Ohio State players had another fantastic draft, especially on the defensive side with three former Buckeyes going in the first round. Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, and Damon Arnette all had their names called on the first day of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Now might be a good time to mention that three of the last four years have seen former Ohio State players selected as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Joey Bosa won it in 2016, Marshon Lattimore took the honor home in 2017, and Nick Bosa claimed it last year.
It’s highly possible that a former Ohio State player wins the NFL’s Defensive ROY again this next season as well. In fact, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, there are two former Buckeyes in the top ten candidates to be the best rookie defender in the NFL.
Here’s what Trapasso says about both Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, and where he has them ranked in his top ten likely winners.