Jack Sawyer, Will Howard, and other standout Ohio State football players remain top prospects for the upcoming NFL draft.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Ohio State football’s deep talent pool continues to be one of the most watched in college football. The Buckeyes have long been a breeding ground for top-tier talent, regularly sending players to the NFL. This year is no different, as a number of Ohio State’s top prospects have positioned themselves as high picks in the upcoming draft. Among these standout players are defensive end Jack Sawyer and quarterback Will Howard. Both athletes, while coming from different positions, have showcased their talent and are now poised to make an impact in the NFL.

Ohio State’s football program has consistently produced elite prospects year after year, with players entering the NFL Draft as ready-made professionals. From wide receivers to defensive backs, the Buckeyes have seen success in nearly every position. The upcoming draft looks like it will continue that tradition. For players like Sawyer, Howard, and others still on the radar, this draft marks a defining moment in their careers. Let’s take a deep dive into the top remaining NFL Draft prospects from Ohio State, starting with Jack Sawyer and Will Howard.

Jack Sawyer: A Defensive Star Poised to Make an Impact

Jack Sawyer entered Ohio State as a highly touted recruit, and through his tenure with the Buckeyes, he has done more than live up to the hype. As one of the most highly recruited defensive ends in recent memory, Sawyer’s career at Ohio State was filled with both promise and production. Now, with the NFL Draft on the horizon, Sawyer is one of the most highly anticipated defensive prospects available.

Career at Ohio State

Sawyer’s time at Ohio State was marked by his physicality, motor, and versatility on the field. A player with an uncanny ability to rush the passer and set the edge against the run, Sawyer quickly became one of the cornerstones of the Buckeyes’ defense. Throughout his career, he displayed the type of relentless effort that NFL scouts crave, coupled with excellent technical skills.

One of Sawyer’s most notable traits is his ability to read the game and make adjustments on the fly. His high football IQ, combined with his physical attributes, makes him a force on the field. His quickness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt the pocket consistently earned him recognition as one of the best pass rushers in college football. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Sawyer’s ability to defend the run was one of the highlights of his game at Ohio State, making him a complete defender who can contribute in multiple areas.

NFL Draft Outlook

Sawyer’s combination of size, strength, and speed makes him an ideal candidate to be selected in the first or second round of the NFL Draft. Defensive ends with the kind of explosive potential that Sawyer possesses are highly coveted, and he has the ability to contribute right away at the professional level. He has often been compared to some of the league’s top edge rushers, with analysts predicting that he could become a cornerstone piece of a defensive line in need of a high-impact pass rusher.

Given the emphasis in today’s NFL on rushing the passer and applying constant pressure on the quarterback, Sawyer’s skill set is incredibly valuable. Teams looking to add an edge rusher with versatility and the ability to disrupt plays in multiple facets will be drawn to Sawyer’s talents. While he may not be a lock for a top-10 pick, his name is certainly expected to be called early in the draft.

Will Howard: A Quarterback with Strong Potential

Will Howard, who has been a key figure in Ohio State’s offense, is another player whose name has made its way to the top of NFL Draft discussions. Known for his poise, arm strength, and leadership, Howard stands as one of the top quarterbacks available in this draft class. After stepping in as a key playmaker for the Buckeyes, Howard has shown that he has the tools to succeed at the next level.

Career at Ohio State

Howard’s college football career was defined by his leadership and ability to elevate his team’s play. A strong, durable quarterback, Howard stood out not only for his passing ability but also for his decision-making. Over the course of his career at Ohio State, Howard demonstrated an ability to lead in clutch moments, making big plays in crucial games. His performances in high-pressure situations have garnered attention from NFL scouts who value quarterbacks with the mental and physical traits necessary to excel at the next level.

Throughout his tenure at Ohio State, Howard improved his mechanics and showed growth in his understanding of offensive schemes. His arm strength is one of his most impressive attributes, allowing him to make deep throws with precision and velocity. Additionally, his mobility in the pocket and ability to extend plays have earned him comparisons to some of the more mobile quarterbacks in the NFL.

Howard’s college career was filled with milestones. As he demonstrated consistency, accuracy, and leadership, he became a crucial part of Ohio State’s offensive success. His ability to stay calm under pressure, combined with his impressive physical tools, makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams in search of their next franchise quarterback.

NFL Draft Outlook

When it comes to quarterbacks, the NFL Draft can be a tricky proposition. Teams often look for a variety of traits, ranging from accuracy to arm strength, leadership, and decision-making. Howard possesses many of these qualities, which has kept him on the radar of NFL teams looking for a quarterback to develop. As of now, Howard is seen as a potential second-to-third-round pick, but much of that will depend on his performance in pre-draft workouts and evaluations.

A team that selects Howard could look to him as a long-term project or immediate backup, depending on the situation. His experience and leadership qualities make him a potential candidate for teams in need of a quarterback who can step in and compete for the starting job in the near future. Given his solid college career and his high ceiling, it is no surprise that Howard remains one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects heading into the draft.

Other Notable Ohio State Draft Prospects

While Jack Sawyer and Will Howard are among the most notable names in the draft class for Ohio State, the Buckeyes have several other talented players who have garnered attention from NFL scouts. Here are a few other key names to watch as the draft approaches:

Paris Johnson Jr. (Offensive Tackle)

One of the top offensive linemen in this year’s class, Paris Johnson Jr. has been a standout for Ohio State over the past few seasons. With a combination of size, strength, and mobility, Johnson has impressed scouts with his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes. He is expected to be a first-round pick, with many believing he could be a future anchor on the offensive line for any team that selects him.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Wide Receiver)

Though he may be considered a lock for the NFL Draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s performances at Ohio State have cemented him as one of the top receivers in this year’s class. His route-running ability, hands, and football IQ make him a prime target for teams in need of a dynamic playmaker. He may very well be one of the first wide receivers taken off the board in the 2024 draft.

Zach Harrison (Defensive End)

Much like Sawyer, Zach Harrison has been a key player on Ohio State’s defensive line. His explosive first step and ability to put pressure on the quarterback make him a valuable prospect for NFL teams looking for edge rushers. Although he has had to share the spotlight with other top-tier players at Ohio State, Harrison has the potential to become a key player at the next level.