While Ohio State was completing their spring with the annual Scarlet vs. Gray game in the Horseshow, a class full of graduated seniors were awaiting their next career step, the NFL. The NFL draft proceeded the Spring game with four Buckeyes selected on the first day and three more selected in the second day of later round selections.
By Steve Patterson
Malcolm Jenkins
Corner Back Malcolm Jenkins was the first Ohio State player taken in the draft at the 14th pick overall by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints focused mostly on defense in the draft with a Safety and a Linebacker from Wake Forest making up their fourth round draft picks. Jenkins could start next year at the corner back position for the Saints.
Chris Wells
Chris 'Beanie' Wells was the second of two first round picks for the Buckeyes, going to the Arizona Cardinals at the 31st pick. Wells should share time in the backfield his first season with Tim Hightower. The NFC Champions are planning on letting Edgerrin James leave before training camp starts.
James Laurinaitis
James Laurinaitis slipped into the second round where he was selected by the St Louis Rams. The Rams are looking to improve their defensive ranking which was 29th in the league last season. They drafted three of their first four players on that side of the ball. Laurinaitis most likely will compete against Will Witherspoon at the middle linebacker position.
Brian Robiskie
Brian Robiskie was another second round selection out of Ohio State that came at somewhat of a surprise. A nice NFL Combine performance and Pro Day workout led Cleveland to take Robiskie 36th overall. Cleveland is in serious need of receiving talent as the spent two second round selections on the position.
Donald Washington
Donald Washington spent his Junior year at Ohio State is the dog house after an early year suspension but his past track skills provided for a very good NFL Combine performance and Kansas City went after him with the 102nd selection. As rookie Washington should compete for one of the corner back positions on the team.
Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline wasn't expected to be drafted but Miami stepped in with the
108th selection and picked up the athletic receiver. Hartline will be matched up
with Ted Ginn Jr but will most likely compete for a backup position as a rookie.
The Dolphins also selected Patrick Turner out of USC with their third round
selection. Turner represents a player with more height and raw talent but didn't
produce in college as many thought he would.
Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman has a great Combine performance and a very good Pro Day at Ohio State. The Bears selected Freeman with the 154th pick in the draft during the fifth round. Freeman was a very good value at the position he was selected and could compete for the Sam position with the Bears this Summer.