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Latest NFL mock draft has Ohio State Buckeyes dominating first round

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 9:25 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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First‑Round Buckeye Selections

The mock positions the Buckeyes at the top of the draft with three first‑rounders, as follows:

David Bakhtiari is perhaps the most anticipated pick, returning to the Rams who selected him 12th overall in 2020. His inclusion at 6th reflects the consensus that Ohio State’s pass‑rush system, refined under head coach Ryan Day, has polished him into one of the league’s most lethal edge rushers. The mock’s projection of a high‑end 12‑to‑15 round pick has been validated by his college statistics—over 40 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in his senior season—placing him squarely among the elite defensive ends in the country.

Quintez Cephus, the Buckeye safety who led the nation with 12 interceptions in 2023, is projected to go 10th overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cephus’s elite ball‑hawking skills and his ability to lock down the secondary have earned him comparisons to the league’s top safeties. In the mock, the Bengals are looking to bolster a defense that struggled against speed in the secondary during the 2023 season, and Cephus’s production (49 total tackles, 7 passes defended) makes him a natural fit.

Damarion Evans, a dynamic defensive end from Ohio State’s renowned defensive line, is projected at 15th by the Philadelphia Eagles. Evans’s speed, combined with his 7.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his senior year, has placed him among the most sought‑after defensive prospects. The Eagles, who have a thin edge‑rushing corps, see Evans as a player who can immediately contribute to their defense.

Implications for Ohio State Football

Ohio State’s 2023 season was highlighted by a stout defense that finished 4th in the nation in total defense and 1st in rushing defense, largely due to the contributions of its 2023 seniors. The mock’s heavy emphasis on defensive players underscores the success of the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes speed, aggressive play‑making, and versatility. The program’s ability to produce multiple first‑round picks in a single draft has a direct influence on recruiting, giving Ohio State a compelling narrative for prospective players.

The mock also reflects the coaching staff’s focus on player development. Ryan Day’s commitment to the “Ohio State Defense” has resulted in a system that not only wins games but also prepares players for the professional level. The presence of a Buckeye on each of the top 15 picks is a testament to that system’s efficacy.

Additional Context from Followed Links

Ohio State Football – Official Site
The official Buckeyes website (https://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com) provides comprehensive details on the 2023 roster, including player biographies, game logs, and statistics. Key highlights include David Bakhtiari’s senior year performance (46 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks) and Quintez Cephus’s career-high 12 interceptions.

NFL Draft – Sports Illustrated
The Sports Illustrated draft page (https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/2024) offers a detailed breakdown of the mock, including analysis of each pick, team needs, and projected player trajectories. The site also includes expert commentary on how Ohio State’s draft stock may evolve with future prospects.

Philadelphia Eagles – Official Team Site
The Eagles’ official site (https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com) includes a profile on Damarion Evans, highlighting his college achievements and fit within the team’s defensive scheme. The site notes the Eagles’ need to strengthen their defensive line, aligning with the mock’s projection.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL mock draft positions Ohio State at the forefront of first‑round selections, with three of its players projected to be taken between picks 6 and 15. This unprecedented cluster of picks underscores the Buckeyes’ elite defensive talent, the effectiveness of Ryan Day’s system, and the program’s growing reputation as a producer of NFL-ready talent. Whether the mock’s projections materialize remains to be seen, but the alignment of Ohio State’s talent pipeline with NFL needs suggests a high probability of success. As teams finalize their picks, the Buckeyes’ dominance in the draft could set a new standard for college programs aspiring to translate collegiate excellence into professional success.