Buckeye Seniors in the Draft

By TennesseeJohn -26 November 2012
50 Comments
- Football

I was thinking about the graduating seniors and how some of them might fare in the draft. This may have discussed elsewhere, but does anyone have projections for them? I imagine several of them at least will be selected in the first few rounds. Simon, certainly, and Boren showed well for himself too this year. Stoneburner didn't have the breakout season he may have wnated but he's got the size to play in the NFL. What do you guys think?

FormerBuck on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:02pm #

Let me preface this by saying I have not seen any mock drafts so I could be seeing things way differently than some NFL scouts, but with those 3 players you mentioned, I see...

Simon may find himself as a late first rounder but more likely in the second round

Boren will have free agent offers from the teams that still actually use a fullback

Stoneburner may get taken later in the draft (6-7th round) as teams are starting to use more of a receiving tight end on 3rd downs. He's not good enough at blocking to be a starting tight end, and he's not quick enough to be a slot receiver as DB's could cover him 1 on 1 rather easily. However, I think he would be a tough cover for most LBs

Rural Meyer on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:07pm #

Simon has the hips of a nose tackle and cannot play in space, he's also to small to play on the d-line at the next level. I think you see a team draft him in the 3rd-4th round at OLB.

ou88bocat on 27 Nov 2012 - 10:58am #

I love John Simon but there's no way he plays OLB in the NFL...not fast or quick enough, and he's not used to playing in space.

Triv on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:13pm #

Please god don't let Brewster see you said Simon could be a first rounder. I too am in his corner, Simon, despite all he's done for osu and his amazing work ethic, does not belong in the first or second round. He is a classic tweener

Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite

BrewstersMillions on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:18pm #

He also lacks a second move or any real explosive, change of direction. If he's going to be an end, he'll be a 'clunky' one who isn't great at the point of attack and will really struggle with the length NFL linemen have. He's got some things going for him on the (I shudder because I hate this word) Intangible side but I suspect a sub par 40 (in fairness, bullshit this number even affects DL), shuttle, and vertical will hurt his stock. I'd bet 32 plus reps on the bench will certainly help but he isn't a game changing player that can come in and immediately impact a team. Especially at a position who's learning curve isn't that great at this level. Corners, wide outs, QB's, and offensive linemen have a little more in terms of rookie forgiveness but ends don't always grow into great players-they either are or they aren't when it comes to first round end. I've said this a lot-first or second round is a total reach and bad pick for Simon, third is the right value, 4th and beyond and some GM flat out stole from his contemporaries. My amateur prediction-is he will be in 70-85 player range.

EDIT@ Triv-HAHAHA Perfect timing amigo.

4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off

tennbuckeye19 on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:31pm #

FWIW: I've looked at several mocks, and most right now don't go past the 1st round, but NOBODY has Simon as a 1st round pick, and for good reason (as Brewster and Triv have said above). One mock that picked through the 3rd round and was quite sketchy at best, had Simon going in the middle of the 3rd round. Also, no surprise, but most have Hankins in the top 10.

BrewstersMillions on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:40pm #

Lets hope someone puts a serious blackout on Hankins' internet usage....

I really want to see him be a part of next years defense but he has some rare athleticism for a man of his stature, I know no one would fault him for cashing in on a once in a lifetime chance.

4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off

Poison nuts on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:04pm #

Yep. Start the petition now...We want you back Hank.

The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.

buck-I.8 on 28 Nov 2012 - 2:03pm #

Kiper just dropped him to #16 on the big board. If his statements before the season were true he won't be satisfied by that

Riggins on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:38pm #

Forum ate my comment... Ugh.

Abridged version: Reid Fragel is going to rocket up draft boards once the scouts get a look at game tape and we have the combine.

He finished the year as arguably our strongest OL. He hasn't put on hardly any body fat since he transitioned from TE. He might be the leanest 300 pounder I've ever seen. Once he grows into his OL body he should be 320 easy.

The NFL has had a lot of success with guys who started out as college TEs but transitioned to OT. This bodes well for Reid.

My prediction? He battles Simon for the highest draft slot for a Buckeye this year and ultimately wins by getting selected in the mid to late 2nd round.

Triv on 26 Nov 2012 - 6:57pm #

I assume your only considering seniors? Hankins, Roby, and maybe even Hyde could go before the late second

Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite

Riggins on 26 Nov 2012 - 8:06pm #

Yes, only considering seniors. That's the thread title.

Obviously Hankins is a 1st round lock if he goes. I don't think Roby and Hyde are leaving but they could definitely go high as well.

Buckeye Chuck on 26 Nov 2012 - 8:17pm #

I agree Fragel is the wild card. A team that's able to stash him on a practice squad for a year might have themselves a pretty good player in time.

Not sure about Travis Howard's potential as far as the draft goes. Chimdi Chekwa spent his time in Columbus being even more criticized than Howard, and he went in the fourth round.

The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.

Scarlatina on 27 Nov 2012 - 1:46am #

Chimdi also ran a 4.35 40 at the combine... no way Al Davis could pass that up.

Look at Oakland's 2011 Draft Class

3rd - DeMarcus Van Dyke (4.28s 40)

4th - Chimdi Chekwa (4.35s)

5th - Taiwan Jones (4.33s)

6th - Denarius Moore (4.45s)

Al Davis was trying to draft a 4x100m relay team in the middle rounds haha.

OSUBias on 27 Nov 2012 - 11:37am #

And now Al Davis is gone...speed really does kill

When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."

Dougger on 27 Nov 2012 - 1:04pm #

boom!!!

I like football

otrain2416 on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:30am #

Hankins- early to mid 1st if he goes

Roby- late 1st early 2nd if he goes

Stoneburner- undrafted FA

Fragel- 5th-7th worth taking a look at in the later rounds as a developmental tackle or even a monster TE he's 6'8'' 310 and has less than 8% body fat!

Howard- 5th-7th I'd definately take a shot on him in the later rounds

Simon mid 2nd- 3rd and yes I believe he is talented enough to get picked this high as long as his injury is nothing serious

Sabino- undrafted FA

Boren- 6th-7th depending if they want a special teams guy or need a position filled. Remember he is very versital LB/FB/special teams

FormerBuck on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:41am #

For those that question Simon and his size, he is the same size (and actually 8 lbs heavier) as one of the NFL's best DEs Osi Umenyiora. He has an unlimited motor, which the NFL loves in its DEs. And lastly, Urban Meyer loves him maybe even more than Tebow. Don't underestimate the power of Urban when it comes to hyping his players to NFL GMs. I could totally see the Patriots taking him with about the 30th pick in the first round.

Squirrel Master on 27 Nov 2012 - 11:54am #

New England would be a perfect storm. Still need some DE. Picking late first definitely this year. Belichick is very good friends with Urban.

I agree Formerbuck, anyone who questions Simon's size and speed really haven't watched much NFL these days. Players break the mold all the time.

but I am sticking with mid 2nd round because I also believe NE will either trade up and get someone they covet or trade down out of the first round like they often do.

BrewstersMillions on 27 Nov 2012 - 3:52pm #

Osi was a late second round pick too though.

4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off

TheBadOwl on 27 Nov 2012 - 4:57am #

Nate Ebner got drafted, I bet Boren will as well, in the 6th or 7th round. He'll definitely get a chance somewhere as a fullback, but I hope someone gives him a shot as a linebacker. He was a beast for us down the stretch.

Howard will be a 4th-6th round pick. Hard to predict that late. I'd say Simon gets taken in the third or fourth. Fragel could be a second or third rounder after the combine, and I think Sabino can be picked somewhere in the later rounds.

I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.

3technique on 27 Nov 2012 - 8:56am #

I'll preface this by saying Boren was a special player here. I am not sure he is fast enough in pass coverage. Sabino IS fast, but lacks Boren's instincts. Fragel will be a steal at tackle. If he had moved earlier in his career, he would have been a first round pick. I love Simon and I think his work ethic is already pro level. I can see him in the third round. Some team will find a spot for him.

AllDay028 on 27 Nov 2012 - 10:41am #

Boren isn't getting drafted as a LB, he will get drafted as a FB. Kiper has him as one of the top couple FB's in the draft. It kind of depends on when a team thinks it should draft a FB but as high as 5th round is not out of the question for him.

Stoneburner will probably work out well enough to get into the later rounds. Hankins is a top 10 pick. Roby is a late first round pick. Simon is thirdish round depending on how athletic he looks at the combine. Howard is a 4-6th rounder. Reid Fragel is a late rounder now but I expect he'll rocket up draft boards when he works out. I see him as a thirdish rounder as well.

Squirrel Master on 27 Nov 2012 - 11:50am #

I've seen Simon in the 3rd round a lot. I say he will go up to the 2nd round a bit before the draft. I still say I wouldn't be surprised if a team falls in love with him for whatever reason and takes him late in the 1st but I really think a 2nd rounder fits perfectly. Plus I think some teams might look at the difference of games where Simon was in and what games he missed due to injury. There was a noticable difference in run defense last Saturday. Bennett was getting murdered and was missing tackles.

Fragel, Stoneburner, Sabino and Goebel I have no idea. They could go mid to late or not be drafted at all. Depends on who they connect with.

I really think Boren helped himself with that move. Not only is he really the 2nd best FB in College, he was becoming a pretty good MLB these last few games. I can actually see him sneaking into 3rd-4th round for a team that likes versatility.

I really don't see Klein, Howard, Nate Williams and Ben Buchanon getting into the NFL. Nate would have had a shot but his knees will scare off teams. Howard maybe an undrafted FA.

tennbuckeye19 on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:10pm #

Hey Squirrel - Are you thinking KC is gonna take Geno Smith @ #1? That's who most mocks I've seen have them taking. Thoughts?

Squirrel Master on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:19pm #

It was flopping back and forth with Barkley and Smith. I would prefer Smith over Barkley (my joke is "one QB named Matt from USC is enough"). Really, I would love it if they traded down to 3-4, draft Manti Te'o and then try to trade back up and either get Tyler Wilson or the fast rising Mike Glennon. but most likely they will take Geno. I wouldn't hate that pick. He is good but needs some development. Too much out of shotgun.

Geno Smith and then trade up to 20-21 and get CJ Mosley would make me very happy!

AllDay028 on 28 Nov 2012 - 2:46pm #

If you believe the experts, Howard will absolutely get drafted.

Buckeyejason on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:07pm #

Simon/ 2nd-4th Rd

Stoneburner/ 4th-6th rd

Howard/ 5th-8th rd

Boren-6th-8th or in drafted free agent

Goebel- in drafted free agent.

Fragel- understated free agent.

Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.

703Buckeye on 28 Nov 2012 - 3:23pm #

Jason: There is no 8th round.

"Attack the Strong, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead!"
-Former OSU S&C Coach Lichter

Buckeyejason on 28 Nov 2012 - 6:18pm #

My bad meant 9th rd.

Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.

Lincoln on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:10pm #

If its my team, there is no chance I take Simon (for many reasons listed in this thread) in the first. But if I have a chance at him in the 3rd or 4th no way I pass on that chance, I would love to have John Simon on my team. At the very least he is a rotational guy that will give you balls to the wall effort and wear out the Oline on every down.

Squirrel Master on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:23pm #

My Chiefs will most likely pick first in the 3rd round. I would love to have Simon there. We need a DE in the rotation and kick Tyson Jackson (a prototypical 3-4 DE that has busted) to the curb. If anything, my teams defense needs some strong leaders and he will at least be that. Between Hali, DJ, Dorsey, Poe and Houston, there is enough talent. They just don't have a leader. I think that is why I really want Manti Te'o despite the overwhelming need for a QB.

BrewstersMillions on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:48pm #

Te'o will fit in the middle of a 3-4 system like a glove and if KC switches to a 4-3 he's your prototype MLB. He'd really help KC on an already decent side of the ball. If I'm not mistaken the KC D hasn't been brutal this year, has it?

4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off

Squirrel Master on 27 Nov 2012 - 3:11pm #

started out rough. First couple of games they couldn't stop anyone. but since then they have been decent with a few great games. Stanford Routt was a huge mistake.

but anyone can tell that the team sucks mostly due to Cassel and/or whoever the QB is. I have watched most of the games and the team can drive the ball down the field. They just don't have the QB to get it into the endzone.

OldColumbusTown on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:23pm #

The thing about Fragel is during the combine, when they have the "shirtless meat show," he will be the talk of the town. A guy who weighs 310 pounds should not look as lean as he is, or have the agility he does. Some team is going to absolutely fall in love with his frame, his potential, and frankly, his production after one year at the position. I would not be surprised at all if he is a mid-2nd round pick, by some team looking for a top tackle who missed out on the position in the 1st round.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity"

OldColumbusTown on 27 Nov 2012 - 12:29pm #

Other personal predictions:

Simon (3rd)

Howard (5th)

Stoneburner (6th)

Boren (6th)

Goebel (7th)

If Hankins goes, he's obviously a top 10-15 pick. Roby would possibly edge up to a late-1st rounder, but it would depend on his 40 time and how it compares to the other top CB prospects. I predict 2nd round if he goes this year, but a top 20 pick if he waits it out one more year. Lastly, Hyde would be a 3rd rounder right now, but again, if he waits it out one more year and can put up the type of 40 time we've all heard he can.. he could be a surprise 1st rounder.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity"

southbymidwest on 27 Nov 2012 - 1:29pm #

I have a question-so now that the seniors that are hoping to get into the NFL are done with the team/season, are they allowed at team lifts? Can they still work with the staff on refining skills and technique/speed/weightlifting or are they not allowed to do that? (Or does staff not have time for them anymore?) Do they have to go to a personal trainer who specializes in getting guys into the NFL for that? Always wondered that.

TennesseeJohn on 27 Nov 2012 - 1:42pm #

great question...they're still in school, right?

Unless they're a 5 year and have already graduated.

southbymidwest on 27 Nov 2012 - 2:02pm #

I was wondering because I am assuming they have now used up their eligibility. I know that Williams is graduating in a couple of weeks, perhaps there are others. Once they have used up their eligibility or have graduated, does the NCAA look at them differently as to contact with coaches or use of facilities?

AllDay028 on 28 Nov 2012 - 2:48pm #

They can still work out with the team as this is still the same season until after the bowl games (though, we can't do bowl practices anyways). Many will actually take a leave of absence from school for the spring, though, and spend their time working out with a trainer that specializes in combine preparation.

Defend Youngstown on 27 Nov 2012 - 1:31pm #

I'm fully on board with the Reid Fragel talk. Some team is going to take him in the 4th-6th round and get an absolute steal.

IBleedSandG on 27 Nov 2012 - 3:09pm #

I'd love if the Bengals got him and got rid of Andre Smith's fat ass in a year or two.

IBleedSandG on 27 Nov 2012 - 3:08pm #

I believe all the guys mentioned in the original post will get a shot at the very least.

Simon has a unbelieveable motor and who knows what he would have done this year is he stayed healthier.

Boren had to bump his stock up a little b/c he showed he can play on both sides of the ball pretty effectively. I think his position in the NFL is at FB though. He doesn't quite have the size to play LB, but you never know.

I was one of the many that thought Stoney would have a big year as a Senior. He struggled with some drops and maybe the flip back to WR was tougher to deal with than we thought. I think he has talent and will land w/ someone.

I agree with some of the others that Fragel is gonna be a steal for someone. He may still need some work, but his ceiling has gotta be pretty high.

Another guy that might turn out to be a good pro is O.J. Urban mentioned a few times that he wished he had him for another year b/c he was starting to turn a corner. He has good size for a safety.

OldColumbusTown on 27 Nov 2012 - 3:14pm #

Johnson does have good size height-wise, but not necessarily bulk-wise. He's still a little slender to play a legitimate safety in the NFL and be counted on as a run-stopper. He could play a ST role and possibly as a safety specifically in passing situations, but I doubt that is good enough to get him drafted.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity"

Bucks43201 on 27 Nov 2012 - 3:14pm #

ok, guys, I've been crunching some numbers. And, this is what I came up with for the Buckeyes after my 7 round mock draft. (By the way, this is tooootally non-biased towards my favorite college & NFL teams, just so you know)

1st Round: Johnathan Hankins (DT - Ohio State) goes to.....the Pittsburgh Steelers! (after they trade up)

2nd Round: John Simon (DL - Ohio State)....Pittsburgh Steelers

3rd Round: Reid Fragel (OT - Ohio State).....Pittsburgh Steelers

4th Round: Travis Howard (CB - Ohio State)....Pittsburgh Steelers

5th Round: Jake Stoneburner (WR/TE - Ohio State)....Pittsburgh Steelers

6th Round: Garret Goebel (DL - Ohio State).....Pittsburgh Steelers

7th Round: Zach Boren (FB/LB - Ohio State)....Pittsburgh Steelers

"You win with people." - Woody Hayes

jarheadbuckeyefan on 28 Nov 2012 - 5:52pm #

i could only hope for a draft like this for the steelers where they take nothing but Buckeyes and they all make the team. honestly i could see the steelers going for any of those listed except maybe howard since corner is less of a need than the other positions our seniors just happen to fill

All the games of the season are just practices for that glorious saturday in November when we get to jack Shoelace's invisible cereal bowl and drink our fill of delicious skunkweasel tears ...Michigan Still Sucks!!

jarheadbuckeyefan on 28 Nov 2012 - 5:57pm #

also unfortunately depending on how long Big Ben is unable to play/offense stays untracked, we may not necessarily have to trade up to get Hank sadly

buckeyechad on 28 Nov 2012 - 6:11pm #

I like the way you think. They do seem to like drafting buckeyes, I'm still pissed that they traded Holmes though. Hopefully Mike Adams develops somewhat as a pass blocker in the near future.