Mel Kiper Jr.’s Latest Mock Draft Has 4 Buckeyes in Top 7 — Most Ever for One School

In his latest mock for ESPN, Kiper has Ohio State setting an unprecedented mark with four players selected in the top seven picks. The run starts with Caleb Downs to the New York Jets at No. 2 — which would make Downs the highest-drafted safety since Eric Turner in 1991 — and continues with Arvell Reese to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4, Carnell Tate to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 and Sonny Styles to the Washington Commanders at No. 7.

According to ESPN Research, four players selected in the first seven picks would be the most ever for one school.

Here’s what Kiper wrote about each selection, also including Kayden McDonald to the Chicago Bears at No. 26:

No. 2 - Caleb Downs to the New York Jets

This would be the highest draft slot for a safety since Eric Turner went No. 2 in 1991. Downs is worthy, though. He reads the offense so well, and then he has quickness, physicality and ball skills to make plays against both the run and the pass. He can truly impact a defense's ceiling from the back end, with six interceptions, 18 tackles for loss and 22 run stops over his three college seasons. The Jets' defense didn't have a single INT in 2025 -- yes, you read that right -- and only the Cowboys gave up more points (29.6 per game). Plus, Andre Cisco is hitting free agency.

No. 4 - Arvell Reese to the Tennessee Titans

Reese's instincts and burst are all over the tape. I'm still ranking him as a linebacker at the moment, and he could help Tennessee there. But new coach Robert Saleh might very well move him to the edge, where he played the majority of the time in 2025. Although the Titans' 42 sacks tied for 12th most last season, 11 of them came from defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on the interior. The edge is a weakness. Reese could be a high-impact player in this unit no matter where he lines up.

No. 6 - Carnell Tate to the Cleveland Browns

Like the Giants, the Browns need offensive line and receiver reinforcements. Unlike the Giants, the Browns have two first-round picks. So, although Miami lineman Francis Mauigoa is tempting here, Cleveland would likely take its pick of the entire WR class and kick the can down the order on the OL. Tate is at the top of the receiver list right now, with great hands and savvy route running. Cleveland wideouts combined for just four touchdowns last season, so after an 875-yard, nine-TD season, Tate could step in as the top option for the Browns.

No. 7 - Sonny Styles to the Washington Commanders

This would be the fourth Ohio State player off the board -- the most ever in the first seven picks for one school, per ESPN Research. Styles is getting a lot of love around the league right now, and he's going to be fun to watch at the combine if he works out. The former safety has real speed on a 6-foot-4, 243-pound frame.

With the Commanders' defense getting crushed for 6.0 yards per play last season (tied for third worst) and potentially losing 35-year-old free agent Bobby Wagner up the middle, this fit makes sense. But also keep an eye on Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and the receiver class as a whole if the board falls this way.

No. 26 - Kayden McDonald to the Chicago Bears

It's probably a little early for Texas A&M's Cashius Howell, Clemson's T.J. Parker or Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas. The Bears obviously need more edge rush support, but the board just isn't lining up. But with Gervon Dexter Sr. signed for only one more season and Grady Jarrett turning 33 in April, it would make sense to pad the defensive tackle group. McDonald is actually the DT1 on my Big Board, and he has a nose for the football. He had 17 run stops in 2025. Having him on the interior would be huge for a Bears team that allowed 5.0 yards per carry last season (fourth worst).

If Kiper’s projection holds, Ohio State’s five first-round picks would trail only Miami (six in 2004) and Alabama (six in 2021) for the most first-round selections by one school in a single draft.

Ohio State’s draft prospects will work out at the NFL Scouting Combine from Thursday through Saturday. Eleven Warriors will be in Indianapolis from Wednesday through Friday for each Buckeye’s media interview session, so stay tuned for coverage of all 11 Buckeyes as we follow them throughout the week. NFL Network will have televised coverage of each day’s workouts.