Ohio State Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

Title-winning teams are supposed to be senior-laden rosters that lose a majority of their important pieces, but the Ohio State Buckeyes were not ordinary national champions.

Ohio State returns a ridiculously strong unit and only loses a handful of prospects to the 2015 NFL draft. Speedy receiver Devin Smith and defensive tackle Michael Bennett highlight the program's slim group of potential picks.

This piece will highlight the Buckeyes' draft hopefuls. Prior to the draft, we will analyze all four athletes and their respective strengths as football players. We will also discuss predictions on draft positioning. 

Once the draft ends, we will update the slides, detailing each player and how he fits in with his future team.

WR Devin Smith

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 37 to New York Jets

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 198 lbs

Analysis

The New York Jets don't have a ton in the quarterback department, but they certainly have a dangerous receiving corps. Devin Smith is headed to New York to complement the possession-oriented targets of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.

Smith is a blazer, and he'll pair well with much-maligned gunslinger Geno Smith, who has a solid deep ball. The former Ohio State target will stretch the field for the intriguing 2015 Jets offense.

Replacement

Corey Smith and Noah Brown put together superb performances in spring practice, which both players needed to separate themselves from Johnnie Dixon but catch up to Michael Thomas. Dixon is expected to become the Buckeyes' next great receiver, and his time may arrive soon rather than later.

TE Jeff Heuerman

Drafted: Round 3, Pick 92 to Denver Broncos

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 255 lbs

Analysis

Jeff Heuerman never quite reached his college potential due to a foot injury, but Peyton Manning should help the tight end succeed in the NFL immediately.

Julius Thomas bolted from the Denver Broncos in favor of a hefty payday with the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving Virgil Green as the No. 1 tight end in the Mile High City. Barring injury, Heuerman will enter the lineup upon arrival.

Replacement

Nick Vannett and Marcus Baugh will be Ohio State's top two tight ends unless freshmen A.J. Alexander and Rashod Berry up rise the depth chart expediently. Vannett should be the starter following a 19-catch, 220-yard, five-touchdown season.

CB Doran Grant

Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: Round 4, Pick 121 to Arizona Cardinals

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 193 lbs

Analysis

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't employed a model secondary for a few years, and Ike Taylor's retirement wasn't going to help the team. However, they added Doran Grant, who possesses adequate size and above-average speed, and he can contribute as a nickelback or outside corner.

The biggest challenge for him, though, will be overcoming his handsy nature and adjusting to the big league's love of the illegal contact penalty. If Grant can do that, he'll carve out a respectable role right away.

Replacement

Gareon Conley currently holds a lead over Damon Webb for the starting spot opposite Eli Apple. Conley appeared in all 15 games last season and notched 16 tackles, while Webb entered nine and managed three total stops.

Note: Draft projections via Matt Miller's mock draft. Heights and weights via Ohio State's official athletics site.

DT Michael Bennett

Drafted: Round 6, Pick 180 to Jacksonville Jaguars

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 288 lbs

Analysis

It took longer than expected, but Michael Bennett finally found an NFL home in Round 6 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's undersized and not versatile —a strict 4-3 defensive fit—but Bennett displays respectable technique that should serve him well as a rotational piece.

Replacement

Out with the old, in with Adolphus Washington. The phrase "embarrassment of riches" applies here. Washington registered 48 tackles—10.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks—as a junior, and he'll be a prospect to watch for the 2016 draft.

WR Evan Spencer

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Drafted: Round 6, Pick 187 to Washington Redskins

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 208 lbs

Analysis

Evan Spencer has the frame and family history to carve out an NFL role. His father, Tim, is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs coach and his brother, Cole, is an area scout for none other than Washington. Spencer needs to claim a special teams spot to stick in the league, at least initially.

Replacement

The loser of the battle between Corey Smith, Brown and Dixon will slide into some of Evan Spencer's vacated snaps. Jalin Marshall could grab some extra playing time if Ohio State uses its H-back more often.