Startling news: The Cleveland Browns choose two Buckeyes in the first draft in 58 years.
Just over 140 miles separate Ohio State University from Cleveland Browns Stadium, making the trip take two hours. In the previous few decades, the Browns had only selected a small number of Buckeyes in the draft, despite the proximity of the two sites.
They chose two Buckeyes on Saturday—a feat not done since 1965. On the third day of the NFL Draft, Cleveland selected centre Luke Wypler and offensive tackle Dawand Jones.
Although Ohio State has long been a collegiate football powerhouse, some NFL teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, have selected Buckeyes significantly more frequently.You would think a team like the Browns would have gotten the memo a long time ago, given the success of the Steelers franchise over many years.
Many Cleveland supporters are perplexed by the Browns’ history of not selecting Buckeyes in the draft. Perhaps these two most recent draft selections indicate that the Berea front office recognises Ohio State athletes’ ability and success in the NFL.
For the record, in the history of the NFL, the Buckeyes have had almost 500 players picked. The late Paul Brown, the founder of the Browns, participated in the selection of 22 Ohio State players between 1952 and 1965.
It should be mentioned that Brown had previously served as Ohio State’s coach. It’s odd, though, that the team has only selected 11 players from the football superpower a short distance away in the draft since then.
At the 111th choice in the current draft, Cleveland selected Jones, a massive offensive lineman who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 385 pounds. In order to have stronger and bigger players in the trenches, the team has required to draft players like Jones.
Later in the day, Wypler, a dependable and consistent centre, was selected by the Browns as another offensive lineman. His proficiency in zone tactics on the offensive line will only increase his value as a member of the team.
The team signed two more undrafted Ohio State players in free agency, safety Ronnie Hickman and cornerback/safety Tanner McCallister, to round off their selection of two Ohio State players.This past year’s success for the Buckeyes was greatly attributed to both guys.
Unexpectedly, Hickman’s value dropped and he was not selected for the draft. Prior to the season, his selection position was predicted to be in the middle rounds.
After transferring from Oklahoma State, McCallister led Ohio State with three interceptions in the previous campaign. Although most undrafted players don’t make the final roster, he and Hickman will have a difficult time breaking into the Browns team. Nevertheless, they will at least have a chance.
Denzel Ward was selected by the Browns in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, while defensive tackle Tommy Togiai was selected in the fourth round in 2021. Cleveland has not selected a member of the Ohio State University until 2009, when they selected wide receiver Brian Robiskie. Prior to that, they acquired tight end Darnell Sanders in 2002.
Browns supporters are probably happy that the team now has multiple Buckeyes on the roster after these trades over the weekend.Denzel Ward, a cornerback who has played well in Cleveland, is a member of that group.
Given how many outstanding Buckeye players have been selected throughout NFL history, it is truly astonishing to consider that it has been 58 years since Cleveland selected more than one Ohio State player. With any lucky, this will be the beginning of a strong relationship between the two, and the Browns will continue to choose Buckeyes.
