The Big Ten is one of the first conferences to look to for elite NFL Draft prospects. The Big Ten NFL Draft legacy is abundant with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and more. Soon teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington will be added. But for Big Ten NFL Draft prospects this year, here are the top preseason players who you should start to scout for the NFL Draft.
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Shane P. Hallam Draft News & Notes
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1, Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Harrison flashed as a stud in the Rose Bowl against Utah way back in January of 2022. He immediately entered the 2022 season as a starter and showed why he bares his father’s name. A dominant X WR, Harrison took advantage of Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s absence to dominate opposing defenses top corners. Many of the corners he dominated ended up as top NFL Draft picks (Devon Witherspoon, Joey Porter Jr., Kelee Ringo, and others). With insane footwork, speed and body control, Harrison knows how to catch a ball from any angle. He gets great separation could be a Top 5 pick. Â
2. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Fashanu is Big Ten NFL Draft prospect #2 who appears on our countdown banner this year. A likely top 15 selection if he had declared last season, Fashanu returned to get his degree. Now, he is poised to potentially be the top OT in the class with his athletic kickslide and bend. The toughness and upside will go a long way to convince an NFL team to invest in him very early in the draft.  Â
3. J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
A 270+ pound EDGE player is rare, but one with size, quickness, and speed is even rarer. Tuimoloau has shown all of this at Ohio State and is turning into a dominant pass rusher. Being able to bend and play low despite his size, Tackles often struggle to not get pushed backwards every play. The tweener tag might come out and make him not a fit for every system, but watch out if he hits his potential.
4. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Multiple Ohio State WRs being potential first round picks is not a surprise. Egbuka was rated higher than Harrison Jr. as a recruit and filled in admirably for JSN when he went down with injury. A slot WR with size, Egbuka can also get off the snap in press when he plays outside. With a lightning quick first step, we could see the top two WRs in the class be from the Buckeyes.
5. Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
A potential first round pick had he come out last season, Newton returned to increase his stock and potentially be the top DL in the draft. The penetrating 3-tech had 13 TFL and 5.5 sacks from the interior. He was the central cog in the Front 7 for one of the best defenses in the country and showed he could use his hands and instincts to win. Top 20 capital is within reach.
6. Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Transferring from Maryland, expectations were high last year for the Sophomore, and Robinson stepped up to the plate. His ability to seal the edge and stop the run was excellent. The rip move around the edge with little wasted movement was impressive as well. With some great tape that didn’t always translate to stats, this could be the year for Robinson to take the next step and become a first round pick.
7. Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
More Buckeyes enter the list as Williams anchors the DL interior. He broke out as a true freshman and appeared to be on the verge of becoming an elite prospect. Though his second year had its ups and downs, the rotation of DL for Ohio State led to less snaps. In a full time role this upcoming season, look for Williams to throw around that 315 pound frame.
8. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
When you have a 6’2, 245 pound RB with 4.4 speed, he is sure to turn some heads. The next in line of the Badger RB dynasty is here. Allen has carried the offense for years, but now moving to a more Air Raid style, there are some questions. If Allen shows he is an elite pass catcher too, we could see another first round RB this spring.
9. Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Always in position. That is King’s film in 2022. He always is sticky and will get his hands in to defend passes often. Toss in a few big interceptions and the sky is the limit. Though there is some tightness and technique issues to clean up, King could be a shut down corner in college this season. He is on the first round fringe.
10. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
After Henderson’s freshman year, the 5* freshman looked destined to be a first round selection. But, injuries and a share with the other Buckeye RBs have left that in question. The explosiveness and speed are undeniable for Henderson when healthy. Even with a likely RBBC in Columbus, a healthy Henderson could contend to be a Top 50 pick.