Inspired by a recent poll about which Pro Bowler Buckeye you’d most like to have back, I was thinking about which of all NFL players would make the biggest difference on the ‘21 team if one could be “drafted.”

Despite Stroud being a Housman finalist, a top NFL QB would obviously take our team (or any other) into the stratosphere, so I thought the discussion would be most interesting with the position excluded.

Off the top of my head, a “field general” linebacker would address a huge area of need and be able to impact a high number of snaps. Someone like Khalil Mack or TJ Watt would be a threat on every play, and also facilitate other defensive personnel to play more confidently and efficiently.

A disruptive defensive lineman could also generate the pressure that has been absent for us all season. We saw how dominant a college player like Chase Young can be—an Aaron Donald or Myles Garrett would outmatch the physicality of just about any 20 or 21 year old in the nation.

I don’t think you could justify an offensive player to add if you only get one pick, but if anything, a sure-fire guard like Quenton Nelson would help patch the run game woes that cost us against TTUN.

Which single NFL player would you draft to bolster this year’s Buckeye squad? Generally speaking, how much do you think a single non-QB NFL star could elevate a college team?