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Graphic from FOX Sports shows how Ohio State defensive players have dominated NFL Draft recently
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It’s no secret that defensive players from Ohio State have been hot commodities in the NFL Draft. A graphic from FOX Sports’ College Football Twitter account shows just how dominant the Buckeyes have been in recent years.
In four of the last five seasons, Ohio State has had the top defensive player selected in the NFL Draft. That was the case in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The lone exception was 2017, when Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett was selected with the No. 1 overall pick.
Ohio State’s dominance began in 2016, when defensive end Joey Bosa was picked No. 3. In 2018, defensive back Denzel Ward was taken with the No. 4 overall pick.
Defensive ends Nick Bosa and Chase Young were both selected with the No. 2 pick in their respective drafts, as well. Bosa was second in 2019 and Young was taken with the second pick this year.
Starting with @jbbigbear in 2016, @ohiostatefb has had the top defensive player in the NFL draft 4 of the last 5 years 💪🌰 pic.twitter.com/2OSqUA4hWA
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 24, 2020
Ohio State actually had the top two defensive players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, with Jeff Okudah being taken at No. 3, behind Young.
Four Buckeyes have been the top defensive player taken in the draft, most for any team in the decade. Texas A&M had two selections, while Florida, South Carolina and Oregon each had one.
It will be difficult for that trend to continue this year, as Ohio State will not be playing football this fall.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB