Another Buckeye NFL Draft Record

Two Buckeyes were selected in the first round of this year's NFL Draft, giving them 66 first rounders in draft history. That's more than any other school; USC is second with 65 and Notre Dame and Miami (FL) are tied for third with 61. Since Jim Tressel took over the program Ohio State has put more players in the NFL than other other school. If you want to be successful at the next level, there can be no debate about whether Michigan or Ohio State should be your choice.

Ted Ginn Jr. was the first Buckeye off the board at #9 to the Miami Dolpins. His pick surprised many in the media and disappointed many Dolphin fans who thought Brady Quinn would be the pick. But more on that later. WR Anthony Gonzalez was the last pick in the first round, #32, to the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. Gonzo will replace Brandon Stokley in the slot and should be a very productive player. DT Quinn Pitcock was also selected by the Colts in the third round, joining Ginn and Gonzalez as first day picks.

The news was less exciting for RB Antonio Pittman and QB Troy Smith. Pittman was rated by some as the third best back in the draft, and ran a blazing 4.4 40 at the NFL Combine. But he was the 11th back selected and didn't come off the board until 4th round by the Saints. He joins a crowded backfield with Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister.

The Heisman Trophy winning Smith endured a few months of poor press after the national championship loss. After uninspiring workouts, Smith fell all the way to the end of the 5th round, choosen by the Baltimore Ravens at #174. It should be noted that Baltimore could be a great situation for Smith. With veteran Steve McNair as their aging starter, he has the opportunity to learn the system and hopefully take over in a few seasons. Incumbent reseve Kyle Boller poses little long-term threat.

DE Jay Richardson (Oakland Raiders, 5th round), WR/TE Roy Hall (Indianapolis Colts, 5th round) and C Doug Datish (Atlanta Falcons, 6th round) were the other Buckeyes choosen thus far. Other Buckeyes hoping to be drafted that may need to sign free agent contracts: DT David Patterson, FB Stan White Jr., G T.J. Downing, and S Brandon Mitchell.

We'll tackle the Ted Ginn lynching in a seperate post.