DRAFT TRACKER 2021

Like Dak Prescott before him, Fields enters the league with dual-threat capabilities but is more of a pocket passer with the ability to extend plays or win with his legs when needed. He was up and down in 2020, but a bounce-back performance against Clemson -- including an impressive second half after suffering an injury -- said a lot about his toughness and leadership. He sees the field fairly well inside the Buckeyes’ quarterback-friendly offense but needs to become a full-field reader and prevent his eyes from becoming transfixed on primary targets. He sticks open throws with accuracy and velocity thanks to a sturdy platform and good drive mechanics. He’s also comfortable throwing into intermediate holes of a zone. A slower operation time and a lack of a twitchy trigger will require him to work with better anticipation and pressure recognition pre- and post-snap. He takes more sacks than coaches will be comfortable with but he also digs his way out of holes and creates explosive plays. Fields operates with a quiet confidence and has experience overcoming adversity. He should continue to improve and become a solid NFL starter within a couple of seasons.

Watching Browning can be a frustrating exercise, as you keep waiting for all the physical tools to match up with better instincts and feel for the game. He's experienced at both Mike and Sam spots for the Buckeyes with the ability to cover, rush and step downhill against the run. He has very good speed and keeps the motor running, but he's late out of the driveway due to a lack of play recognition and anticipation. More often than not, he plays what is in front of him rather than staying ahead of the play, so he becomes more of a background player than solo star. Based upon size and traits, Browning might be in consideration as a backup 3-4 outside linebacker and core special teams player with rush and coverage potential.

There is no questioning Davis' strength or toughness. He has plenty of highlight reels spotlighting a chippy field demeanor. However, there are questions about whether his lack of desired physical traits and body control are things he can work around consistently as a pro. He's powerful at the point of attack. He plays with leverage and leg drive in the run game, but the average control and athleticism make him more of a phone-booth blocker. He has the anchor and hand quickness to handle his work in pass protection but his recovery talent is a bit limited. Davis should be an NFL starter for a power-based run scheme but his lack of length, body control and footwork prevent him from playing wide on a consistent basis.

Future starting center with proportionally broad frame and good lean mass. Myers is battle-tested and has experience in most run-blocking schemes. He's functional working into lateral positioning but is at his best on double teams and working up to linebackers to free the Buckeyes' interior rushing attack. He's not a natural bender and has trouble with contact balance when allowing defenders to get up under his pads. His size works to his advantage against power rushers but protection will become a little leaky when asked to slide and mirror against athletic edge attacks. Myers is solid but unspectacular with the talent to become an early starter.

Great-looking running back at a quick glance, but one who suffers from inconsistency in creativity and decisiveness. The regular-season tape at Ohio State was fairly disappointing relative to the talent he showed at Oklahoma, but his monster postseason should quell some concerns. At both schools, the interior vision and decision-making was suspect and would run him into some traffic. He does have potential as an outside-zone back, where he has more time and space to utilize his skills. He has size and open-field speed and will step up and handle his business in pass protection, as well as catch it out of the backfield. So, while Sermon's skill level as a runner is somewhat average, his potential as a three-down backup with upside should create middle-round interest.

Werner has a versatile linebacker background but is best-suited as a 4-3 Sam with walk-out coverage abilities against certain slot tight ends. He doesn't have playmaking athleticism that stands out as a pro prospect. While his listed size certainly looks NFL-ready, his long, thin lower half is not conducive to leveraging run lanes and overcoming the big bodies that will be coming his way as a pro. He's a physical striker with adequate trigger twitch. Werner has the talent and demeanor to compete for a roster spot as a backup strong-side linebacker and full-time special teamer.

Teams could still be intrigued with Wade's size and length, but he looked slow in recovery mode and lacked confidence and body control when attempting to match routes and stay connected in man coverage this past season. He doesn't have shifty, short-area footwork to match quicker slots and was beaten badly as an outside corner when matched against future NFL talent. Wade needs to get his fundamentals right and find the right position and scheme fit in order to be more than an average backup in the league.

Interior defender with tight hips, good upper body power and improved tape from 2019 to 2020. Togiai doesn't really have the traits to label him as a clean fit for either one or two-gapping schemes but will need to play in an even front as a pro. He's fairly disciplined to come off the ball with proper pad level and attack blocks with a proactive demeanor, but the lack of arm length will show up if asked to stack blocker or free himself from a strong sustain block. He's more active than athletic as a pass rusher and plays with hustle and pursuit as a secondary rusher. He has rotational tackle potential but may not offer enough in the traits or rush categories to become much more than that.

Highly touted coming into Ohio State but failed to mark up the stat sheet with formidable production. He has the physical traits that could generate a look late in the draft and his strength as a power rusher is intriguing. However, he lacks the functional agility and fluid movement to instill faith that a team is going to get much more out of him than what we saw at Ohio State.

In-line tight end prospect with good size and adequate strength but lacking consistency in centering and sustaining blocks. Farrell isn't going to dazzle anyone with play speed or athleticism and does most of his pass catching as a safe option in the flat or in the underbelly of zone coverage. Farrell needs to work on run-blocking technique, including his footwork, as a role as a dirty-work blocker is his most likely path to a roster spot.

Punter with outstanding size and good leg strength. Chrisman stood out in all three of Ohio State's playoff games dating back to the 2019 season, striking the ball with good consistency. However, he will need to prove he can kick with better hang-time in order to make an NFL team.

Borland was just the second player in Ohio State history (J.T. Barrett) to be named team captain for three straight years, which is a nod to his work ethic and leadership qualities. He plays with good football IQ and has a feel for his game-to-game duties as an inside linebacker. However, the lack of speed and physical traits will push him down the draft board. He's strong at the point of attack with efficient movement between the tackles, but he doesn't have the desired tools to get to, and then make, the plays needed as a pro. If he can really shine as a core special teams player, he might have a shot at becoming a backup two-down linebacker.

Former five-star recruit who saw portions of his career derailed by injury. Hilliard is beloved by his teammates and is a great example of resilience and perseverance through adversity. He possesses quality football character and did a very nice job of stepping up at the end of the 2020 season when injuries struck. Unfortunately, he lacks the athletic and skill components needed as a position player on the NFL level.

Big kicker with below-average accuracy totals under 40 yards and a lack of experience kicking from beyond 50. To be fair, the Ohio State offense required many more extra points and kickoffs than field goals. Despite having a 55-yard make in 2019, the ball really doesn't jump off of his foot on kickoffs or field goals. He could find an invite to camp but might be a longshot to win a job.