It isn't going to be another weekend-long Ohio State commercial but the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine will still have a distinct Buckeye flavor to it.
Eight members of Urban Meyer's 2016 team are set to participate in interviews, various workouts and medical examinations this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Buckeyes sent 14 players last season to the Underwear Olympics, the most of any school. This time around that honor goes to Ohio State's arch-rival, Michigan. A total of 14 Wolverines received the nod this year. The Buckeyes topped Michigan 30-27 in double overtime late last November.
The league sent invitations to 330 prospects. The SEC leads all conferences with 66 players in Indianapolis, followed by the ACC with 60 and Big Ten with 51. Alabama and LSU tie for the second-most invites behind Michigan with 10.
| TEAM | INVITES |
|---|---|
| MICHIGAN | 14 |
| OHIO STATE | 8 |
| WISCONSIN | 6 |
| IOWA | 4 |
| ILLINOIS | 4 |
| MICHIGAN STATE | 3 |
| MINNESOTA | 3 |
| NEBRASKA | 2 |
| PENN STATE | 2 |
| INDIANA | 2 |
| NORTHWESTERN | 2 |
| MARYLAND | 1 |
| RUTGERS | 0 |
| PURDUE | 0 |
Ohio State's contingent again has a high number of players that had remaining college eligibility. Those who left early — wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Noah Brown, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore plus safety Malik Hooker — are sure to be the topic of many conversations among top NFL personnel this weekend. Seniors Pat Elflein and Cameron Johnston are also among the pool of players scheduled to arrive and workout at the House That Peyton Built.
General managers, analysts, scouts and fans will be on hand with their stopwatches and notepads to dissect this year's crop of future professional players. The medical examinations are arguably the most important part of the weekend ahead of in-person interviews with teams that show interest in the various prospects.
Trailing Michigan and Ohio State, Wisconsin is next among Big Ten teams with six players in Indianapolis. Illinois and Iowa each have four, while Minnesota and Michigan State have three apiece. Nebraska, Penn State, Northwestern and Indiana each sent two, while Maryland has one in William Likely. Purdue and Rutgers did not have a player invited. See the table to the right for a breakdown of Big Ten talent. A team in bold indicates an Ohio State opponent from 2016.
According to the NFL's Combine website, the league determines which players are chosen to participate by using a selection committee composed of Directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services. Those scouting services are comprised of 25 NFL teams in which the personnel is different every year. Various NFL staff also partake in the committee.
The 2017 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29 in Philadelphia. Below is a further breakdown of this week's happenings at Lucas Oil Stadium. All media interviews with prospects are scheduled to take place at Indiana Convention Center right next door.
Running backs, offensive linemen and specialists were scheduled to start arriving in Indianapolis on Tuesday for pre-combine orientation, X-rays and to begin the interview process with teams.
Wednesday, March 1
- Running Backs, Offensive Linemen, Specialists: Measurements, Medical Examinations, Overflow Testing, Interviews
- Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends: Head to Indianapolis, Pre-Examination, X-Rays, Orientation, Overflow Testing, Interviews
Thursday, March 2
- Running Backs, Offensive Linemen, Specialists: NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, PK/ST Workout, Bench Press, Media Interviews
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Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends: Measurements, Medical Examination, Overflow Testing, Interviews
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Defensive Line, Linebackers: Head to Indianapolis, Pre-Examination, X-Rays, Orientation, Overflow Testing, Interviews
2017 NFL Combine Scheduled Media Availability DATE TIME POSITION OSU PLAYER Thursday, March 2 2-3 p.m. RB – Thursday, March 2 3-5 p.m. OL Pat Elflein Friday, March 3 2-3 p.m. QB, WR Noah Brown, Curtis Samuel Friday, March 3 3-4 p.m. TE, K, P Cameron Johnston Friday, March 3 4-5 p.m. QB, WR Brown, Samuel Saturday, March 4 2-4 p.m. DL – Saturday, March 4 4-5 p.m. LB Raekwon McMillan Sunday, March 5 2-5 p.m. DB Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker
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Defensive Line, Linebackers: Head to Indianapolis, Pre-Examination, X-Rays, Orientation, Overflow Testing, Interviews
Friday, March 3
- Running Backs, Offensive Linemen, Specialists: On-field workouts
- Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends: NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, Bench Press, Media, Interviews
- Defensive Line, Linebackers: Measurements, Medical Examination, Overflow Testing, Interviews
- Defensive Backs: Head to Indianapolis, Pre-Examination, X-Rays, Orientation, Interviews
Saturday, March 4
- Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends: On-field workouts
- Defensive Line: Psychological Testing, NFLPA Meeting, Bench Press, Media, Interviews
- Defensive Backs: Measurements, Medical Examination, Overflow Testing, Interviews
Sunday, March 5
- Defensive Line: On-field workouts
- Defensive Backs: NFLPA Meeting, Psychological Testing, Media Bench Press, Interviews
Monday, March 6
- Defensive Backs: On-field workouts
Ohio State won't have a player in working out with every position group unlike last year but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty going on with regards to past members of Urban Meyer's program. I will be in Indianapolis from Thursday to Sunday speaking to each Buckeye at the Combine once they are made available. You can follow me on Twitter here.
It's a huge week for the future of these players, so expect stories, videos and anything else pertinent throughout the workouts and interview process.
NFL Network is your home for live coverage of the event, starting Friday at noon, but stick with Eleven Warriors for all things Ohio State.
