It was a packed house in Columbus for the Ohio State Pro Day. The Buckeyes have more than a half-dozen draftable prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft, including two expected to be taken in Round 1. Here’s the latest pro day news and rumors from Columbus with eyes on the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: GMs on hand for Ohio State’s Pro Day
General managers or assistant general managers from the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, and Miami Dolphins were on hand. The Saints specifically had a large contingent at the event.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera and Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel were also at Ohio State‘s Pro Day. Vrabel was seen working out a specific player to the side while other teams took part in specific extracurricular with certain athletes.
Offensive weapons shine for OSU
Offensive tackle Thayer Munford ran the 40-yard dash in 5.23 seconds, just about the same as his time from the NFL Combine. His short shuttle clocked 4.7 seconds with 7.7 seconds in the three-cone. Munford completed 22 reps on the bench with arms that measure more than 35 inches.
Seen as a bit in-between positions, Munford ran through a variety of tackle and guard drills and looked terrific. He showed good footwork and great punch in bag drills. It looked as though Munford was trying to injure coaches holding the bags the way he attacked the drills. The words thrown around describing the big blocker were “smooth”, “nasty”, and “urgency.”
Nicholas Petit-Frere also looked very fluid and technically sound. It was a nice rebound for Petit-Frere off a somewhat disappointing Combine performance. The New York Jets, Giants, Saints, and Titans flooded the field, watching the two work out.
Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson steal the show at Ohio State Pro Day
Wide receiver Chris Olave had a brilliant workout. He looked sharp and sudden running routes but also very smooth. He caught the ball well and did an exceptional job tracking the pass in the air. Olave has been one of the top-rated receivers for this class since last summer.
Garrett Wilson also looked tremendous all day. As someone told me, there was a discernible difference between the two receivers. And while Olave was good, Wilson was on another level. His routes were super crisp yet smooth. He showed great body control and caught everything.
Few, if any, left the workout not believing Wilson is the top receiver in the draft.
Both receivers had extensive 1-on-1 meetings with the Jets, Bills, Patriots, and Saints over the past two days. All four teams had their receiver coaches on hand.
C.J. Stroud throws for OSU at pro day
In what could be seen as his first in-person job interview for the 2023 NFL Draft, current Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for OSU at their pro day. Joining him was former quarterback Cardale Jones.
Stroud is seen as a potential top quarterback target for the 2023 NFL Draft class as well as a potential Heisman front-runner. He’ll join Alabama’s Bryce Young in the season-long race for the Heisman, given he was a runner-up the last time around.
Other Ohio State Pro Day news and rumors
Defensive tackle Haskell Garrett completed 24 reps on the bench, touched 30.5 inches in the vertical jump, and 9 feet on the broad jump. The Giants had their defensive line coach on hand, and the Cincinnati Bengals sent their defensive coordinator. Vrabel took Garrett to the side and worked him out individually.
Earlier, I tweeted out a note and picture of tight end Jeremy Ruckert on the sidelines at Ohio State’s Pro Day with a boot on his left foot. I was told prior to the Combine that the injury was significant. It will be interesting to see if Ruckert works out before the draft.