2021 Ohio State Offseason Thread

[Honestbuckeye]

Shaun Wade says adios.  I don't think returning worked out for him - as always, we shall see, but it feels like he would have been a first or second round pick last year, but came back to show he's a top five pick and ended up showing he's a third or fourth round pick.  Not sure it wouldn't be better for him to come back to school, move back to a slot corner where he can blitz and play in the run game and show he's more of a playmaker again.

He’s projected in Moe’s mock drafts as a second round. They were still tremendous appeal for him because he could play slot corner in the NFL or safety and can be taught to play corner with some time to develop which he did not have this year at all. I think it’s the right move

[Abba]

I think it's best for both parties for Wade to go pro.  I wish him well, but it's time for some fresh blood back there.

[Mdot21]

Wade’s stock was hot, made the mistake of coming back. 

If you’re a projected 1st rd pick, go. You can only get injured or hurt your stock coming back. 

Matt Barkley went from oh he’s definitely the #1 pick to a 4th rounder by coming back I believe. 

When the iron is hot, you have to strike it. No doubt in my mind if Mark Sanchez had come back same thing would’ve happened to him. He left early and struck while it was hot and went #5 overall. 

Longer you play the more flaws they have to find on you. And that’s all they do is look for flaws.

[MaximumSam]

Punter Drue Chrisman and center Josh Myers declare for the draft.  

[bayareabadger]

Wade’s stock was hot, made the mistake of coming back.

If you’re a projected 1st rd pick, go. You can only get injured or hurt your stock coming back.

Matt Barkley went from oh he’s definitely the #1 pick to a 4th rounder by coming back I believe.

When the iron is hot, you have to strike it. No doubt in my mind if Mark Sanchez had come back same thing would’ve happened to him. He left early and struck while it was hot and went #5 overall.

Longer you play the more flaws they have to find on you. And that’s all they do is look for flaws.

I often agree with this, but with a caveat. I think there's also the process they go through. Like was Barkley actually the No. 1 prospect, or was he just hyped by draft websites? And if he went through the draft process, would that just expose his flaws anyway? (There's also the obvious caveat, you have to play well. Barkley threw 15 picks his last year and the team overall got worse)

I really do like the NFL's current system. Kids get grades, first round, second round, lower than that. Make the choice off that. If you know your situation will be worse or your flaws are not fixable with more experience, make your own choice. 

[MaximumSam]

Thayer Munford announces he is coming back (this is a surprise)

[MaximumSam]

Kicker Blake Haubeil is leaving

[MaximumSam]

Receivers:

Probably Leaving:

Chris Olave: Led the team in receiving and will always have that awesome touchdown against Clemson.  Probably declaring for the draft, even though the receiver class is stacked this year, no real reason to think he'll improve a lot on staying another year. (Edit: he didn't leave)

Mookie Cooper: Entered the portal and transferred to Mizzou.

Probably staying:

Garrett Wilson: Moved to the slot this year and it was really just him and Olave catching passes for much of the season.  Seems likely to stay in the slot with the talent OSU has on the outside, no reason to expect much of a drop off from him. 

Jameson Williams: The thought was this speedster would make a big impact this year starting opposite Willson and Olave.  And...not so much.  He did have some big plays but only had nine catches.  With the competition fierce he'll have a battle to hold on to a starting spot.

Julian Fleming: Big time recruit who got one start in place of a COVID stricken Olave.  Finished with 7 catches for 74 yards and never showed a ton of big play potential, though not a lot of opportunity either.  Going to compete to be a starter next year.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Seemed like the freshman the coaches likes the most, though that's based mostly on my recollection because I can't find overall snap counts.  In any event, finished with 10 catches for 49 yards but will be a big part of what they do next year.

Gee Scott: Another one of their freshman, he didn't record a catch but did get some snaps early in the season.  I hadn't been certain he saw the field at all but he did.

Kamryn Babb: Babb has battled injury for much of his career, but did see a bit of action this year, and got some action in the B1G championship game.  He also did not record a catch this year.

Ellijah Gardiner: I suppose?  I can't find any record that played this year, but as far as I can tell he's still on the team.

Newcomers:

Emeka Egbuka: The #1 receiver prospect in the nation coming out of Washington.  Have to imagine he will get some looks and might back up Wilson in the slot. 

Jayden Ballard: Another top 100 prospect, he was the top receiver in Ohio but my take he is will probably develop for a year before seeing the field.

Marvin Harrison, Jr.:  Another top 100 prospect, this is the son of, you guessed it, Marvin Harrison.  Looks like a guy who is predictably advanced in his skills, but might benefit from some time in the weight room.  Looks to be a big body possession receiver, so a bit of bulk might do him right.

[MrNubbz]

At least on paper prolly the most complete/talented position on the Team

[Cincydawg]

Who will start at QB?  I presume it won't be Fields.

[Brutus Buckeye]

Is Saunders gone? 

[MrNubbz]

running back Trey Sermon announced today that he is declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.

[Brutus Buckeye]

So the school record is gonna be held by a RB that was never on an OSU team that played Michigan, which makes it sound as though it happened in the Eighteen-Dicketies. 

Another great trivia question. 

[MaximumSam]

Is Saunders gone?

Think so - he appealed for a sixth year last year but it was denied.