one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, also had his moment in the spotlight at Ohio State’s Pro Day. Despite battling injuries during the 2024 season, Smith-Njigba was able to demonstrate why he was regarded as one of the top playmakers in college football.
Known for his smooth route-running, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and playmaking ability after the catch, Smith-Njigba was one of the most highly anticipated players at Pro Day. Although his injury-riddled season made it difficult for him to showcase his skills during live game action, Pro Day provided him with an opportunity to demonstrate his explosive speed and agility during the combine-style drills. Smith-Njigba’s ability to separate from defenders and his elite skills as a route runner were on full display.
- Paris Johnson Jr. – Offensive Tackle
Offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. entered Ohio State’s Pro Day as one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 310 pounds, Johnson has the ideal frame and athleticism that NFL teams seek in an offensive lineman. His combination of size, strength, and quickness has led many to project him as a first-round pick.
At Pro Day, Johnson’s performance was closely watched by NFL scouts, as they assessed his footwork, hand placement, and ability to protect the quarterback. His presence on the field was commanding, as he showcased the skill set that has made him a standout offensive lineman for Ohio State. Johnson’s physical tools and football IQ have earned him a reputation as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft class.
- Cameron Brown – Cornerback
Cornerback Cameron Brown was another prospect to watch at Ohio State’s Pro Day. Known for his physicality and ball skills, Brown demonstrated his agility and fluid movement during the position-specific drills. Scouts were particularly interested in seeing how Brown would perform in the 40-yard dash, the shuttle, and the three-cone drill, which assess a cornerback’s quickness and change of direction ability.
Brown has been a key player in Ohio State’s secondary, and his performance at Pro Day was vital in giving NFL teams a better understanding of his athleticism and ability to guard top-tier receivers at the next level. Though cornerbacks often face an uphill battle to earn a high draft spot, Brown’s draft stock improved based on his impressive showing in front of the gathered NFL representatives.
The Importance of the 150 NFL Representatives
The 150 NFL representatives in attendance underscored the significance of Ohio State’s Pro Day and the high level of interest in its athletes. Representatives came from virtually every NFL team, with many franchises sending multiple personnel, including general managers, head coaches, and scouts.
With the NFL Draft approaching, teams use Pro Day as an opportunity to check boxes on their evaluation process, confirm what they’ve seen on film, and get an in-person look at a player’s athleticism. Often, these visits also provide the chance for teams to conduct informal interviews, gauge a player’s personality, and see how they handle the pressure of performing in front of a crowd.
For NFL executives, the presence at Ohio State’s Pro Day was a reminder of the critical nature of these events. A well-executed Pro Day can help elevate a player’s draft status, while a disappointing performance could result in a drop in selection order or, in some cases, a fall out of the draft altogether.
The Aftermath and Moving Forward
In the days following Ohio State’s Pro Day, the focus turned to the upcoming NFL Draft. For those prospects who performed well, the event may have been the final push needed to solidify their position in the eyes of NFL teams. Meanwhile, for those who may have been less impressive, Pro Day represented one last chance to show improvement before the draft process entered its final stages.
For Ohio State’s players, Pro Day was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Many of them entered the day knowing that their NFL dreams depended on putting together a strong performance in front of NFL scouts. For the NFL representatives who attended, it was a chance to further assess some of the best talent available for the draft and continue building their plans for the future of their respective franchises.
As the NFL Draft draws closer, Ohio State’s Pro Day will remain a key moment in the evaluation process for the players who participated. What happens next for these athletes will depend largely on how they performed on Pro Day, but it’s clear that Ohio State continues to be a fertile ground for NFL talent, with nearly 150 NFL representatives confirming its importance in the football world.
