Tag: J.K. Dobbins

Seven Ohio State players appear in CBS Sports’ three-round 2020 mock NFL draft

The Ohio State football program has been an NFL football factory second to none over the years. It has produced the most total draft picks, and tied for the most first-rounders of any program since the year 2000. It looks to add to that in 2020. …

The Ohio State football program has been an NFL football factory second to none over the years. It has produced the most total draft picks, and tied for the most first-rounders of any program since the year 2000.

It looks to add to that 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 on that — but we haven’t seen too many taken as far out as three rounds. But CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson is game and has put such a thing together.

Much like other mock projections, Wilson has two Ohio State players going very early in the first round. Those players are the same two you’ve likely seen on multiple draft boards circulating the internet, but we’ll tell you anyway.

We’ll take you through it all with the player taken, overall selection and team, and what Wilson writes about each former Buckeye.

Next … Round 1

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Miami Dolphins smitten by J.K. Dobbins per reports

The Dolphins love Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins so much that they reportedly moved up a scheduled visit to Miami to meet with him.

The 2020 NFL draft is still a month away, but this is the time teams really dig into the background of players and start to solidify and hone in on the players they feel are a good fit for their organization. In other words, it’s starting to get real right about now.

Part of that process involves meeting with some of the potential draft picks teams want to get a better feel on. Under the rules, each team is allowed 30 visits from non-local players to meet in predraft visits.

In the case of J.K. Dobbins, the Dolphins reportedly moved up his visit because of concerns that this allowance may be pulled back because of all the coronavirus measures being put in place. He was originally scheduled to meet with the Dolphins’ brass in mid-April, but instead was brought in last Friday, March 13 according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.

Miami currently holds the No. 5 pick in the draft, but will almost assuredly not use that pick on Dobbins as it would be an extreme reach based on all the mock projections out there. But he is considered a late first-round, early second guy, and there’s a chance either the Dolphins make a trade to move up earlier to take him, or hope he’s still there when things come back around as the second pick in round two.

I know it’s not a running back’s game anymore, but if Dobbins ends up going early in the second round, that sure feels like quite the bargain for a guy with his blend of speed, strength, vision, and character.

2020 NFL draft: RB J.K. Dobbins draft profile

Steelers Wire draft profile featuring RB J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State Buckeyes).

In 2017, J.K. Dobbins became only the second true freshman running back to start a season opener for Ohio State (Maurice Clarett, 2002). Dobbins went on to play in all 42 games for the Buckeyes. He set a freshman record by rushing for 1,403 yards in 2017 and then came back to rush for 1,053 yards in 2018 to become the first Ohio State back ever to have 1,000-yard seasons as a freshman and as a sophomore.

Dobbins’ final collegiate season was even more outstanding as he ran for a career-high 2,003 yards and found the endzone 21 times.

The skilled back is also impressive as a pass-catcher, compiling 645 yards on 71 receptions and five scores.

Dobbins racked up 5,104 yards from scrimmage and 43 TDs as he bid farewell to Ohio State and declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

J.K. Dobbins | RB | The Ohio State University

Height | 5-9

Weight | 209

Class | Junior

With a run game that was ranked in the bottom five of the league last season, the Steelers desperately need help at RB. Two things are abundantly clear, James Conner can’t stay healthy, and depth behind him is questionable. Pittsburgh needs a playmaker at the position if it wants to get back to the top of the AFC North. Head coach Mike Tomlin likes his high-volume bell-cows, and Dobbins has just the longevity to do it.

Latest USA TODAY Mock NFL Draft has Jeff Okudah on the move

The latest 2020 NFL mock draft is out from USA Today and Jeff Okudah has moved back up behind Chase Young in the first round.

Almost all reputable NFL Mock Drafts out there have a recurring theme of two Ohio State players being consensus first-round picks. Those two are defensive end Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah.

As of late though, the USA TODAY mock draft moved Okudah down significantly. Not anymore though. The lastest mock was released this week and the All-American is now all the way back up to the No. 3 pick behind Joe Burrow at No. 1, and Young at No. 2.

The Detroit Lions currently have the rights to the No. 3 pick, and we’ve already heard current Lion and Pro-Bowler Darius Slay sing the praises of what he’s seen from Okudah.

The one player not listed in the first round that we’ve seen in other mock drafts is running back J.K. Dobbins. It’s not much of a running backs game any longer, but there’s a chance that he sneaks into the late first round.

Here’s what Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz says about the two Ohio State projected first-rounders.

Chase Young, DE, Ohio State: February and March are the times to mull far-fetched scenarios, such as whether Washington might actually grab Tua Tagovailoa and cut bait on Dwayne Haskins after only one year. By April, it likely will be harder to envision new coach Ron Rivera passing up on Young, who’s widely seen as the draft’s top defensive player. For now, it seems reasonable to take Rivera at his word that the team is taking stock of its options — but don’t get carried away with the notion of a full reset.

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: The idea of working alongside three-time Pro Bowl selection Darius Slay appealed greatly to Okudah, who said at the combine the pairing could be “magical.” It’s still unclear, however, whether the Lions share that same vision after acknowledging trade discussions regarding their veteran cornerback. Regardless of whether they move Slay, Okudah is the obvious choice, barring a colossal offer from a team desperate to move up to the slot for a quarterback.

We’ll keep an eye on these mock drafts as they continue to be released.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.

Breaking down Chargers’ picks in Dane Brugler’s latest 3-round mock draft

Dane Brugler upgrades the offensive side of the ball for the Los Angeles Chargers in his latest three-round mock draft.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his new three-round mock draft on Wednesday.

Let’s break down what one of the highly touted draft analysts is thinking for Los Angeles in the 2020 NFL Draft after the Combine and right before free agency kicks off.

Round 1, No. 6, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Addressing the most important position on the football field sits atop of the priority list for the Chargers this offseason.

While bringing in a proven veteran like Tom Brady is a possibility, I believe the team wants to roll with Tyrod Taylor as the starter and bridge to whichever rookie quarterback is drafted. In this case, Brugler mocks Tagovailoa to Los Angeles.

Even though rolling the dice on Tua – who has durability concerns – could be a gamble, it’s a risk worth taking, especially if all the medicals check out. If he remains healthy, the Chargers could have a quarterback that could produce positive results on a yearly basis.

Tua has an excellent feel for the game, thriving with his football intelligence, instincts, processing skills and vision where he’s one of the best in this class. He’s accurate and is capable of making all the throws, inside or outside the structure.

Here is what Brugler said about mocking Tagovailoa to the Bolts:

Tagovailoa is the wild card of the draft. Talking to teams in Indianapolis, they are taking a cautious approach, but until they can see him throw on April 9, it is anyone’s guess how high he will be drafted. With the Chargers moving on from Philip Rivers, their quarterback situation is obviously in flux.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Ohio State football player NFL Combine player tracker

We’re keeping track of the results and times of all the on-field workouts for the Ohio State players taking part in the 2020 NFL Combine.

The latest edition of the annual NFL Combine is close to wrapping up with several Ohio State players taking part in numerous drills and interviews to try and improve their draft stock for the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.

Using public information and knowledge that has been disseminated, we’ve composed a list of all the Ohio State players and their times and measurements throughout the spectacle of athletic endeavors in Indy.

We will of course continue to update this tracker as numbers become available.

Ohio State Football Player 2020 NFL Combine Tracker
Name Height Weight 40-Yard Dash Vertical Broad Jump Bench Press Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
Damon Arnette – Cornerback 5-11 5/8″ 195 lbs. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
J.K. Dobbins – Running Back 5-9 1/2″ 209 lbs. DNP DNP DNP 23 reps DNP DNP
Jordan Fuller – Safety 6-1 7/8″ 203 lbs. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DaVon Hamilton – Defensive Line 6-3 3/4″ 320 lbs. N/A N/A N/A 33 reps N/A N/A
Malik Harrison – Linebacker 6-2 5/8″ 247 lbs. TBD TBD TBD DNP TBD TBD
K.J. Hill – Wide Receiver 5-11 7/8″ 196 lbs. 4.60 32.5″ 9ft. 6″ 17 reps DNP DNP
Jonah Jackson – Offensive Guard 6-3 1/2″ 306 lbs. 5.23 26″ 8ft. 2″ 28 reps 5.02 7.83
Austin Mack – Wide Receiver 6-1 1/2″ 208 lbs. 4.59 31.5″ 9ft. 9″ DNP 4.42 DNP
Jeff Okudah – Cornerback 6-1 1/8″ 205 lbs. TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
Binjimen Victor – Wide Receiver 6-3 3/4″ 198 lbs. 4.60 35″ 10 ft. 8″ 9 reps DNP 7.10
Chase Young 6-4 7/8″ 264 lbs. 7:00 PM Eastern DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP

 

 

J.K. Dobbins: Tennessee Titans are proof RBs still have good value

Don’t tell Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins that running backs don’t have good value in the NFL.

There has been a growing sense in recent years that running backs don’t hold as much value and teams shouldn’t invest much in them — but don’t tell Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins that.

The 2020 NFL Draft prospect believes the position definitely still holds value, and he pointed to the Tennessee Titans as an example of why that’s true.

Of course, we’ve seen running backs get big money over the years and not live up to the contract, but there are certainly exceptions to the rule, and Derrick Henry and the Titans are the most recent example.

Tennessee was able to make it all the way to the AFC Championship Game because of Henry, who carried the Titans on his back through the first two rounds of the playoffs with a combined total of 377 yards on the ground.

And in those games against the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for just 160 yards total, although he did make some big plays along the way when needed to.

The way the Titans were able to win playoff games flew in the face of everything we’re told about today’s NFL, where it’s thought that if a team can’t put up gaudy passing numbers it can’t go far.

Granted, Tennessee’s run was halted by a pass-heavy team in the Kansas City Chiefs, but it was still impressive to see a run-first approach dominate the way Tennessee’s did.

With the Titans looking for a running back this offseason whether or not Henry returns, Dobbins could be an option for them, either in the first or second round.

Because of an ankle injury he suffered during the Buckeyes’ loss to Clemson, Dobbins decided to sit out the on-field workout at the combine. He’s expected to be at Ohio State’s pro day on March 25, though.

[vertical-gallery id=26180]

J.K. Dobbins believes Ohio State was “better team” than Clemson, blames ankle injury

While appearing before the media Wednesday, J.K. Dobbins believes Ohio State “definitely” would have beaten Clemson if not for ankle injury.

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins had arguably the best single-season at the running back position in program history. He set the single-season rushing record, had several explosive plays, and showed out against the best teams all year long.

But it’s one game in particular that Dobbins can’t let go. Ohio State made the College Football Playoff and got a shot at Clemson. Despite outgaining and outplaying the Tigers for large portions of the game, the Buckeyes ended up just short of winning the game thanks to some bad breaks, controversial officiating, and an inability to take advantage of their opportunities in the red zone.

But there was also something else. Dobbins experienced an ankle injury in the game and spent most of the second half either on the sideline getting treatment or hobbling about on the field less than 100 percent. When speaking at the NFL Combine Wednesday, the OSU running back didn’t pull any punches.

“We definitely win that game,” Dobbins said when appearing before the media…” “I thought we were the better team, we just didn’t execute like we should have.”

But don’t take that as a slight to Clemson, or sour grapes. If you know anything about Dobbins, he is a very humble, yet confident guy. He knows his talents and has confidence in his abilities. He was asked about just how much that high ankle sprain affected his play.

“It definitely affected me a lot,” said Dobbins. “It was a significant injury. It was a very high ankle sprain. It was definitely tough to even go back and battle through it. It hurt a lot, definitely. But I just wanted to win the game for my team and tried to get to the national championship.”

Now Dobbins is back and he’s hoping to go in the first round. He has all the ability in the world, but it’s no longer a running back’s league. Something tells me whichever team gets him — whether in the late first round or somewhere in the second, they’ll be getting a steal.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.

Broncos met with RB J.K. Dobbins at NFL combine

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins had an interview with the Broncos at the NFL combine.

The Denver Broncos interviewed Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins at the NFL combine this week, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

Dobbins (5-10, 217 pounds) rushed 725 times for 4,459 yards and scored 38 touchdowns on the ground during his three years with the Buckeyes. He also caught 71 passes for 645 yards and five more scores.

Dobbins is the 32nd-best player and third-best running back in this year’s class, according to Luke Easterling’s 2020 NFL draft big board for Draft Wire. Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor (No. 22) and Georgia’s D’Andre Swift (No. 27) are the only RB’s ranked higher than Dobbins.

Dobbins is projected to be selected between the second and third rounds of the draft, according to Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com. Denver will have five picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft.

Royce Freeman hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status since being selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2018 draft so it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Denver select another running back this year.

Whether the Broncos target a big-name prospect like Dobbins or go after a mid-to-late round running back prospects remains to be seen.

[vertical-gallery id=632756]

Falcons combine news: Player meetings, quotes and roster updates

GM Thomas Dimitroff spoke about this year’s defensive end class and sounded to be pretty high on Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa.

The past couple of weeks were relatively quiet in terms of Falcons news, but there’s been no shortage of interesting tidbits to come out since the beginning of the NFL Scouting Combine.

Tuesday kicked off with some big news when the team announced it would be letting tight end Austin Hooper, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and guard Wes Schweitzer test the free agent market:

This doesn’t guarantee that all three players will sign elsewhere, but it certainly seems unlikely that Campbell and Hooper will take less money to stay in Atlanta.

Regarding defensive end Takk McKinley, the Falcons are not committing to picking up his fifth-year option. There was a bit of confusion regarding the team’s stance, but was cleared up by The Athletic’s Jason Butt:

In terms of edge prospects at the combine, the team clearly needs to find at least one with Vic Beasley out of the picture and McKinley’s future beyond 2020 uncertain.

GM Thomas Dimitroff spoke about this year’s defensive end class and sounded to be pretty high on Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa:

Several combine participants have confirmed that they’ve talked to the Falcons. Although these reported meetings tend to get blown out of proportion, it’s still interesting to hear which players the team is looking into.

Some of the names to leak so far are running backs Cam Akers and J.K. Dobbins, while Georgia RB D’Andre Swift reportedly hasn’t spoken to Atlanta:

Make sure to check back for more Falcons news and updates from the combine. Plus, don’t forget to read our 7 second-round targets for Atlanta in the 2020 draft.

[lawrence-related id=47176]

[vertical-gallery id=46633]