The conference championships have arrived, and the Big Ten has a great matchup between powerhouses Ohio State and Wisconsin. The storyline surrounding the game will focus on two stars; one of which is not playing due to injury (J.T. Barrett) and one that figures to be a huge factor (Melvin Gordon).
While Ohio State is looking to stay in the College Playoff mix, Wisconsin is out to prove that they’re deserving of a top bowl game outside of the playoff. Each team has a good number amount of NFL prospects to focus on, so below we look at each senior or top junior.
By: Ian Wharton
Ohio State
Michael Bennett, DT, #63
Bennett is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country with his ability to get upfield and into the backfield to disrupt offenses. He’s got excellent speed off the snap, complemented by a devastating swim move. The second half of the season has been much more consistent for Bennett, who could be picked in the late first round come draft time.
Jeff Heuerman, TE, #5
Sometimes the forgotten man in the Buckeyes’ offense because of how important he is as a blocker, Heuerman is the best senior tight end in the country. With his size, speed and ability to make plays in traffic, Heuerman can be a solid offensive weapon in the NFL. With the Buckeyes starting a very young quarterback, don’t be surprised if Heuerman gets a few key targets.
Taylor Decker, LT, #68
Although Decker is a junior, Tony Pauline of the Draft Insider reported that Decker is likely to enter the NFL. Decker is a very good run blocker at left tackle, showing good strength and lateral agility. His pass protection potential is solid as well, but Ohio State hasn’t faced many great pass rushers to really test Decker.
Devin Smith, WR, #9
One of the biggest teases in Ohio State’s recent history, Devin Smith is looking to end his Buckeye career strong. Smith has great statistics, but most were compiled against low-level competition. He’s big and very fast, but has shown little else in his game.
Doran Grant, CB, #12
Grant has good size and decent speed at cornerback, and has improved his play as a senior for Ohio State. He can stay on the hip of receivers well, but he doesn’t look back to locate the ball as much as he needs to be consistent in coverage. He can get grabby, which draws penalties.
Steve Miller, DE, #88
Miller is a nice complementary rusher for the Buckeyes, bringing stoutness to the run game. He’s strong and plays with good leverage, which helps offset his average natural athleticism. He could be in training camp as a depth player come summer.
Wisconsin
Melvin Gordon, RB, #25
There are few, if any, more exciting players than Melvin Gordon in the country. The dynamo back has great agility, burst and game breaking ability. He almost always looks to bounce runs outside, which is something to monitor against a faster defense like Ohio State’s. Gordon will likely be an early round pick should he declare because of his ability to win in space.
Rob Havenstein, RT, #78
A Senior Bowl invitee, Havenstein is a road grading tackle. He doesn’t have much bend or quickness in pass protection, but he has heavy hands and a nasty mindset. His matchup against Miller and Joey Bosa will be crucial for the Badgers’ offense.
Kyle Costigan, RG, #54
One half of the powerful Badgers’ guard tandem, Costigan is the more agile, thus common, lead blocker on pulls. He has the frame of a tackle but really shines working downhill. Watch Costigan face off against Bennett if you’re a fan of big trench matchups.
Dallas Lewallen, LG, #73
The other guard for Wisconsin is a mammoth power blocker in the mold of John Jerry. Lewallen levels opponents in the passing game, and has just enough quickness to work downfield when run blocking.
Warren Herring, DE, #45
Herring is one of the few seniors on the starting Badgers’ defense, but he’s played well when healthy. He has good enough size to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3, and gives great effort even when he’s lined up as the nose. At 290-pounds, he should be developed either as a 5-technique in a 3-4 or a 2-gapping tackle in either front.
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