The Opening Drive 4/30: Looking Ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft
Can the Buckeyes sustain the recent success?
The 2026 NFL draft and spring ball for the Buckeyes are in the rearview mirror, and we are looking ahead to both the 2026 college football season. I heard a comment from Joel Klatt today that made me want to make this the topic today. He referred to Columbus and the OSU program as “ the NFL draft factory.” We’ve discussed the recent successes in both Slate’s Opening Drive from Monday and Tuesday’s episode! I wanted to look at next year’s roster and see what the draft might hold for the next crop of guys headed to the league from inside the Woody.
The Potential Number 1 Pick?
1996 was the last time a wide receiver went number one overall, in the NFL Draft. I don’t expect that to change given the fact that Dante Moore and Arch Manning will be in the draft class, but Jeremiah Smith is going to give teams something to think about. Smith should go early, and that would give the Buckeyes a first round wide receiver for the sixth consecutive year.
The Polarizing Prospect
Julian Sayin was the most accurate passer in college football in 2025, and is still aiming to be a better overall signal caller in 2026. Sayin will get drafted, should he choose to declare after this season. Where he would get drafted is the intriguing part. Our in-house QB expert Jake Burns has his reservations on how Sayin’s game translates to the league. at 6’1 and up to this point being unwilling to use his legs I can see why. You can’t take him to the lab and add two or three inches in height, but you can work on using his legs. If Sayin adds that element to his game you could be looking at a first round pick, especially given the infatuation the NFL has with quarterbacks.
Do the Offensive Linemen Get Their Flowers?
The OSU offensive line has looked good for the most part since the playoff run at the end of the 2024 season. The unit looked rough the last two games of 2025, but a strong schedule will allow them the chance to show improvement against better competition. A successful 2026 campaign will go a long way toward boosting the draftee list for the 2027 draft. At this moment in time, my assumption is that Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery, Austin Siereveld, and Phillip Daniels will all be drafted. Where things get interesting for the offensive line is who wins the battle for the final starting position, as Gabe VanSickle, Josh Padilla, and Ian Moore are all draft eligible. Even with a good year, I don’t think VanSickle or Padilla would bolt early, due to interior offensive linemen not being a premier position. If Ian Moore were to win the position and have a great year, you could see him depart early, as tackle is the most important position on the line.
What About the Rest of Zone 6?
Brandon Inniss has been fairly scrutinized by Buckeye faithful during his tenure thus far. At the end of the day, Inniss is an Ohio State wide receiver. I don’t know where he will fall, but I don’t see a world where he doesn’t get drafted.
Transfer wide receivers Kyle Parker and Devin McCuin both have plenty of potential and are going to have chances to show off their skill sets in the OSU offense. I think Parker would have been drafted had he stayed at LSU. McCuin is the intriguing piece to the puzzle. We’ve heard all the buzz about what he brings, and if he makes the most of his opportunities he could hear his name called too.
I can also see David Adloph getting drafted in the later rounds.
Other Potential Draftees From the Offense
There are plenty of other potential draftees from the offense, some will be contingent upon playing time while some will depend on staying healthy.
The recent success that OSU has seen with putting tight ends in the league could easily continue, given that there are four draft eligible players in the room. Bennett Christian, Hunter Welcing, Mason Williams, and Max LeBlanc are all eligible. LeBlanc would have to put together a phenomenal season of some variety to declare, as he’s only a junior. I anticipate that if Welcing stays healthy he’s a sure-fire draft pick. If Williams can develop much like the last tight end to transfer in from Ohio University, Will Kacmarek, he too should hear his name called.
Transfer running back Ja’kobi Jackson will have to prove that he can stay healthy in order for him to be drafted, but the tools are there if healthy.
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Is the Defensive Line Being Slept On?
A subject we will be looking at much more in-depth as we close in on the start of the season will be the defensive line. Spoiler alert: they’re being slept on. There are multiple guys from the defensive line that have the potential to be drafted. James Smith is probably the surefire draft pick, and his progression this season will go a long way in determining how early he hears his name called. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. could have declared this year, and would’ve been drafted. However, if he can play a full season like he did the back half of 2025 he should hear his name called earlier than it would have been this year.
Things get intriguing after that, because there is plenty of talent behind those two guys, but so much of it depends on progression and what the film shows. Beau Atkinson, John Walker, and Qua Russaw have all garnered praise during spring ball, and if those guys all continue to grow they could join the NFL brotherhood.
Will Smith Jr and Jason Moore will both have to take rather large leaps to be drafted I’d think. Eddrick Houston be draft-eligible too, but I think given that he’s still learning the interior he would be best to stay for his senior season.
Does the Linebacker Room Continue the Success?
It’s hard enough to replace one first round linebacker, let alone two. But, that’s what Coach Laurinaitis is tasked with doing. I don’t see OSU having two first rounders in 2027, and most likely not even two backers drafted. Payton Pierce will be eligible, but would need an Arvell Reese like come-up to declare. Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro is being deployed at both backer and edge, from the spring ball reports. I think he gets drafted to continue growing the Laurinaitis brand.
A Secondary Full of Unknowns
The secondary is full or new faces, but they are talented. Earl Little Jr. has shown flashes in his time at Florida State, and if he can come in and evolve into a true replacement for Caleb Downs the NFL will come calling for sure. Terry Moore has the range that the NFL loves, but coming off of ACL surgery successfully will be the storyline with him. Juniors Leroy Roker and Jaylen McClain will both be eligible, as well. Jermaine Mathews Jr. should hear his name called, but much like Earl Little so much of his draft position will hinge on growth. Mathews showed flashes last year, but had a rough game against Indiana in the Big Ten title game. If he can become more consistent he could easily be a day 2 pick. Cam Calhoun is going to be an interesting case study. If he can find his way on to the field he could be a late round pick.
The Success Will Continue
There are a lot of unknowns, with respect to draft positions, with the draft eligible Buckeyes on the 2026 roster. However, the potential is there to give the 15 player record, currently held by Georgia, a run. I don’t think this team will be nearly as top heavy as some draft classes, but it’s full of guys who can be solid contributors.
Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.
