The Buckeyes have already had two underclassmen declare for the NFL Draft in defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones, but more decisions are still to come.
There are upwards of 10 Ohio State underclassmen who will be weighing their options, but most are waiting until after the Rose Bowl to really dive into their respective thought processes.
“I just want to be fully undivided and make sure I give to my guys everything I can give over the last couple days of practice and the last few weeks of the season and send Coach Meyer off on the right note,” said quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
Haskins has already said he will be playing in the bowl game, which may give Buckeye fans hope that he will return for his fourth season. Based on the various mock drafts popping up right now, however, Haskins would have to say no to a possible Top 5 draft pick position in the 2019 NFL Draft.
One year ago at this time, running back Mike Weber was “50/50″ on staying or leaving following a redshirt sophomore season that left plenty to be desired.
The belief by many was that 2018 would be Weber’s final season as a Buckeye, but he has not yet made a decision either.
“Not yet. I’m still thinking about it really,” he said.
Why is he still undecided?
“I just feel like you have to remain focused on the task at hand,” he said.
That same focus has been shared by teammates as well. After all, the NFL decision isn’t going anywhere since the decision to declare isn’t until two weeks after the Rose Bowl.
“I’m not really focused on that right now,” junior safety Jordan Fuller said. “That is something I have to discuss further with my family. I’m just focused on winning the Rose Bowl.”
The NFL does allow five players per school to submit their name for feedback on their eventual draft position. Fuller was one of the Buckeyes who submitted his name.
“Yeah, just for research, just to make an informed decision,” he said. “That doesn’t mean I am leaning either way.”
How will Fuller eventually make his decision?
“I will just write out the pros and cons with my family and make an informed decision,” he said. “That’s not the main focus right now. I just want to get better every day and give my all for my teammates because they deserve it. I want to give my all for Coach Meyer as well.”
That is the mindset shared by junior linebacker Malik Harrison as well, and both he and Fuller understand that the decision will be there waiting for them after the Rose Bowl.
“I’m not really worried about it right now,” Harrison said. “I’m just worried about this last game, finish out the season well. It’s in the back of my head, but I try not to bring it up. Just try to get through this last game and see what my options are.”
Harrison has performed well down the stretch, but did not submit his name for feedback. This can either be an indication that a player isn’t that serious or that they’re leaving regardless.
“I feel like these last couple of games I showed that I’m kind of ready,” he said.
While Harrison hasn’t checked in with the NFL, he has talked to former linebacker teammate Jerome Baker about it. Baker left for the NFL as a junior following the 2017 season.
“Yeah, I talk to Bake a lot,” he said. “Me and him still have a close relationship. So, I’ve just talked to him about it.”
What does Baker tell him?
“Just be patient,” he said. “Just worry about the now.”
Harrison sees plenty of similarities between himself and Jerome Baker, including the fact that Baker didn’t have his best season as a junior.
“I see a lot,” he said. “‘Rome didn’t have his best year last year, but you can still see it. That’s what he felt was good for him.”
