Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan intends to apply for early eligibility to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
McMillan announced his decision on Wednesday via Twitter.
McMillan (6-foot-2, 243 pounds) is one of college football's best middle linebackers, a two-year starter for one of the nation's top defenses who also played extensively as a freshman on the Buckeyes' 2014 national championship team. NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah's preseason evaluation of McMillan likened him to Buffalo Bills 2016 second-round pick Reggie Ragland of Alabama. The junior is especially effective as an inside run stopper, but his speed and coverage skills have helped him develop into an every-down linebacker at OSU. Analyst Bucky Brooks has described McMillan as an impact defender who can make plays between the tackles or on the perimeter.
College underclassmen face a Jan. 16 deadline to apply for early draft eligibility.
McMillan led Ohio State in tackles on the regular season with 87, including five for losses and one sack (Jeremiah's evaluation noted a need for improvement as a blitzer). He also broke up four passes and forced two fumbles for a Buckeyes defense that ranked No. 5 in the nation.
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