The next player up on our scouting of the 2021 NFL draft eligible Ohio State Buckeyes is linebacker Justin Hilliard. Hilliard may not be getting the same attention as the other three Buckeyes’ linebackers, but Hilliard has some upside and fits a role on any team. While he may not go very early in the draft, he provides depth and special teams ability teams will love.
Hilliard is often the forgotten linebacker: Pete Werner, Baron Browning and Tuf Borland get most of the attention. Hilliard played more in 2020, and even broke into the main rotation late, which helps his case to be drafted. He should hear his name called at some point, but where he fits is another question. Let’s take a look at Hilliard.