The 2020 NFL Draft will feel a bit odd being held completely online. Three Ohio State players have committed to participating virtually.
The 2020 NFL draft will feel a bit odd being held completely online.
With the coronavirus sweeping across the United State and spreading like wildfire, this was truly the only option aside from postponing it well into the future. That said, three Buckeyes have committed to participating virtually. We don’t quite know what virtual participation means yet, but there will at least be a scarlet and gray hue to it.
Will they talk about their selection or will be a live stream be set up in their home to fans can see their reaction? Those are options, but little is known at this point and details are still emerging.
What we do know is that Chase Young, Jeff Okudah and J.K. Dobbins have all confirmed that they will be participating in whatever capacity they can. Here’s the full 58-player list according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Fifty-eight prospects are confirmed to participate virtually in the 2020 NFL Draft: pic.twitter.com/qPGsp5uHDH
The goal for the NFL is to have the desirable names like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Chase Young and others to be active and engaging, giving fans an opportunity to see and hear them in real-time.
With potentially ten or more players drafted, the Buckeyes will have an active draft, but only the three mentioned above are confirmed to be available virtually for reaction and such.
The draft is currently slated for April 23 and will run through April 25.
Yes, it is technically real, live sports on television folks.
Touchdown Wire analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s class, including Zack Moss, D’Andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor, and more.
The “running backs don’t matter” axiom has become gospel to many who analyze and pontificate about the NFL to the point that the thought has become simplistic cliche. While it’s true that the days of the bellcow franchise back getting second and third contracts with his original team are over for the most part (Todd Gurley as the most recent cautionary tale), the more complicated truth is that while running backs may not matter as they used to in an individual sense, the importance of the right running game has not decreased.
Whether it’s the power gap running game the Patriots used in the second half of the 2018 season to pick up their sixth Lombardi Trophy and hide the limitations of their passing game, or the way the 2019 Titans used Derrick Henry as the constant while they changed quarterbacks, or the ways in which Kyle Shanahan has used motion and defensive displacement throughout his career to make the most of the backs he’s had, there are absolutely ways in which the backs — and the system — can still define an offense in these halcyon days of the four-receiver set.
And with that in mind, every draft class of running backs… well, matters more. This is when you get your guys fresh off the conveyor belt, fresh as they’re ever going to be, and nothing but upward potential in front of them — no matter how long it lasts (or doesn’t).
Here are the 11 best backs in the 2020 draft class, based on collegiate production and NFL potential.
The versatile Dobbins excelled in 2019 vs. the toughest competition to enjoy a banner year. How does he fit into fantasy football plans?
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins wrapped up his three-year collegiate stint with a declaration to the 2020 NFL Draft. In a lead-up to the selection process that has been anything but traditional, after citing an ankle injury as the reason he wouldn’t run at the scouting combine, Dobbins did not get to run a 40-yard dash at pro day March 25, because there wasn’t one. He has previously been timed at 4.45 seconds, so speed isn’t a concern.
Dobbins was a starter as a true freshman after being a four-star recruit coming off of a broken leg in his first game as a high school senior — that speaks (yells?) volumes about how highly regarded he was coming into the NCAA ranks.
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He was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in his freshman and sophomore seasons, earning first-team recognition after the 2019 season. Dobbins also was a second-team All-American and first-team all-conference selection for his standout ’19 season.
Table: J.K. Dobbins’ NCAA stats (2017-19)
Year
Team
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Long
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
2017
Ohio State
194
1,403
7.2
7
77
22
135
6.1
1
2018
Ohio State
230
1,053
4.6
10
42
26
263
10.1
2
2019
Ohio State
301
2,003
6.7
21
68
23
247
10.7
2
Dobbins slowed in his sophomore campaign before rebounding in a ridiculous way as a junior. He’s widely regarded as the third-best running back prospect of this year’s class.
Pros
Durable — played in all 42 games in his time at OSU, logging 796 offensive touches (18.9/game) — and willing to play through injury
Elite production vs. elite competition — scored a touchdown against all six ranked opponents in 2019, finishing with 11 in those games
Above-average lateral movement skills and a convincing dead leg
Does a tremendous job — it’s really tough to overstate this — of setting up his one-on-one opponents in the open field. It’s arguably his best trait.
Dangerous out of the gun and in pro-style formations, suggesting he can fit in a number of offensive designs in the NFL
Runs with natural body lean, sense of balance, and a low center of gravity
Violent stiff arm that appears game after game on tape
Decisive runner whose ability to stick a foot and go is unquestionably NFL-capable
Pretty good in pass pro for his size
Versatile as a runner and receiver out of the backfield
Cons
Average or worse start-stop ability
Runs as well as his blocking affords and doesn’t create many plays from nothing
His vision isn’t necessarily a negative, but it definitely isn’t a positive — average, at best, and it may appear better than it is due to his non-stop motor. It seems to be more of an asset in the open field than in the box.
Lacks a second-gear ability — fast enough to avoid getting caught from behind by most defenders, but there’s no obvious explosive shift vs. the second tier of a defense
Fantasy football outlook
The compact-framed Dobbins does a little bit of everything on the field and is more of a grinder than a game-breaker, but his style of play eventually wears down defenders and promotes an increase in chunk plays. Aside from one horribly timed drop in a bowl game, Dobbins’ receiving skills shouldn’t be questioned, and he can hold up to the rigors of playing all three downs, if needed. In reality, the NFL’s current view on running backs will likely put him into a shared backfield.
He reminds of a blend of several players and is uniquely himself in many ways. One comparison I see on tape is DeAndre Washington, but there’s more north and south in Dobbins’ game. Other comparisons drawn by prognosticators include Doug Martin, Domanick Williams (Davis), Ray Rice and even Mark Ingram … While similarities from all of those guys are present in Dobbins’ game, he’s his own player and is versatile enough to look much different in various offensive concepts.
Since several teams could use a player of his caliber and style, it invites unlikely suitors. Dobbins probably has a third-round grade for most teams but could slip into the second if one scouting department is higher than most on him.
Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams are in need of a running back. KC would be an ideal spot for the long-term value of Dobbins, but he may get buried in the mess of talent around him as a rookie. The Rams and Tampa present the best Year 1 situations in fantasy football. In best-case scenario, he’s an RB2, and in the safest of designations, Dobbins will be bench fodder with the occasional flash on limited handles.
The 2020 NFL draft is a mere three weeks away. Here’s an update on Ohio State draft-eligible players and where they are likely to go.
Since the advent of the modern-day NFL Draft, Ohio State has been a monster when it comes to churning out players at the next level. And it’s not just the draft in general, but at the top end as well. In fact, the Buckeyes lead the country in the number of first-round draft picks in the history of the annual spectacle.
But players of varying degree and promise continue to walk across the stage with a scarlet and gray swagger. This year is no different. The 2020 NFL Draft is now just three weeks away, and we’ve updated our NFL draft tracker and likely landing spots.
The big mover is offensive lineman Jonah Jackson. He has impressed in workouts and is reportedly moving up many NFL teams’ draft boards. All it takes is for one team to fall in love, and he could even go higher than many anticipate.
But back to all the players coming from the banks of the Olentangy. Let’s get started with our potential first-rounders.
According to reports, the Kansas City Chiefs have expressed interest in Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, even FaceTiming with him.
According to reports, the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may have some interest in Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins.
Dobbins, considered one of the top running backs available in the draft, rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2019, setting the single-season Ohio State record with a rare blend of power, vision, and ground-breaking ability.
According to Chiefs Wire, Kansas City has had a keen interest in several prospects at the NFL Combine, but could not confirm that Dobbins was one of the players they met with in Indianapolis.
However, according to a report from ESPN’s Field Yates, the Chiefs recently had a FaceTime chat with Dobbins. Many teams are forced to use online communication rather than in-person meetings because of the COVID-19 health crisis.
One position that some believe would be worth even more investment on offense for the Chiefs would be running back. A pairing that seems to make sense is Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins if he’s available at pick 32. He’s a player they’ve FaceTimed with. One of the draft’s top backs.
While Dobbins would be a good fit in Kansas City with his ability to pass protect and catch out of the backfield, the Chiefs would likely have to pick him with the last pick in round one, or wheel and deal with another team to improve their draft position to earlier in the second round.
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The Kansas City Chiefs will continue to converse with prospects via video chat ahead of the 2020 NFL draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs have taken a lot of pre-draft interest in the running back position.
They had four formal meetings with a variety of different prospects at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Now, we’ve learned about another top prospect at the position that they’re showing interest in.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Chiefs have recently had video chats with Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins. Like all NFL teams, Kansas City is currently using FaceTime and other video applications to conduct pre-draft interviews with players. This is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and serves as a replacement option for pre-draft workouts and top-30 visits.
One position that some believe would be worth even more investment on offense for the Chiefs would be running back. A pairing that seems to make sense is Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins if he’s available at pick 32. He’s a player they’ve FaceTimed with. One of the draft’s top backs.
Dobbins wasn’t among the players that Chiefs Wire was able to confirm to have met with Kansas City at the combine. The Chiefs did have scouts at the Ohio State vs. Michigan State game in early October. Dobbins recorded 24 carries for 172 yards and a score during that game for the Buckeyes.
Dobbins fits the mold of what the Chiefs are looking for at the running back position. He has some of the best vision of any running back in this draft class. He’s utilized on a variety of screens, wheel routes and flat routes in the passing game. He only has five career fumbles in nearly 800 touches at Ohio State. He’s also pro-ready in pass protection, taking over 100 snaps blocking for his quarterback in 2019.
If the Chiefs want to draft Dobbins, they’d likely have to do so at pick No. 32 or find a partner for a trade down. He’s considered to be one of the top players at the position in this draft class and is unlikely to last until their second-round pick at No. 63.
If the Houston Texans are looking for a young running back, they can find one at three different levels of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Given coach Bill O’Brien’s penchant for running backs, it’s a safe bet to say the Houston Texans will be looking to bring in a running back this summer. Thankfully, the 2020 NFL Draft has a good selection of backs, proven by the fact the Texans have already been in communication with at least 11 rushing prospects per WalterFootball.
Entering 2020, Houston’s running back room consists of Duke Johnson, David Johnson, Buddy Howell, and Karan Higdon. Without a clear starter, the Texans will likely have a third different starter in three years with Lamar Miller and Carlos Hyde having started 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Keeping this in mind, here are three prospects the side should be vying for come the draft.
Top pick: J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
A powerful downhill rusher, Dobbins would be a strong fit for O’Brien’s offense. Much like Hyde who excelled in his system last season, Dobbins is short and stocky (5-9, 209 lbs) who can cut on a dime and seems to have that extra gear to create separation. Primarily used on the inside, Dobbins is a duel threat back whom PFF pointed out was used 148 times in pass block reps in 2019 alone. This will appeal to O’Brien given how he stresses the importance of versatility and blocking ability in his players. A Texas native, the Texans always seem to place a priority on local prospects, he isn’t the most nimble of backs and he doesn’t have the best initial burst of speed. However, he would be a strong addition and a contributor from day one. Expect him to go during the second round, and do not be surprised if he ends up at the NRG given reports the side have shown a “steady interest” in the back.
A profile of Ohio State star receiver Chris Olave.
Name: Chris Olave
Number: 2
Position: WR
Class: Junior
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 188 lbs
Hometown: San Marcos, CA
High School: Mission Hills High School, Kennesaw, GA
2019-2020 Stats:
GP
Rec
YDs
Avg
TD
Rec YPG
Rush ATT
Rush YDs
Rush TDs
Rush YPA
Total YPG
13
48
840
17.5
12
64.6
2
5
0
2.5
65
Overview:
Olave might not have been the expected heir to Ohio State’s tremendous receiving corps in previous seasons–he certainly didn’t show it for most of his freshman season. However, he had a huge game against Michigan in 2018, and ever since then he has been the go-to guy for the Buckeyes, and for tremendous reason.
Olave’s relationship with quarterback Justin Fields is going to be a huge asset for Ohio State this coming season. Olave’s development into his own player and a very difficult-to-guard receiver will only make him better and better as he continues to grow and develop.
Don’t let the numbers fool you–Olave is the heart and soul of Ohio State’s passing game. The Buckeyes had a very spread out attack, with each of Olave, K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor, Garrett Wilson, and Austin Mack all pulling in over 300 yards on the season. Ohio State also had a potent rushing attack, led by J.K. Dobbins’ 2,000 yards.
It is noteworthy how rarely the Buckeyes ran from the wide receiver position this past year. Olave had the most carries of any Ohio State receiver, with two. That’s a far cry from what we were used to seeing with guys like Jalin Marshall in the backfield. We’ll see if that changes going forward, though Austin Mack might be the most likely to get more carries.
Of course, the lasting memory of Olave–in both his mind and fans’ minds–is the final offensive play of the Fiesta Bowl. Olave and Fields were not on the same page, and it led to a game-ending interception. Don’t let that sit for too long, though. Olave is too good and too essential to this team to let that define him. He will provide plenty more happy highlights when he next gets back on the field.
Highlights
Want to know what makes Olave so good? Check out his best plays from last season.
NFL.com has released a four-round 2020 NFL mock draft, and there are a whopping eight players appearing.
The Ohio State football program has been an NFL football factory second to none over the years. It has produced the most draft picks, and tied for the most first-rounders of any program since the year 2000.
The program looks to add to those numbers in 2020.
We’ve seen a lot of mock drafts through the first round — seemingly everyone loosely tied to the NFL draft has an opinion — but we haven’t seen too many that go out multiple rounds. We’ve gotten a look at CBS Sports’ three-round projection, and now NFL.com has taken it even further and projected a four-round NFL mock draft for 2020.
The same two players we’ve seen everyone get on board with when it comes to the first round for Ohio State are a part of NFL.com too. It seems everyone thinks it’s a shoo-in that both Chase Young and Jeff Okudah will go very early in the draft, but what about other Buckeye players?
Most NFL mock drafts have Ohio State players Chase Young and Jeff Okudah going No. 2 and 3. Not NFL.com. Both are further down.
There’s a slew of NFL mock drafts out there for 2020 — seeing how it’s quickly approaching and all — but it’s time to check in on NFL.com’s latest version just released Thursday.
While most mocks have Chase Young and Jeff Okudah going back-to-back at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, that’s not the case with what Chad Reuter has put together. He sees a lot of trades occurring, some wheeling and dealing, and some resulting shuffling of what’s assumed on other sites.
So where exactly does he have Young and Okudah going? Don’t worry, they are both still slated very early in the first round, but not as early. Instead of Young going to the Redskins, he now has him dropping one spot to the Detroit Lions at No. 3 overall.
The reason for the difference according to Reuter is the selection of Tua Tagovailoa by the Redskins at No. 2. That would make things very interesting for Dwayne Haskins should that shake out, but there is a growing sentiment that Washington is unsettled at the quarterback position with new head coach Ron Rivera taking over.
That means Okduah too has been shifted down. The thought by most draft analysts is that the All-American cornerback will go to the Lions, but Reuter has him falling to the Carolina Panthers at No. 7 overall.
Here’s what Reuter has to say about both Young and Okudah.
Chase Young – No. 3 to the Detroit Lions
I wonder how many trade calls the Lions have already taken for this pick? Young’s talent is just too much to pass by unless there’s a trade offer that Detroit absolutely cannot ignore.
Jeff Okudah – No. 7 to the Carolina Panthers
The Panthers select the draft’s top cornerback to replace James Bradberry, who departed in free agency.
It must also be noted that J.K. Dobbins is not projected late in the first round like some other mock drafts. He’s not even pegged for the second round. In fact, Dobbins doesn’t come off the board until round three to the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 72 overall pick. That is by far the biggest outlier we’ve seen with some of the more reputable NFL draft types out there.
But hey. A lot of this is pure speculation. It’ll all go down way different than anything we’ve seen getting space on the internet. It always does.
