Top 10 Ohio State Players in the NFL: A Decade of Dominance

Few college football programs boast the consistent pipeline of elite talent that Ohio State has produced over the last decade. Year after year, the Buckeyes have sent a plethora of Top 10 Ohio State Players to the NFL, leaving an indelible mark on the professional football landscape. In this exploration, we identify and celebrate the Top 10 Ohio State Players currently making waves in the NFL.

Nick Bosa – San Francisco 49ers: A Defensive Force

Entering the league in 2019 as the second overall pick, Nick Bosa has quickly become a defensive juggernaut. His impact is undeniable, with 156 tackles, 43 sacks, and eight forced fumbles in his brief career. Bosa’s accolades include NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, three Pro Bowl selections, and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2022. His consistent ability to influence games sets him apart and in a list of Top 10 Ohio State Players in the NFL.

Joey Bosa – Los Angeles Chargers: Elite Career Trajectory

Joey Bosa, the elder brother, has carved an elite career since being drafted third overall in 2016. With over 300 tackles, 60.5 sacks, and 14 forced fumbles, Joey has been a cornerstone of the Chargers’ success. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016, he continues to showcase his dominance on the field, hinting at sustained excellence.

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Marshon Lattimore – New Orleans Saints: Lockdown Cornerback

Drafted 11th overall in 2017, Marshon Lattimore has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs. With four Pro Bowl selections and the 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title, Lattimore’s lockdown abilities are evident. Recording 327 yards, 78 pass deflections, and 14 interceptions in six seasons, he remains a stalwart in the Saints’ secondary.

Cameron Heyward – Pittsburgh Steelers: Unsung Defensive Tackle

Defensive tackles often go unnoticed, but Cameron Heyward’s career speaks volumes. Drafted in 2011, Heyward boasts three first-team All-Pro selections, one second-team All-Pro selection, and six Pro Bowl appearances. His impressive stats include 614 tackles, 78.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and 46 pass deflections. Heyward’s consistent excellence positions him as a potential future Hall of Famer.

Vonn Bell – Carolina Panthers: Solid All-Around Safety

Vonn Bell may not have had a dominant career, but his reliability and all-around skills make him a valuable asset. With over 600 career tackles, 34 pass deflections, and six interceptions, Bell has proven himself as a trustworthy leader in the defense. Emerging as one of the league’s better safeties, his impact has been felt over the past few years.

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Terry McLaurin – Washington Commanders: A Receiver in Need

Terry McLaurin’s potential is hindered by lackluster quarterback play, yet he remains one of the NFL’s best wide receivers. Despite challenges, McLaurin boasts four 1,000+ yard seasons, recording 75+ receptions in each of the last three years, and a total of 21 career touchdowns. Known as “Scary Terry,” his prowess begs the question of whether the Commanders can provide the consistent quarterback play he deserves.

Sam Hubbard – Cincinnati Bengals: Quiet Defensive Excellence

Sam Hubbard’s contributions often go unnoticed, but his consistent excellence has played a pivotal role in the Bengals’ defensive success. Since entering the league in 2018, Hubbard has amassed nearly 300 tackles and averaged over six sacks per season. While not flashy, he gets the job done, embodying reliability and effectiveness.

Garrett Wilson – New York Jets: Rising Star

The 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson, showcased impressive skills with the New York Jets in his debut season. Despite facing mediocre quarterback play, Wilson recorded 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. Now, with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, Wilson has the potential to ascend as one of the league’s top wide receivers in 2023.

Chris Olave – New Orleans Saints: Rookie Sensation

With just one year in the NFL, Chris Olave has swiftly become one of the league’s top wide receivers. The former Buckeye earned a PFWA All-Rookie Team nod, amassing 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns in his debut season. Olave’s promising start suggests a future filled with potential and continued success.

Michael Thomas – New Orleans Saints: A Star Dimmed by Injuries

Once at the pinnacle of the list, Michael Thomas has faced challenges due to injuries in recent years. While still productive on the field, playing only 10 games in the last three seasons raises questions about the longevity of his career. Thomas’s struggles highlight the harsh reality of the toll injuries can take on even the most elite athletes.

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Summing it Up

Compiling a list of the top Top 10 Ohio State Players in the NFL is a daunting task, given the abundance of high-end talent. The mentioned Top 10 Ohio State Players represent a diverse range of positions and roles, showcasing the versatility and excellence that Ohio State instills in its athletes. Noteworthy names like J.K. Dobbins, Justin Fields, Denzel Ward, Malik Hooker, Jordan Fuller, Jerome Baker, Curtis Samuel, and Chase Young also deserve acknowledgment, emphasizing the extraordinary depth of Ohio State’s NFL contributions.