Ohio State seeing fewer first-round picks as 2025 NFL mock drafts roll out

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a loaded roster that could break the all-time record for the most draft picks in any single season. However, while the Buckeyes are destined to make the College Football Playoff with just two more wins, their 2025 NFL Draft outlook isn't as bright. Key contributors have suffered injuries or not maximized their opportunities as expected.

It was once possible to see five or more Buckeyes in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the latest round of mock drafts shows that the door is likely closed. 

The 33rd Team posted a new one-round 2025 NFL mock draft this week, and here are our takeaways on their selections and lack of other additions from the program.

The Buckeyes only produced two first-round picks in this mock. The first is someone who was taken higher than what we usually see, bucking a trend.

Josh Simmons, OT

The Seattle Seahawks nabbed Josh Simmons 16th overall, landing higher than Will Campbell and some others who are usually mocked higher. While Simmons is dealing with a torn ACL, the reasoning for the pick makes more sense than what the initial takeaway might suggest. Simmons is a natural tackle, whereas Campbell might be an interior blocker at the next level.

If he's deemed to be the No. 2 tackle in the class, then it's hard to imagine Simmons won't go in the top 20 picks. The need for tackles is so high, and this class stinks at the position, so the Buckeyes might be watching an injured player come off the board first from the program.

Emeka Egbuka, WR

The Kansas City Chiefs catch another young receiver by getting Emeka Egbuka, and he's the last first-round pick from the Buckeyes in this mock. With Hollywood Brown likely one-and-done in Kansas City, DeAndre Hopkins on a year-to-year basis at 34 years old, Rashee Rice having questionable off-field decision-making, and Xavier Worthy more of a gadget player, Egbuka makes more sense. 

The Chiefs can use Rice, Worthy, and Egbuka as the future of the positional group. There's no question Kansas City needs more explosiveness on a unit looking slower by the week, so while this is a costly addition, there's reason to believe it'd make the passing game far more functional than what it is today.

Everyone Else

Gone are the days when Denzel Burke, Quinshon Judkins, J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and some others had a chance at making the first round. Tyleik Williams is probably the only notable omission, but this deep defensive tackle crop won't help his cause. 

I'd expect each of those players to be on Day 2 somewhere. Unfortunately, Seth McLaughlin's injury could cost the Buckeyes another premium prospect.