2017 NFL Draft: 1st Round

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been churning out talented prospects since Coach Meyer’s arrival in Columbus.  For the last five years, Ohio State has been a force both on the recruiting trail and they have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to depth and talent.  Meyer and company develop NFL caliber players and then reload once their star players leave to the next level.  This is an impressive feat as another group of talented prospects, three to be exact, have gone in Round 1 of the draft.  There are a few more Buckeyes that will hear their names called, but for now, let us see who was taken and by who.

Marshon Lattimore, CB (New Orleans Saints):

Lattimore has one year of full-time starter duties, but he made the best of it turning out a successful campaign as a starter.  It was a long time coming, but he persevered and showed his talent.  The Saints took Lattimore with the 11th Overall pick and they were in need of help at the Cornerback Position.  The Saints went Buckeye last year with Vonn Bell and Michael Thomas, and Lattimore will have some familiar faces on the roster.  Lattimore is an ultra-talented corner with the speed and technique to succeed.  He will most likely see some early playing time due to the lack of talent on the roster.

Malik Hooker, S (Indianapolis Colts):

Malik Hooker played Safety at Ohio State and is also another one-year starter who flourished during his lone season as a starter.  Hooker almost left as he sat impatiently behind Vonn Bell, but all things come with time.  Hooker has the ball hawking ability to get takeaways and the range to break up passes.  After the loss of Mike Adams, the Colts needed someone to take his place and with Hooker they have a playmaker who can be a game-breaker on defense.  During the draft process, Hooker was often compared to former Baltimore Raven great Ed Reed.  Interesting pick to say the least and as the second Safety taken, he will also most likely start from day 1 barring any unforeseen injuries.

Gareon Conley, CB (Oakland Raiders):

Gareon Conley, a two-year starter at Ohio State is another long and athletic Cornerback, that played under Coach Meyer and company.  Less than a week prior to the draft allegations of a rape were made, and his draft stock took a major hit, a near death blow that forced teams to pass on him.  Now that he has been drafted, he will have to work harder than ever because of this impending investigation.  He is another athletic and talented corner with good technique.  He will start guarding the slot until he proves that he can start for the Raiders.  The Raiders believed in him enough to take the chance on him, all we can do is wait and see.