The 2022 NFL draft kicks off tonight.
To get you ready for the festivities, we’ve compiled some notes about Ohio State’s history of first-round NFL draft picks. The Buckeyes have had more first-round picks than any other program, and if things go as planned for Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson on Thursday night, they’ll still have the all-time lead after this year.
| TEAM | PICKS |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 85 |
| USC | 84 |
| Alabama | 73 |
| Notre Dame | 69 |
| Miami | 66 |
All-Time First Round Selections
Ohio State currently retains a slim edge over USC for the all-time lead in opening round selections. The Buckeyes stand at 85 first round picks and the Trojans have 84.
If Dan Hope’s predictions come true, Wilson and Olave will bump the Buckeyes up to 87 opening-round selections. USC is also expected to have at least one first-round pick on Thursday night in fellow wide receiver Drake London, but Ohio State should remain on top unless USC unexpectedly has three players drafted in Round 1.
Simply The Best
| TEAM | PICKS |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 20 |
| Miami | 13 |
| Texas | 13 |
| Alabama | 12 |
| Florida State | 11 |
Defensive Backs
Since 1936, the Buckeyes have the most players selected in the first round in four positions, led by a whopping 20 defensive backs.
Many fans call Ohio State DBU. The Buckeye secondary calls itself BIA (best in America), and NFL teams agree.
Jeff Okudah and Shawn Springs are the highest drafted defensive backs in Ohio State history. The Lions selected Okudah with the third overall pick in the 2020 draft and the Seahawks took Springs in the identical spot of the 1997 draft.
Ohio State has a commanding lead with 20 defensive backs selected in the opening round. Texas and Miami are seven behind with 13 picks each. Alabama has 12 and Florida State 11 to round out the top five.
| TEAM | PICKS |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 9 |
| Miami | 8 |
| USC | 8 |
| Alabama | 7 |
| Florida State | 7 |
Defensive Ends
When Chase Young went in the first round in 2020, the Buckeyes bounced past Miami and USC to secure the top spot for the most first-round defensive ends all-time.
Running Backs and Centers
The scarlet and gray are tied with Penn State for the most first-round running backs all-time with 11. Like Notre Dame and Washington, Ohio State has had three centers called in the opening round.
Closing In
Ohio State trails Alabama by one at linebacker, where the Crimson Tide have had 12 first-round picks and the Buckeyes have had 11. The school that claims to be Linebacker University, Penn State, is tied with Florida State, Michigan State and Nebraska for sixth place.
At wide receiver, Tennessee is the current leader with 11 first-round picks. As of this moment, Ohio State is tied for second with eight wideouts selected in the opening round. After Wilson and Olave hear their names called tonight, the Buckeyes will be in sole possession of the No. 2 spot unless Alabama, LSU, Miami or USC also has two first-round wide receivers.
All-Time Top 3 Draft Picks
Ohio State players have been selected in the first three picks of an NFL draft 11 times. In 1997, Orlando Pace (1st) and Shawn Springs (3rd) became the first Buckeyes to be selected in the top three of the same draft.
In 2020, Chase Young (2nd) and Jeff Okudah (3rd) made Ohio State the only program to have two players drafted in the first three picks twice.
Yes, this is a rare occurrence in NFL draft history. Only seven teams have ever had two top-three picks in the same year, with four Big Ten teams – Ohio State twice, Michigan State (1967), Nebraska (1984) and Penn State (2000) – leading the way.
What's more impressive is that the Michigan State, Nebraska and Penn State players each went No. 1 and No. 2 in their respective drafts.
All-Time Top 5 Draft Picks
Eighteen Buckeyes have been selected in the top five picks; six of those 18 (33%) have come since 2016.
When Young and Okudah were drafted in 2020, it made Ohio State the only program to have two players selected in the top five in three separate NFL Drafts. The Buckeyes accomplished this in 1997, 2016 (Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott) and 2020.
All-Time Top 10 Draft Picks
Thirty-five Buckeyes have been selected as top-10 picks. Jim McDonald became the first Buckeye to go in the top 10 when he was selected second in 1938. Jeff Okudah is the most recent top-five pick in 2020.
Two or more Buckeyes have been selected in the top 10 six times:
- 2020: 2 (Chase Young, Jeff Okudah)
- 2016: 3 (Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Eli Apple)
- 2006: 2 (AJ Hawk, Donte Whitner)
- 1997: 2 (Orlando Pace, Shawn Springs)
- 1996: 2 (Terry Glenn, Rickey Dudley)
- 1959: 2 (Don Clark, Dan James)
Ohio State’s Top-10 Picks By Position
Wide Receiver (4)
Ted Ginn Jr.: 9th, Dolphins, 2007
David Boston: 8th, Cardinals, 1999
Terry Glenn: 7th, Patriots, 1996
Joey Galloway: 8th, Seahawks, 1995
Defensive Back (5)
Jeff Okudah: 3rd, Lions, 2020
Denzel Ward: 4th, Browns, 2018
Eli Apple: 10th, Giants, 2016
Donte Whitner: 8th, Bills, 2006
Shawn Springs: 3rd, Seahawks, 1997
Defensive End (4)
Chase Young: 2nd, Commanders, 2020
Nick Bosa: 2nd, 49ers, 2019
Joey Bosa: 3rd, Chargers, 2016
Vernon Gholston: 6th, Jets, 2008
Running Back (6)
Ezekiel Elliott: 4th, Cowboys, 2016
Keith Byars: 10th, Eagles, 1986
John Brockington: 9th, Packers, 1971
Tom Matte: 7th, Colts, 1961
Don Clark: 7th, Bears, 1959
Hopalong Cassady: 3rd, Lions, 1956
Offensive Tackles (4)
Orlando Pace: 1st, Rams, 1997
Chris Ward: 4th, Jets, 1978
Bob Vogel: 5th, Colts, 1963
Jim Parker: 8th, Colts, 1957
Linebackers (3)
A.J. Hawk: 5th, Packers, 2006
Tom Cousineau: 1st, Bills, 1979
Jim Houston: 8th, Browns, 1960
Overall First-Round Selections
| DECADE | PICKS |
|---|---|
| 2020s | 4 |
| 2010s | 15 |
| 2000s | 16 |
| 1990s | 15 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1940s | 1 |
| 1930s | 1 |
Since 1936, the Buckeyes have had 85 players selected in the first round of the NFL draft, more than any other team in history.
The Colts have selected the most Ohio State players in the first round with six. The Jets and Saints have each selected five Buckeyes in the first round.
The full list of first-round picks:
First-Round Defensive Backs (18)
Denzel Ward: 4th, Browns, 2018
Marshon Lattimore: 11th, Saints, 2017
Malik Hooker: 15th, Colts, 2017
Gareon Conley: 24th, Raiders, 2017
Eli Apple: 10th, Giants, 2016
Bradley Roby: 31st, Broncos, 2014
Malcolm Jenkins: 14th, Saints, 2009
Donte Whitner: 8th, Bills, 2006
Chris Gamble: 28th, Panthers, 2004
Nate Clements: 21st, Bills, 2001
Ahmed Plummer: 24th, 49ers, 2000
Antoine Winfield: 23rd, Bills, 1999
Shawn Springs: 3rd, Seahawks, 1997
Vinnie Clark: 19th, Packers, 1997
Tim Fox: 21st, Patriots, 1976
Neil Colzie: 24th, Raiders, 1975
Jack Tatum: 19th, Raiders, 1971
Tim Anderson: 23rd, 49ers, 1971
First-Round Tackles (13)
Taylor Decker: 16th, Lions, 2016
Orlando Pace: 1st, Rams, 1997
Korey Stringer: 24th, Vikings, 1995
Jim Lachey: 12th, Chargers, 1985
William Roberts: 27th, Giants, 1984
Chris Ward: 4th, Jets, 1978
Kurt Schumacher: 12th, Saints, 1975
Doug France: 20th, Rams, 1975
Rufus Mayes: 14th, Bears, 1969
Dave Foley: 26th, Jets, 1969
Bob Vogel: 5th, Colts, 1963
Daryl Sanders: 12th, Lions, 1963
Jim Parker: 8th, Colts, 1957
More NFL Draft Coverage
- 11 Potential Destinations for Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson
- Olave and Wilson Grateful to Ohio State, Brian Hartline and Each Other
- Ohio State Seniors Make Good First-Round Picks
- Ohio State’s History of First-Round Wide Receivers
- Buckeye Draft Prospects “Always Get A Longer Look” from Bengals
- Real Pod Wednesdays: Predicting Where Buckeyes Will Land
- Thayer Munford’s NFL Draft Diary: Looking Forward to Draft Day
- Chris Booker Hoping to Continue Football Career
- Brothers Malik and Tyreke Smith Going Through NFL Draft Process Together
- Nicholas Petit-Frere Loved the NFL Scouting Combine Experience
First-Round Linebackers (11)
Darron Lee: 20th, Jets, 2016
Ryan Shazier: 15th, Steelers, 2014
A.J. Hawk: 5th, Packers, 2006
Bobby Carpenter: 18th, Cowboys, 2006
Andy Katzenmoyer: 28th, Patriots, 1999
Craig Powell: 30th, Browns, 1995
Tom Cousineau: 1st, Bills, 1979
Bob Brudzinski: 23rd, Rams, 1977
Rick Middleton: 13th, Saints, 1974
Randy Gradishar: 14th, Broncos, 1974
Jim Houston: 8th, Browns, 1960
First-Round Running Backs (11)
Ezekiel Elliott: 4th, Cowboys, 2016
Beanie Wells: 31st, Cardinals, 2009
Eddie George: 14th, Oilers, 1996
Robert Smith: 21st, Vikings, 1993
Keith Byars: 10th, Eagles, 1986
Archie Griffin: 24th, Bengals, 1976
John Brockington: 9th, Packers, 1971
Leo Hayden: 24th, Vikings, 1971
Tom Matte: 7th, Colts, 1961
Don Clark: 7th, Bears, 1959
Hopalong Cassady: 3rd, Lions, 1956
First-Round Defensive Ends (8)
Nick Bosa: 2nd, 49ers, 2019
Joey Bosa: 3rd, Chargers, 2016
Vernon Gholston: 6th, Jets, 2008
Will Smith: 18th, Saints, 2004
Ryan Pickett: 29th, Rams, 2001
Alonzo Spellman: 22nd, Bears, 1992
Eric Kumerow: 16th, Dolphins, 1988
2007 was the last time an Ohio State WR was selected in the 1st round.
First-Round Wide Receivers (8)
Anthony Gonzalez: 32nd, Colts, 2007
Ted Ginn Jr: 9th, Dolphins, 2007
Santonio Holmes: 25th, Steelers, 2006
Michael Jenkins: 29th, Falcons, 2004
David Boston: 8th, Cardinals, 1999
Terry Glenn: 7th, Patriots, 1996
Joey Galloway: 8th, Seahawks, 1995
Paul Warfield: 11th, Browns, 1964
First-Round “Backs” (4)
Bob Ferguson: 5th, Steelers, 1962
Fred “Curly” Morrison: 10th, Bears, 1950
Don Scott: 9th, Bears, 1941
Jim McDonald: 2nd, Eagles, 1938
First-Round Centers (3)
Billy Price: 21st, Colts, 2018
Nick Mangold: 29th, Jets, 2006
Dan James: 8th, 49ers, 1959
First-Round Quarterbacks (3)
Justin Fields: 11th, Bears, 2021
Dwayne Haskins: 15th, Redskins, 2019
Art Schlichter: 4th, Colts, 1982
First-Round Defensive Tackles (1)
Dan Wilkinson: 1st, Bengals, 1994
First-Round Guards (1)
John Hicks: 3rd, Giants, 1974
First-Round Tight Ends (1)
Rickey Dudley: 9th, Raiders, 1996
| TEAM | PICKS | LATEST PICK | FIRST PICK | HIGHEST PICK | 21ST CENTURY | BUCKEYES ON CURRENT ROSTER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ERS | 4 | Nick Bosa (2019) | Dan James (1959) | Nick Bosa (2nd, 2019) | 2 | 3 |
| BEARS | 6 | Justin Fields (2021) | Don Scott (1941) | Don Clark (7th, 1959) | 1 | 1 |
| BENGALS | 3 | Billy Price (2018) | Archie Griffin (1976) | Dan Wilkinson (1, 1994) | 1 | 5 |
| BILLS | 4 | Donte Whitner (2006) | Tom Couisneau (1979) | Tom Cousineau (1st, 1979) | 2 | 0 |
| BRONCOS | 2 | Bradley Roby (2014) | Randy Gradishar (1974) | Randy Gradishar (14th, 1974) | 1 | 3 |
| BROWNS | 4 | Denzel Ward (2018) | Jim Houston (1960) | Denzel Ward (4th, 2018) | 1 | 2 |
| BUCCANEERS | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| CARDINALS | 2 | Beanie Wells (2009) | David Boston (1999) | David Boston (8th, 1999) | 1 | 0 |
| CHARGERS | 2 | Joey Bosa (2016) | Jim Lachey (1985) | Joey Bosa (3rd, 2016) | 1 | 2 |
| CHIEFS | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| COLTS | 6 | Malik Hooker (2017) | Jim Parker (1957) | Art Schlichter (4th, 1982) | 2 | 2 |
| COMMANDERS | 2 | Chase Young (2020) | Dwayne Haskins (2019) | Chase Young (2nd, 2020) | 2 | 4 |
| COWBOYS | 2 | Ezekiel Elliott (2016) | Bobby Carpenter (2006) | Ezekiel Elliott (4th, 2016) | 2 | 4 |
| DOLPHINS | 2 | Ted Ginn Jr. (2007) | Eric Kumerow (1988) | Ted Ginn Jr. (9th, 2007) | 1 | 1 |
| EAGLES | 2 | Keith Byars (1986) | Jim McDonald (1938) | Jim McDonald (2nd, 1938) | 0 | 0 |
| FALCONS | 1 | Michael Jenkins (2004) | Michael Jenkins (2004) | Michael Jenkins (29th, 2004) | 1 | 1 |
| GIANTS | 3 | Eli Apple (2016) | John Hicks (3rd, 1974) | John Hicks (3rd, 1974) | 1 | 2 |
| JAGUARS | 0 | 0 | 2 | |||
| JETS | 5 | Darron Lee (2016) | Dave Foley (1969) | Chris Ward (4th, 1978) | 3 | 0 |
| LIONS | 4 | Jeff Okudah (2020) | Hopalong Cassady (1956) | Okudah and Cassady (3rd) | 2 | 5 |
| PACKERS | 3 | A.J. Hawk (2006) | John Brockington (1971) | A.J. Hawk (5th, 2006) | 1 | 1 |
| PANTHERS | 1 | Chris Gamble (2004) | Chris Gamble (2004) | Chris Gamble (28th, 2004) | 1 | 3 |
| PATRIOTS | 3 | Andy Katzenmoyer (1999) | Tim Fox (1976) | Terry Glenn (7th, 1996) | 0 | 2 |
| RAIDERS | 5 | Damon Arnette (2020) | Jack Tatum (1971) | Rickey Dudley (9th, 1996) | 2 | 1 |
| RAMS | 4 | Ryan Pickett (2001) | Doug France (1975) | Orlando Pace (1st, 1997) | 1 | 1 |
| RAVENS | 0 | 0 | 3 | |||
| SAINTS | 5 | Marshon Lattimore (2017) | Rick Middleton (1974) | Marshon Lattimore (11th, 2017) | 3 | 5 |
| SEAHAWKS | 2 | Shawn Springs (1997) | Joey Galloway (1995) | Shawn Springs (3rd, 1997) | 0 | 0 |
| STEELERS | 4 | Ryan Shazier (2014) | Bob Ferguson (1962) | Bob Ferguson (5th, 1962) | 3 | 3 |
| TEXANS | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| TITANS | 1 | Eddie George (1996) | Eddie George (1996) | Eddie George (14th, 1996) | 0 | 1 |
| VIKINGS | 3 | Korey Stringer (1995) | Leo Hayden (1971) | Robert Smith (21st, 1993) | 0 | 2 |
