When it comes to powerhouse college football programs that send players to the NFL in bunches, the Ohio State Buckeyes is one of the best. The Buckeyes have had over 480 players drafted into the NFL. That is not included, undrafted free agents. Only Notre Dame and USC have had more players drafted into the NFL.
What is even more impressive is that Ohio State has had at least one player drafted in the first round in every NFL Draft since 2015. Currently across the NFL, Ohio State has 52 active players, which puts the program second to Alabama’s 58.
With eight National Championships, while producing seven Heisman Trophy winners, none of this should shock you. Ohio State is the cream of the crop when it comes to producing NFL talent.
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Three Buckeyes named to NFL Pro Bowl In 2022
Because Ohio State produces NFL talent in bunches, it should come as no surprise that many of them make the Pro Bowl. Although the game itself is watered down, being voted to the Pro Bowl still has meaning.
Not only will Pro Bowl electees get Twitter clout along with bragging rights and respect amongst their peers, but there are also contractual incentives to make the Pro Bowl. Being named one of the NFL’s best equates to a larger payday.
The 2022 NFL Pro Bowl features three players with Ohio State roots. These players include two NFC standouts including Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa. On the AFC side, Joe Burrow is the representative from Ohio State.
Let’s pump the brakes here. Yes. Burrow did win the National Championship with LSU and spent two seasons in the program. But did you know that he also spent three years at Ohio State preceding his LSU days? If you didn’t know that fun fact, now you do.
Terry McLaurin’s Breaks Out In 2022
Terry McLaurin was voted to his first Pro Bowl in four seasons as a pro in 2022. Securing 77-of-120 targets for 1,191 yards and five touchdowns, 2022 was the Ohio State alum’s most efficient and productive season in the NFL. McLaurin’s 15.5 yards per catch was his most since his rookie 2019 campaign and his six receptions over 40 yards was a career-high.
What is most impressive about McLaurin’s season – and career for that matter – is that he continues to produce big numbers on an inept Washington offense with equally incompetent quarterback play.
If the Commanders ever manage to fire it out at quarterback, McLaurin’s name will be a fixture on Pro Bowl rosters moving forward.
Nick Bosa Voted To His Third Pro Bowl In Four Seasons
Similar to Terry McLaurin, Nick Bosa has been in the NFL for four seasons. Only when it comes to Bosa, he’s been a pro Bowl selection in 3-of-4 seasons. The only year where Bosa did not make the Pro Bowl, he was sidelined for all but two games with a torn ACL.
You can make the case that both Bosa and McLaurin are equally talented, but the difference is that the former plays for one of the best organizations in the NFL which puts him in a position to succeed and exploit his skillset on a weekly basis. Life as an NFL player is not easy anywhere, but you’d be crazy to think that life isn’t easier as a 49er than a Commander.
In 2022, Bosa helped the 49ers to a 13-4 record, ending the season as the No. 2 overall seed in the NFC. Bosa’s 41 solo tackles were a career-high as were his 18.5 sacks. Bosa has now recorded 15.5+ sacks in consecutive seasons. He managed those career-bests in 16 games.
Joe Burrow Continues To Shine In The AFC
Joe Burrow is set to wrap up his third season in the NFL. Though his rookie campaign was cut short due to a severe knee injury, it is safe to say that he bounced back just fine. It is also safe to say that Burrow is living up to the hype.
Burrow was voted to his first Pro Bowl selection this season. One year removed from leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance, losing to the Rams, there was no proverbial Super Bowl hangover for Burrow or his Bengals. They are poised to make another run to the Big Game.
Burrow had another masterful year in the NFL. While completing 68.3% of his passes, Burrow threw for 4,475 yards with a 35:12 TD/INT ratio, throwing for 7.4 yards per attempt. Deceptively, Burrow also rushed for 257 yards and five touchdowns on 75 attempts. All of his rushing numbers were career highs, showcasing that his knee is just fine.