The Ohio State Pro Day kicks off Wednesday in one of the most anticipated workouts on the NFL Pro Day schedule. The Buckeyes boast three potential first-round picks, including a pair of top-10 choices and another trio of players expected to be selected on Day 2. There expects to be 118 representatives from 30 NFL teams on hand for OSU’s Pro Day, including 10 general managers and seven head coaches.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were always expected to have a large contingent in Columbus, but Dan Quinn, John Schneider, and Scott Fitterer were also all seen out and about Tuesday evening.
Here’s the early word from on the ground, including updates on Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Pro Day News and Rumors | Ohio State Pro Day Takes Center Stage
C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Set To Headline
As posted on Twitter yesterday, Harrison is expected to participate in today’s workout and will be one of the targets Stroud throws passes to. This will give teams the ability to do some advanced scouting on Harrison, who is expected to be a top-10 selection in 2024. NFL Network’s James Palmer confirmed there “will be plenty of eyes” on Harrison already.
Stroud will, of course, be the center of the show, and the Carolina Panthers already “met” with Stroud, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist
I’m told the Buckeyes draft-eligible receiver, Smith-Njigba, is preparing to run the 40 today. Smith-Njigba ran the shuttles and three-cone at the Combine, posting sensational marks of and 3.93s and 6.57 seconds, respectively.
Don’t expect blazing times from Smith-Njigba when he runs today — something possibly in the range of the high 4.4-second area. He’s football fast, not 40 fast. And for those keeping track, Smith-Njigba dined with the New York Giants on Tuesday evening.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ brain trust took a private jet to Columbus, Ohio, from yesterday’s Iowa State workout. When they arrived, they cornered the market on the Buckeye linemen. The Steelers had dinner with offensive tackles Dawand Jones and Paris Johnson Jr., as well as center Luke Wypler. Also at the meal was pass rusher Zach Harrison.
One note on Wypler. The Combine results at NFL.com incorrectly listed his 10-yard split as 1.83 seconds. The official report sent to NFL teams has a time of 1.73 and 1.74 seconds as the 10-yard splits on his 40 attempts. This is a significant difference for a center that most project as a zone-blocking lineman.
Cade Stover is Also Set to Participate on Wednesday
Junior tight end Cade Stover will also participate in pro day and catch passes from Stroud. Stover initially had designs on entering this year’s draft, but a late-season injury, which I was told he suffered during the semi-final playoff contest against Georgia, made him reverse course.
Paris Johnson Stars in Offensive Line Drills
Offensive line drills are over. Dawand Jones did not participate.
Paris Johnson was nothing less than spectacular. He showed great bend, athleticism, and agility. During pulling drills he moved like a very athletic defensive end. His footwork in pass protection drills was outstanding. Johnson looked every bit like the top offensive lineman in this draft and a top-10 pick.
Center Luke Wypler also had a fine day. He wasn’t as athletic or quick compared to his teammate yet very much looked like he has starting potential on Sunday for a team that needs a center.
