Tag: K.J. Hill

Could the Eagles pass up a WR in the first-round for a defensive playmaker?

The Philadelphia Eagles could choose to go defense with their first-round pick because of the deep draft class

The talk of the NFL Draft process has centered around the Philadelphia Eagles coveting a wide receiver in the April selection process.

Whether it be Henry Ruggs III, Tee Higgins or Justin Jefferson, the Eagles have been linked to a wide receiver, but with this draft class being so deep, could Howie Roseman forgo an offensive player in the first round to target a defensive playmaker at No. 21?

Whether it be at the safety, cornerback, or defensive end position, the quality of player drops after the top 3 or 4 highest rated guys come off the board.

At wide receiver, the Eagles could get a player in the second, third or fourth round with the same NFL projection as some of their first-round counterparts.

In a recent NFL mock draft from The Athletic’s Bo Wulf and Zach Berman, the Eagles go defense in one mock, choosing to double-back and address the wide receiver position with later round picks.

If guys like Ruggs III and Justin Jefferson, the Eagles could decide that guys like Tee Higgins, Laviska Shenault, Jalen Reagor, KJ Hamler, Denzel Mims, and Brandon Aiyuk could hold similar value.

At that point, could the Eagles choose to address the needs at defensive end or safety with their first-round pick?

It hasn’t been a hot topic during the NFL draft process, but the Eagles could definitely be in the market for youth and more talent along the defensive front.

With guys like A.J. Epenesa, Javon Kinlaw, Neville Gallimore, Marlon Davis of Auburn, Xavier McKinney, Grant Delpit and others available, the Eagles could shock the world and go defense with the first-round pick.

it would have to be a player the Eagles could utilize as an integral part of their defense for years to come, but it’s definitely a possibility, especially if the player the Birds covet is off the board.

Winners and losers from the 2020 scouting combine

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine has concluded in Indianapolis. Who won the week, and who leaves town with work to do?

The 2020 NFL scouting combine is now in the books. Over the course of the past week, more than 300 prospective NFL players were put through the paces during the world’s strangest job interview. After all, that is what the combine truly is: A job interview. Some will get jobs, others will not. 

With the combine behind us, who improved their chances, and which prospects still have work to do? 

Winner: Jalen Hurts

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

The Oklahoma product came into Indianapolis known for his athleticism, and he did not disappoint in that regard. Hurts posted a 4.59 40-yard dash, one of the best numbers turned in by the quarterbacks and a number that backs up Hurts’ athleticism on film. (Only Cole McDonald ran faster, besting Hurts by 0.01 seconds). 

But scouts and evaluators knew that the Oklahoma signal-caller was athletic. What they wanted to see was more evidence that he can develop into an NFL passer. That is where his throwing session comes into play. He impressed during his throwing session, displaying tighter and crisper mechanics. In addition, the ball popped out of his hand very well. For example, he delivered on a well-placed out route to Isaiah Hodges along the left sideline, as well and a great dig route to Antonio Gandy-Golden off of a deep drop into the pocket. Those throws highlighted some improved footwork from the quarterback. Hurts helped himself this week, especially when you consider how well he likely performed in his interviews with teams.

While Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa seem solidified in the top tier of quarterbacks, there is a lot of wrangling behind them for a spot in that second tier. With his performance in Indianapolis, Hurts might have moved into that group.  

Loser: Jake Fromm

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

To be fair to Fromm, the parts of the Combine that were visible to the public are probably not the areas where he is going to excel. The Georgia passer is not known for having a powerful arm, nor is he known for upper-tier athleticism. During the testing and the workout at Lucas Oil Stadium, those parts of his game were on display. Fromm managed just a 5.01 40-yard dash, the slowest time of any quarterback who chose to run. During his throwing session, Fromm’s passes lacked velocity and tended to dip as they approached their target.

However, the parts that we could not see, specifically the team interviews and the whiteboard sessions, are probably where Fromm shines. He is a very smart and experienced passer who was given a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and early in his career. From the neck up Fromm is one of the better quarterbacks in this class, and during those meetings he likely impressed coaches and general managers with his knowledge of the game and offensive/defensive schemes. 

There is likely to be an NFL team – or more – that falls for Fromm during this process. Based on his film, it will likely be due more to what he does during the meetings than anything he displayed Thursday night on the Lucas Oil Turf. 

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WATCH: Ohio State wide receivers’ 40-yard dash videos at NFL Combine

A trio of Ohio State wide receivers took their turn running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Watch Victor, Hill, and Mack’s times.

It seems like we see an Ohio State wide receiver lay down some blazing fast 40-yard times at the NFL Combine almost yearly as of late. In fact, all three taking part last year had three of the fastest times of all the wideouts taking part.

So, of course you had to wonder what the trio of Austin Mack, K.J. Hill, and Binjimen Victor would do at this year’s NFL Combine.

Well, we’re here to report the video and times aren’t as impressive as they have been. All three wide-receivers didn’t come close to the fastest times posted, and all were right around the 4.60 time — one that won’t exactly turn heads of NFL scouts and suits.

Of course, being a wide receiver is much more than how fast you are, but perhaps no other drill at the combine can make a player more money than setting the 40-track on fire.

Here’s video of all three OSU wide-receivers and their subsequent times. First up, Austin Mack he officially clocked in at 4.59.

Next, proof that catching passes is more than running away from opponents, Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions K.J. Hill laid down a time of 4.60.

And lastly, here’s Binjimen Victor, whose fastest time was also officially 4.60.

Now, when you put the tape on, these guys seem to be football fast, and especially in the case of K.J. Hill, the route running is excellent. The three did themselves no favors with the straight-line speed test today, but all will still get an opportunity to show what they can do with an NFL team down the line.

2020 NFL Combine: 7 WRs for the Eagles to watch

2020 NFL combine: 7 WRs for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off on Monday, but the most important part of the week – the workouts – begins tonight in prime time.

Eagles executive vice president/general manager Howie Roseman and his staff are projected to have 10 picks to work with during the NFL draft and with the goal being to retool and get younger, Philadelphia is set to infuse youth and talent.

With the deepest wide receiver class in draft history all in Indianapolis, here are 7 different wideouts for the Birds to watch at the Combine.

***

Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chase Claypool, Notre Dame

A stud at Notre Dame, Claypool finished his final season in South Bend with 66 receptions for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. At 6-4 and 238 pounds, Claypool will give Eagles fans Deja Vu about JJ Arcega-Whiteside, but Claypool is a big-bodied wide receiver who can create space, win the jump ball and could transition to tight end as well.

He can get better at route running and there are the questions about his speed, quickness, and ability to separate from NFL cornerbacks.

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Ohio State WR K.J. Hill would love to play with college teammate Dwayne Haskins

K.J. Hill says it would be great to play with Dwayne Haskins again in Washington, who he says is one of his best friends.

The 2020 NFL Combine is now underway — let the rumors begin.

As draft prospects sit down with the media on Tuesday and answer questions about where they’d like to play, where they think they should be drafted, and what type of upside they have in the league, it’s easy to get sidetracked by some misinformation. Of course, the Washington Redskins are meeting with QB Tua Tagavailoa, and CB Jeff Okudah and LB Isaiah Simmons — every team meets with all of these players in order to do their due diligence; don’t take it as any more than that.

However, when they start meeting with a player multiple times and have expressed interest before today, like at the Senior Bowl, then it’s safe to prick your ears up. That’s what seems to be happening with K.J. Hill, a wide receiver from Ohio State.

Hill told reporters on Tuesday that he met with the Redskins at the combine today after talking with them at the Senior Bowl as well. His talent has reportedly intrigued the team, and they have some extra intel on him with Dwayne Haskins and Terry McLaurin knowing him well as a teammate. Hill and Haskins actually share a close bond as well.

McLaurin did a great job in his rookie season, becoming one of the biggest difference-makers for the Redskins. If things go as Washington plans, Hill could be the next Buckeye to get the opportunity.

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Redskins have great chance to add another talented WR in 2020 NFL Draft

The wide receiver class in the 2020 NFL Draft is uncommonly deep, which bodes well for the Redskins to add another pass-catcher.

The Washington Redskins 2019 draft class was highly successful, especially at the wide receiver position. While dealing with a spotty track record of selecting pass-catchers who are unable to realize their full potential in the NFL — ie. Josh Doctson — Washington was able to add Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon to the roster, while Steven Sims Jr. helped to bolster the depth chart as an undrafted free agent.

In 2020, however, the WR position still remains an area of need. The Redskins cut ties with both Paul Richardson Jr. and Jordan Reed recently, and they’ll surely be looking to add a veteran WR1 or WR2 in free agency. The 2020 NFL Draft will also give them a great crop of pass-catchers to choose from as well.

According to The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler, this year’s draft is uncommonly stacked with receivers. In most years, there are on average 12.2 receivers drafted within the first 100 players off the board, but this year’s class is expected to see more than 20 WRs selected by then. For a team like Washington, this is a big opportunity, writes The Athletic‘s Ben Standig:

This data bodes well for a team like Washington that needs a viable target option opposite 2019 third-round selection and rookie dynamo Terry McLaurin. Ideally, that person comes with NFL experience since, along with McLaurin, the Redskins’ receiver depth chart is nothing but kids. Problem: There’s a precipitous drop in the free-agent pool after the top 3-4 candidates.

No such issue in the draft, which means Washington could use its Day 2 pick (66 overall) on another need area and feel comfortable landing a WR later.

A few of the names that the Redskins may be targeting are Ohio State’s K.J. Hill, Liberty’s Antonio Gandy-Golden, Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool, and LSU’s Justin Jefferson. Regardless of who they pick, though, Kyle Smith and the rest of the Redskins’ draft experts have shown the ability to find great talent in the later rounds of the draft, so it’s safe to feel confident that they will be able to grab a difference-maker.

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Detroit Lions All-Ohio State University mock draft

With mock drafts coming in left and right, check out this one where we have the Detroit Lions selecting only Ohio State University players

Mock drafts are everywhere right now, and the majority of them have the Detroit Lions taking either Jeffery Okudah, Chase Young, Derrick Brown, or Isaiah Simmons with their first pick.

After a while, the mundanity can set in seeing the same few players getting slated to the Lions, so we at Lions Wire decided to add a twist to traditional mock drafts by introducing a series of mock drafts that select prospects exclusively from one school.

We kicked off things off and visited the University of Michigan. Now we will take things a little south and stop at Ohio State University for our next visit.

Round 1/2

I know I am cheating a little combining the first and second, but at this point, Okudah and Young have been mocked several times to the Lions, as mentioned. They have been talked about so extensively we know what kind of players the Lions will get if they drafted them in the first round.

There are two prospects the Lions could be looking at with their second-round pick, and depending on whom they select in the first could dictate whom they tag as their second-round pick, either cornerback Damon Arnette or running back J.K. Dobbins.

Arnette maybe getting overshadowed by his teammate, Okduah, through the draft process, but Arnette offers quite a package for what may consider a consolidation prize of Ohio State cornerbacks. Arnette has the versatility to play in multiple techniques because of his physicality in press coverage and his patience in off-press coverage. The Lions value cornerbacks who have strong tackling ability, as well as, the ability can contribute in run support, and he is one of the better cornerbacks in this draft who can provide those types of attributes.

Dobbins is your definition of a bell-cow running back who has enjoyed massive success while at Ohio State. Over three seasons, he has amassed over 4,400 yards while also tallying 545 receiving yards, showing his versatility as a three-down back. His toughness, elite patience, and vision were always on display breaking 73 tackles, en route to 21 touchdowns. Because of his high usage, most teams are going to be hesitant to take him with a high draft pick leading to possible draft fall even though his talent is first-round worthy.

It should speak to how strong this Ohio State draft class when the Lions have a plethora of options at their disposal this early in the draft. Now, if the Lions take Okduah in the first, they will probably pass on Arnette and go with Dobbins with their second pick. If the Lions select Young, that is where things may get exciting either go with Arnette to fill CB2 or go with Dobbins and create a potent one-two punch with Kerryon Johnson.

For this exercise, I have the Lions selecting Young and go with Arnette in the second to shore up the vacant spot opposite of Darius Slay.

Round 3

The third round has a couple of prospects that may intrigue the Lions on each side of the ball, linebacker Malik Harrison and wide receiver K.J. Hill.

Harrison’s game is much like Jarrad Davis in most aspects, so take that with what you will. Harrison possesses the intelligence to read offenses allowing him to use his physicality and high motor to attack the play, which accounted for his 16.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this past season. He always seems to be making the play or at least close to the action. He does lack flexibility and coverage skills, which will hinder his every-down availability, and in turn, could hurt his draft stock.

The Lions could use Harrison like they use Davis, allowing him to move around the defense, shoot gaps, blitz the quarterback, or drop into coverage. By using both Harrison and Davis, the Lions could keep offenses guessing, bringing different looks as to who is doing what on the play.

K.J. Hill has caught the eyes of Lions fans after an impressive Senior Bowl, allowing him to showcase his ability as a slot receiver, an area the Lions might be looking to improve with Danny Amendola hitting free agency. Not only has he caught the eyes of the Lions, but other teams as well leading to heightened draft stock. Hill is one of the more impressive route runners in this draft class. With his elusiveness, YAC ability, and consistent production, he would fit right in with the Lions.

Because Hill’s draft stock rising, and the lack of quality linebackers in this draft, the Lions may only get one of these two prospects. The majority of fans would have no hesitation taking Hill at this point, but I am going to go against the grain and take Harrison with the third-round pick. Harrison’s versatility will allow the Lions to bring different looks to this defense with Davis and could cause offenses fits, and that could be fun to watch.

Round 4

With the potential departure of hometown staple Graham Glasgow, along with Kenny Wiggins and Oday Aboushi hitting free agency, the Lions have a strong need for an interior offensive lineman. Usually, this late in the draft, you probably will not find a player who could start early on, but guard Jonah Jackon does not fall in that norm.

Jackson was an integral part of an Ohio State’s interior offensive line, which some might have considered one of the best in college football, helping pave the way for Dobbins’ monster season. Jackson enjoyed a career resurgence as a graduate transfer from Rutgers to Ohio State this past season, and he was able to take full advantage of the opportunity and helped put his name on the map as one of better interior offensive lineman in this draft.

Jackson was already known to have strong pass protection abilities before he left Rutgers. However, at Ohio State, he was able to enhance his game further by becoming a dominant run blocker as well. You probably will not find a more athletic guard in this draft, with the way he can move players, layout pancake blocks, and agile enough to get the second level. He is a high character, athletic player who can immediately take hold of the vacant guard spot and bring a strong element next to Frank Ragnow.

Round 5

The Lions interior defensive line is in flux right now with A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels hitting free agency, and the possible retirement of Damon Harrison, the Lions would be wise to draft a player(s) to plug up those gaps. Likely for them, they could select Davon Hamilton in the fifth round and could easily slide in with what the Lions look for from their defensive linemen.

Hamilton is like Da’Sahwn Hand, a versatile player who has the ability and efficiency to play from 0-tech to 5-tech. With his high intelligence, ever going motor, stable vision, and play strength, he can cause chaos to the offense. He also has fantastic gap discipline and run-stuffing ability, both areas the Lions covet.

He may not have the numbers some teams may look for, 66 career tackles and only one season as a starter, but look whom he was playing with — the Bosa brothers, Dre’Mont Jones, and Chase Young — and there are only so many snaps that can around leading to more a rotational role for Hamilton. The Lions will be getting a reliable, lengthy, disruptive versatile lineman on Day 3 of the draft who will fit well with the Lions multiple defensive schemes.

Round 5 (2nd selection)

The Lions have invested a ton in the safety position the last two years with the selections of Tracy Walker and Will Harris, both in the third round. However, the way the Lions run their defense with multiple safeties sets, expect them to invest more into that spot. With their second fifth-round pick, there is a Buckeye safety ripe for the picking that can find a role in this defense, Jordan Fuller.

When the Buckeyes implemented a new defensive scheme, Fuller switched from a hybrid role to exclusively single high safety. For all intents and purposes, he was solid in that role. The Buckeyes were awarded for one of the better coverage safeties in this draft and recorded six combined interceptions and pass breakups, showing he has the ball skills to man the deep part of the field. Even though his tackling leaves something to be desired, it is something that can easily be coached and should not be the nail in the coffin of his draft status.

With Miles Killebrew hitting free agency, Fuller could fill in the spot on defense and special teams. A versatile player who could line up almost anywhere in the deep areas of the field and solid special teams player is right up the Lions’ alley. On top of it, he is a two-time captain and high character individual, something the Lions value in their players. Fuller checks all the right boxes and could be a diamond of the rough this late in the draft for Detroit.

Round 6

Even though the Lions could not land K.J. Hill earlier in the draft, there is another Buckeye receiver who could fit the bill this late in the draft, Binjimen Victor. Victor processes the frame — 6-3, and 196 pounds measured at the East-West Shrine game — necessary to handle the daily grind of the NFL.

Between his excellent athleticism, length, separation ability, and large catch radius, he can consistently win any contested-catch, making him a robust vertical threat, an area the Lions often used this past season. He may not be the fastest player on the field but does have strong hands in not only high point catches, but also run blocking, which is an area the Lions love in their receivers.

He may have left people asking more from him, but considering whom he played behind, Hill, Parris Campbell, and Terry McLaurin there are only so many targets to go around. He was able to put substantial numbers though recording 1,340 yards and 18 touchdowns in his Buckeye career, with six of those touchdowns coming this past year. What teams are going to get from Victor is a receiver with an outstanding catch radius, strong hands, and physical length and body, and smooth route running, who could plug in in mostly any receiver spot and be a major red-zone threat.

With a high potential need for receivers for the Lions, Victor could be worth a late flyer and could develop into a productive receiver just like his old teammate McLaurin.

Summary

Here is how the draft would shape up for the Lions:

1st- Chase Young

2nd- Damon Arnette

3rd- Malik Harrison

4th- Jonah Jackson

5th- Davon Hamilton

5th- Jordan Fuller

6th- Binjimen Victor

 

This draft could go several ways, which says a great deal to the quality of talent Ohio State regularly shores out yearly and is a credit to former head coach Urban Meyer recruited. Young will immediately transform the defense; Arnette provides a quality CB2. Harrison brings the traits the Lions look for in their linebackers, Hamilton and Jackson shore up the holes on their respective lines, Fuller is a hybrid player who can line up anywhere deep, and Victor can play mostly any receiver spot. All of them are high quality, intelligent characters who are ready to learn, features the Lions highly desire in their players. Do not be surprised if the Lions pull the trigger on any of the listed players.

#OnePride 2020 Lions Fan Mock Draft 4.0

The latest edition of #OnePride Fan based mock draft is based on a reader suggested scenario where quarterbacks are selected with the top two picks and allowing Chase Young to fall to the Lions.

Using the Draft Network‘s Mock Draft simulator, we at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base four options in each round and allowed them to vote on who they would like the team to pick. After making their selection, the simulator picks for the other 31 teams and then the Lions’ fans are back on the clock for another selection.

For clarification, the four best players are selected by a Lions Wire staff editor/writer, but Lions Wire doesn’t vote — unless there is a tie — or influence the voting. Additionally, Lions Wire is not ranking the players where or when they are available — the simulator makes those decisions. We only offer up the best options.

This edition of the #OnePride Mock Draft was based on a scenario suggested by Lions Wire reader David Alexander — The Cincinnatti Bengals select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick and then a quarterback-needy team trades with Washington to select a healthy Tua Tagovailoa, leaving the Lions with more options with the third pick.

Round 1, Pick 3: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

No surprise, Chase Young received 95-percent of the voting.

This is the exact scenario Lions Wire editor Jeff Risdon suggested in a recent Mock Draft he wrote for Real GM, where the Los Angeles Chargers traded up and Young fell to the Lions at pick three.

Because we are using Draft Network’s simulation in this edition, it makes sense to also use their writers for player summaries. Here is Kyle Crabbs summary on Young:

Chase Young is an elite NFL Draft prospect who can step into any defensive system in the league and find a home in the starting lineup. Young has a surreal potency as a pass rusher, constantly gaining ground, attacking hands and showcasing elite length and flexibility at the top of the arc. Young is a game changing player who opponents will have to cater game plans around in order to negate his disruptive qualities — he’s highly refined with hand tech and should be a splash starter right away.

Erik’s take: No brainer choice here as Young gives the Lions a boost in the pass-rushing department, while also allowing the players around him more freedom to make an impact.

Round 2, Pick 35: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Crabbs player summary:

Grant Delpit projects as an impact defender at the NFL level. Tackling issues in the open field will put off some teams, but he’s physically capable of booming hits and his foundation as a player is a pretty rare blend of skills — making him an enticing every down defender that can be a centerpiece to weekly game plans. Delpit has high football intelligence and can handle any number of roles or responsibilities, adding him to a roster will add infinite flexibility to back-end coverage combos.

Erik’s take: By adding Delpit, the Lions can drop him at single-high, allowing Tracy Walker more time in his flex (JOKER) role, and shifting Will Harris into a more natural Tavon Wilson-like role.

Round 3, Pick, 67: K.J. Hill, slot WR, Ohio State

Draft Network’s Brad Kelly:

The veteran wideout has a skillset that is predicated on fluidity, able to snap off his route or accelerate through breaks with ease. There’s a reason he’s gotten open so much in his collegiate career, part of which is his understanding of voids and space in defenses.

Hill works the best out of the slot, but has the size and skillset to suggest he can survive outside in the NFL. With his career production, athleticism and talent, he’s a legitimate top-100 draft pick even in the loaded 2020 receiver class.

Erik’s take: The Lions will need to find a starter capable of winning from the slot and Hill brings them everything they are looking for.

Round 4, Pick 106: Damien Lewis, G, LSU

Crabbs player summary:

Damien Lewis projects as a scheme specific starter at the pro level. Lewis doesn’t have a lot of dynamic range and won’t be appealing to zone heavy rushing offenses and even in gap/power schemes he has some limitations that will temper his upside in the lineup. Lewis has enough foot speed, recovery ability and power to execute at an operational level as a starter and he’s at his best when he’s able to combo or block down in the run game. Tight quarters guard.

Erik’s take: Crabbs write-up suggests Lewis may not fit the Lions scheme, but I believe Lewis would challenge at right guard in Spring practices and by the end of training camp, he could end up as the Lions Day 1 starter.

Round 5, Pick 149: Raequan Williams, IDL, Michigan State

Draft Network’s Ben Sloak:

A longer player with great quickness who knows how to slant into gaps and win at the snap. Regularly the first player off the ball, Williams must fix his pad level to become a more effective player, but when he lands his hands inside his opponent, he can displace them frequently, working to a half-man to force the quarterback off his set point.

Erik’s take: Williams is a player the Lions have been scouting for several years now and can take over the previous role occupied by A’Shawn Robinson as a rotational interior defender.

Round 5, Pick 173: AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College

Crabbs player summary:

AJ Dillon projects best as a gap/power rusher at the NFL level. Dillon is at his best as a deep set back who can collect momentum working into the POA and carry his burst through the hole. Asking him to slow play, press the line and read/accelerate out of a cut takes away many of his appealing qualities. In a perfect world, Dillon is a short yardage specialist and/or early down back who can churn out tough yards and keep the offense on schedule with the sticks.

Erik’s take: For the first time this season, we had a vote that landed in a tie. Both AJ Dillon and Nebraska corner Lamar Jackson earned 35.6-percent of the vote and I broke the tiebreaker based on overall talent and year-one impact on the roster.

Round 6, Pick 182: Willie Gay Jr, LB, Mississippi State

Gay’s profile isn’t available yet at Draft Network yet, but he is highly-graded by Pro Football Focus:

Gay is one of the most confounding evaluations at the linebacker position in this class. His movement skills are top-notch for the position. He’ll likely run in at least the 4.5s — if not faster — and gains depth with ease in coverage.

After reeling in a pick-six on his very first drive of the season against Kentucky, Gay was subsequently suspended for undisclosed reasons after the game. The off-field vetting for Gay during the draft process may very well be as important as the on-field.

Erik’s take: Gay’s off-the-field situation may take him off the Lions draft board, but if they can overlook it, he would offer value late on Day 3 of the draft. Personally, I believe the front runner at this pick is likely Texas A&M punter Braden Mann.

Ohio State football All-Decade Team, Offense

We reflect on the last decade of Ohio State football, and who would be on an all-offensive team from 2010 through 2019.

The sun already set on college football down in New Orleans just a couple of weeks ago. The Super Bowl just gave us our last hurrah as well Sunday night. So, we’ve got a question for you: Are you missing the good ‘ole American game yet? Yeah, yeah, there’s the whole reboot of the XFL, but for all intents and purposes, the game we know and love is now on a hiatus until the fall really.

But that’s okay. We’re going to fill that time with some reflections on the decade that just passed us by for Ohio State. It was one that was filled with several Big Ten Championships, a national title, and a slew of wins over That Team Up North.

But who are the best of the best from the 2010s? There’s a ton of really good players to choose from, and we’re doing our best to identify them in a series of posts dealing with the best of the decade of Ohio State football.

We’re starting with our All-Decade Offensive Team, with the All-Decade Defensive Team up next. So, here it goes. If you were to put a team together on the side of the ball responsible for scoring points, what OSU players would you choose from 2010 through 2019? Here’s our stab at it.

Next … The skill positions at Ohio State

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Texans 2020 NFL draft target: Ohio State WR K.J. Hill

The Houston Texans could get younger and more reliable at receiver by taking Ohio State WR K.J. Hill, who was impressive at the Senior Bowl.

The Houston Texans could have a need at receiver in the 2020 offseason. Former 2018 fourth-round pick Keke Coutee is in coach Bill O’Brien’s doghouse, and speedster Will Fuller is due $10.1 million as part of his fifth-year option.

Houston may either cut bait with Coutee or Fuller. If so, that will leave them with a void at receiver with DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills taking the top two spots.

One receiver from the college ranks the Texans could target is K.J. Hill from Ohio State. According to Austin Gayle from Pro Football Focus, the North Little Rock High School product was one of the more impressive prospects at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Hill is always open. The 6-foot, 192-pound Ohio State product was easily the most impressive route-runner in Mobile. He created separation with ease and made his competition look foolish in the process. He also hauled in a one-handed catch that dropped jaws on Day 3 that really put an exclamation point on his big week.

If Hill is a disciplined enough route-runner that he can translate that immediately to his rookie season, quarterback Deshaun Watson would be able to connect with him and possibly have a better rapport than he did with Coutee in the latter’s rookie season. Part of what has compromised Coutee’s ability to get on track in the Texans’ passing game is his penchant for chronic injuries. The same can be said of Fuller, despite his impact in the passing game.

Hill caught 201 passes for 2,332 yards and 20 touchdowns for Ohio State. The only injury issue he seemed to have was an ankle injury from 2016.

Walter Football has Hill going in the second or third round. If his stock continues to rise, as it did from his Senior Bowl week, then he could get away from the Texans’ first pick at 57th overall in the second round. If not, the Texans could have a younger, more reliable solution to fill a void at receiver.

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