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Former Ohio State star gets 2025 NFL Draft stock clarity after plummeting from first round pick projections

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 3:36 PM ET

The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes once boasted two projected first-round cornerbacks if we were to rewind one year ago. With seniors Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock coming off terrific coverage seasons, each populated early one-round mock drafts.

Despite the Buckeyes' immense success throughout this past season en route to a National Championship season, both Burke and Hancock have seen their stock plummet. Burke has hit rock bottom, and Hancock has been projected as a seventh rounder more often than not.

Hancock seemed to get some good news this week, though, as the Chicago Bears hosted him for a visit.

More visits:
-- William and Mary OL Charles Grant finished his 7-team tour with the #Falcons and #Raiders. Likely the second highest drafted FCS player after NDSU’s Grey Zabel.
-- #OSU DB Jordan Hancock is visiting the #Bears today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2025

It's notable for the Bears to use a top-30 visit because they enter the 2025 NFL Draft with only five selections before two very late picks. They pick 10th, 39th, 41st, 72nd, and 148th. Then, in the seventh round, they have the 233rd and 240th picks.

It's possible Chicago is looking at Hancock as a late-round flier to backup Kyler Gordon or transition from the slot to safety full-time. He spent most of the second half of the 2024 season as the Buckeyes' third safety, registering a career-high 200 snaps there.

But it seems more likely Chicago is considering Hancock with that 148th pick, given their need at the safety position and mock draft trends. Funny enough, Hancock's average ranking in mocks is 148th.

Hancock is a versatile zone coverage option and reliable run defender. He looked more fluid and dynamic in limited playing time before becoming the starter in 2023. His coverage rates were fine but unspectacular, and he doesn't produce turnovers effectively.

Still, his tackling efficiency massively improved from 2022 to 2024, and he prevents big plays well enough to trust. He'd be worthy of a Day 3 pick as depth piece and special teamer, making him a good fit for scheme-diverse defensives needing a team-first player.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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