Washington To Walk: Cornerback Completes Trio of Junior Buckeyes To Enter Draft

Buckeye cornerback Donald Washington has decided to enter the NFL draft. Today was the deadline for underclassmen, like Washington, to declare for the NFL draft. 

Washington is the third junior on the Buckeyes to take the jump this year. Joining him are wide receiver Brian Hartline and running back Chris "Beanie" Wells.

All three would have been continuing starters if they stayed for their senior seasons, and Hartline and Washington could drastically increase their draft stocks. 

Wells is a first-round prospect, while Hartline and Washington are both second-day prospects.

With the loss of Washington, the Buckeyes' secondary loses talent and experience, but the opening gives a few players like highly touted recruit C.J. Barnett and Buckeyes currently on the roster, like Andre Amos and Travis Howard a chance to shine.

Safeties Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman both are returning and should give the defense a lot of skill. Joining them is cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, who filled in for Washington at times this year.

The secondary, along with the defensive line, return key players who will give the Buckeyes good depth. With the departures of James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, the lone returning starter is Ross Homan at linebacker.

The other two spots will be up for grabs, but the Buckeyes have a ton of potential and upside at the linebacker position. Players like Andrew Sweat, Etienne Sabino, Jermale Hines, Brian Rolle, Austin Spitler, and Ryan Moeller will compete for the two spots.

Hines looked great when he played, and has a defensive back's type of speed and Sabino and Sweat were top ESPNU 150 recruits when they came to Ohio State.

Whoever wins the spots, they will truly deserve it as competition brings out the best.