The Ohio State Buckeyes had four players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. They will only match that number with defensive backs during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Buckeyes will face Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoffs and there will be no shortage of players who could be a good fit for the Green Bay Packers.
Tyleik Williams, DT
Williams is a hindrance to the run. Controls his advantage and is able to break away blocks to get to ball handlers. He’s a forceful, gigantic man and has a football radar. The Packers may be looking for a replacement for TJ Slaton this offseason. Williams would lend a hand Green Bay continue to improve on offense, and he also has the tools to ruin opposing teams’ ground game.
Cody Simon, LB
Simon is having a breakout season, recording 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and five pass deflections. Simon is reliable and finds the ball quickly. He shows good range in coverage and has the athleticism to sustain himself at a higher level. Prior to this season, Simon had logged 473 special teams snaps over his first four seasons and recorded nine tackles.
Sonny Styles, LB
The former backup recorded 76 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks in his recent position. Styles recently turned 20 and is an excellent space athlete. He has sideline-to-sideline reach, and a team may want to bet on his tools on day three of the draft. The former recorded 430 special teams snaps and nine tackles during his time at Ohio State.
Jack Sawyer, Edge
Sawyer’s engine is always running. He brings the same energy with every snap. He is a physical defender and is powerful when attacking. Over the past two seasons, Sawyer has recorded 49 stops. He is a forceful passer attacker and has recorded 11 sacks and 80 pressures over the last two seasons.
JT Tuimoloau, Edge
At 6-4 and 270 pounds, Tuimoloau looks like he was sent from central casting. Like Sawyer, Tuimoloau attacks the quarterback with power and has ponderous hands. He’s ready to step in on day one and lend a hand the team strengthen its run defense.
Emeka Eggbuka, WR
Another wide receiver produced in the NFL. Egbuka is a detailed route runner and excellent footwork. He is adept at finding open spaces in zone coverage and has sticky hands.
The Packers haven’t selected a wide receiver in the first round of the draft since 2002. With Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks all under contract, Gutekunst probably isn’t even considering a winger in the first round. If a Buckeye wide receiver becomes available in the second round, he may consider adding a drafted wide receiver to the mix.
Denzel Burke, CB
Burke is an insufferable defender and isn’t shy about sticking his nose up in support. After making 16 tackles over the past two seasons, Burke has improved his technique and has just three missed tackles this season. He has the reaction speed to recover if he gives up initial separation and is good at timing his shot.
Davison Igbinosun, CB
Igbinosun has the perfect frame that teams are looking for in cornerback defense. The Ole Miss transfer has the length and athleticism to block wingers on the perimeter. He just needs to sleek out the coarse edges of his game. Igbinosun will enter Saturday’s matchup with two interceptions and seven pass deflections.
Jordan Hancock, CB
Over the past two seasons, Hancock has played almost exclusively in the Buckeyes’ slot. He shows good route knowledge and puts himself in a position to create chances. With his frame (6-0, 195 pounds), route awareness and ability to change direction, Hancock could play on the perimeter at the next level.
Ty Hamilton, DT
The road is closed ahead of us. Hamilton, like Williams, is a solid defender. Comes into play against double teams and controls his advantage. Hamilton has recorded 27 stops this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Donovan Jackson, G
Jackson is a downhill blocker who maintains balance on his feet. Has quick feet in pass protection to shuffle against attackers. Until this season, Jackson played exclusively as a left back. He has shown his versatility in the last five games, kicking at left-back.
