Latest College Sports Wire NFL mock draft reshuffles three Ohio State players in first round

We’re getting closer to the annual spectacle, the NFL Draft. All the hoopla and pomp and circumstance will take place in Kansas City on April 27-29, and there are sure to be a lot of Ohio State players in attendance over the three-day event.

Until the real thing at the end of April, we’ll surely see countless NFL mock drafts keep doing the rounds, but we’re a little biased and like to follow our own Patrick Conn as he releases updates on where things are going.

In his latest College Sports Wire mock draft, Conn again has three Ohio State players in the first round, but the picks and landing spots have been a little mixed up since his last look.

Here’s the latest after a slew of free agency news, with more to come.

CJ Stroud, quarterback

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud throws during Ohio State Football Pro Day on March 22, 2023 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus. USA TODAY sports

The projected selection

No. 1 overall – Carolina Panthers

What Conn says

It’s no secret that Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich prefers taller quarterbacks, which Bryce Young crosses off my list here. CJ Stroud has all the tools to bring the Panthers out of the NFC South doldrums.

Paris Johnson Jr., offensive tackle

Watch: Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler complete NFL combo practice

Watch: Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler complete NFL combo practice

March 5, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana; Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson, Jr. (OL24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The selection

#11 – Tennessee Titans

What Conn says

“The Tennessee Titans need to strengthen their offensive line and Paris Johnson can be a piece to build around. If they don’t come down in the first round, stick and peck isn’t a bad fallback plan with Johnson.”

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, wide receiver

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba catches a pass during Ohio State Football Pro Day on March 22, 2023 at Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus. USA TODAY sports

The selection

#14 – New England Patriots

What Conn says

“This is a pick that could go in several directions, but giving quarterback Mac Jones an option should be the #1 priority for the New England Patriots. Smith-Njigba will make a lot of big plays with his precise route running ability.”

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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire

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