Curtis Samuel, WR (Carolina Panthers):
Curtis Samuel was the first Buckeye that was taken on Day 2 of the 2017 Draft, being selected with the 40th overall pick by the Panthers. The Panthers have spent picks on back to back offensive studs due to the losses of Ohio State Alums Ted Ginn and Corey Brown during free agency. With Samuel the Panthers will be getting a playmaker just like McCaffery who can play multiple positions. Both players have the speed and they will help Cam Newton give opposing teams defenses fits. Samuel will be used early and he will work in the slot, and he may see some time at Running Back. Samuel is 5’11” and 196-pounds and turned in a 4.31 40-time in the combine. His measurable and his talent will be utilized to spread the opposing defenses and keeping them honest during games. He will share time with McCaffrey, but I feel like Ron Rivera will give both draftees ample opportunities to shine.
Raekwon McMillan, ILB (Miami Dolphins):
Raekwon McMillan, a recruit out of the Peach State was the second Buckeye taken in Round 2. At 6’2″, 240 pounds he is the motor that was in charge of the Buckeye defense the last two and a half seasons. He has the speed and the leadership abilities that will continue to flourish at the next level. He is viewed as a 3 down linebacker and he must show development to see some playing time this fall. McMillan is the first Inside Linebacker taken over Vanderbilt’s own Zach Cunningham, and he will be behind newly acquired addition Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso, who re-signed with the team this offseason. Behind both of them McMillan will have the time to develop under Timmons, who arrived after time in Pittsburg and Alonso, who was still hasn’t established himself in the league yet. McMillan’s only concern is in coverage, but he is a sure-tackler, who can stuff the run when called to. He can become great with some time, so I can see him as a back-up for now, but he can flourish with the right coaches in place.
Pat Elflein, C (Minnesota Vikings):
Pat Elflein was the Swiss Army Knife out of Ohio State who can play multiple positions along the Offensive Line. During the Ohio State Championship year Elflein began at Guard and then the following season he seamlessly switched to Center, where he earned the award for the Top Interior Lineman Award in his last season at Ohio State. At 6’3″, 303-pounds he will compete with the likes of Joe Berger and Nick Easton for the starting Center gig in Minnesota. If he cannot beat out the others at Center, Elflein can compete for the starting job at Guard opposite of former Ohio State Alum Alex Boone. The Vikings have another Guard in waiting and all Elflein needs is an opportunity to play and earn playing time. The Vikings drafted Dalvin Cook in the Second round and he will look to Elflein to block for the fellow rookie in the upcoming season. Elflein is a tireless blocker that almost always finishes until the whistle is blown. There are questions about his overall strength, but with an NFL Caliber strength and conditioning program, he will improve.
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