Five Ohio State Football Players Who Improved Their NFL Draft Status on Pro Day

The NFL Draft is a critical time for college football players, where their performance during pro day, interviews, and workouts can significantly impact their draft status. While some players are already considered top picks, others see their stock rise dramatically based on their performances in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers. For Ohio State, a powerhouse in college football, many players had the chance to improve their draft status during the annual pro day. This event serves as a final opportunity for players to showcase their physical skills and mental toughness in a controlled environment, leading up to the NFL Draft.

In this article, we will dive deep into how five specific Ohio State players used their pro day to raise their draft stock, discuss their performances, and highlight the traits that could make them valuable picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

1. C.J. Stroud – Quarterback

C.J. Stroud is one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he made a strong case for why he should be the first quarterback selected during Ohio State’s pro day. While Stroud was already on the radar as a top prospect, pro day provided him with an opportunity to further solidify his status as one of the most polished signal-callers in the class.

Physical Attributes:

At 6’3″ and 214 pounds, Stroud already possesses the physical frame desired in an NFL quarterback. His build is ideal for the position, with a strong arm and good mobility, making him a dual-threat in a league that increasingly values quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. During pro day, Stroud’s throwing mechanics were on full display, showing a fluid release with excellent accuracy on a variety of throws, including deep passes, intermediate routes, and short, timing-based throws.

Performance Analysis:

Stroud was tasked with throwing to several of his former Ohio State teammates during pro day, which helped showcase his chemistry with the wide receivers. He was accurate on nearly every pass, including a deep ball to Marvin Harrison Jr. that dropped perfectly into his hands in stride. This moment in particular caused a stir, as it reaffirmed Stroud’s ability to make all the necessary throws required at the next level.

Scouts were impressed with Stroud’s ability to hit tight windows and move defenders with his eyes. While Stroud wasn’t known for being the most mobile quarterback in the draft class, he showed enough mobility to extend plays and keep his eyes downfield when pressured. His pro day performance quieted any doubts about his ability to adapt to the NFL’s fast pace.

The Outcome:

Stroud’s performance only cemented his place as one of the top quarterbacks available in the draft. Several scouts and analysts projected him as a likely top-five pick, with a strong case to be selected at number one overall. His pro day solidified that Stroud has the mental acuity, physical tools, and leadership qualities required to be a franchise quarterback.

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s performance at the Ohio State pro day was one of the most anticipated, given his exceptional 2021 season, where he set records and made a name for himself as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country. However, questions surrounding his durability and the fact that he missed much of the 2022 season due to injury had led some to question whether he could still be considered among the best in the draft class.

Physical Attributes:

Smith-Njigba is a dynamic, versatile wide receiver who stands 6’1″ and weighs in at 200 pounds. His quickness and ability to run sharp routes make him one of the most dangerous players in the open field. He may not have the blazing 4.3 speed of other receivers in the class, but his elite footwork, hand-eye coordination, and awareness allow him to consistently separate from defenders.

Performance Analysis:

During pro day, Smith-Njigba showcased his excellent route-running ability, smoothness in and out of cuts, and precise ball tracking. His 40-yard dash time wasn’t as impressive as some might have hoped, but his other metrics demonstrated his elite skills. In the shuttle drills, he posted times that showcased his quickness and agility, essential for a slot receiver or even as an outside weapon who can make defenders miss in open space.

Smith-Njigba caught passes from Stroud and looked in complete control of his routes. His ability to track passes over his shoulder and then turn upfield was evident during the drills, making him a dangerous YAC (yards after catch) threat. Scouts were especially impressed by his smooth hands and ability to finish catches, an important trait for any receiver looking to contribute at the next level.

The Outcome:

Smith-Njigba’s pro day performance answered any lingering questions about his health and skills, firmly reestablishing him as a first-round prospect. His ability to run precise routes and make difficult catches in various conditions made him a valuable asset to any team looking for a wide receiver who can contribute immediately. He’s now widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the draft, with projections for a pick in the first half of the first round.

3. Paris Johnson Jr. – Offensive Tackle

Paris Johnson Jr. was already regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft, but his performance at Ohio State’s pro day helped raise his stock even higher. The 6’6″, 313-pound tackle possesses a combination of size, strength, and mobility that NFL teams crave in a blindside protector.

Physical Attributes:

At over 6’6″, Johnson possesses the prototypical size for an NFL left tackle. His athleticism for a player of his size is one of his most attractive traits. He moves well in space, displaying quick feet that help him adjust to a defender’s movements. His 40-yard dash time, which clocked in at around 5.0 seconds, demonstrated that he is light on his feet, which is rare for a man of his stature.

Performance Analysis:

During the pro day drills, Johnson showed impressive strength and hand placement in one-on-one drills against defenders. His punch was forceful, and his ability to drive defenders off the ball in the running game was notable. Scouts were impressed with his ability to mirror pass rushers, using his length to keep defenders at bay and staying composed under pressure.

His lateral movement and ability to change direction while maintaining balance were key takeaways from his pro day. Johnson’s natural athleticism and fluid movements ensured that he could be trusted to handle the demands of the NFL, where edge rushers are among the most athletic and ferocious athletes on the field.

The Outcome:

After his pro day performance, Johnson solidified his status as a top-10 pick. NFL teams in need of offensive line help, particularly at tackle, will likely have him high on their draft boards. His blend of size, athleticism, and skill set makes him an ideal candidate for a starting tackle position in the NFL, and his pro day performance only reaffirmed his potential.

4. Zach Harrison – Defensive End

Zach Harrison entered Ohio State’s pro day with a lot of talent but still a degree of uncertainty surrounding his projection. As a highly rated recruit, Harrison had flashed plenty of potential during his time at Ohio State, but inconsistent play and a lack of explosiveness had raised concerns.

Physical Attributes:

Harrison has the ideal frame for an NFL pass rusher, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 270 pounds. His size and length give him an advantage in disrupting passing lanes and disengaging from offensive linemen. While not the quickest off the line compared to some of the elite pass rushers in the draft, Harrison possesses a rare combination of power and speed that can be devastating for opposing offenses.

Performance Analysis:

During pro day, Harrison displayed explosive burst off the line and the ability to use his long arms to his advantage, shedding blockers and getting into the backfield. His 40-yard dash time was among the best for a defensive lineman, clocking in at 4.4 seconds, which is elite speed for a player of his size. Harrison also impressed scouts with his agility drills, showcasing his ability to change direction quickly, a skill that is essential for edge rushers who need to make adjustments on the fly.

His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to bend around the edge when rushing the passer were major highlights of his performance. While not perfect in every aspect, Harrison’s pro day performance was enough to raise his draft stock, and he was widely considered a top-tier edge rusher prospect.

The Outcome:

Harrison’s pro day performance helped push him into first-round consideration, with many scouts seeing him as a potential top-20 pick. His raw potential, combined with his physical attributes, makes him an enticing option for teams looking for a versatile pass rusher capable of making an immediate impact.

5. Tyler Williams – Linebacker

Tyler Williams has been a bit of a hidden gem for Ohio State, playing behind some of the program’s more well-known linebackers. However, his pro day performance put him in the spotlight, showcasing his skills and football IQ. At 6’1″ and 230 pounds, Williams has the ideal size for an inside linebacker in the NFL.

Physical Attributes:

Williams is a tough, smart linebacker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. His speed and reaction time make him a valuable asset in both situations. He moves well laterally and is capable of reading plays quickly, which is essential for modern-day NFL linebackers.

Performance Analysis:

During pro day, Williams impressed scouts with his agility and quickness in the positional drills, demonstrating his ability to drop back into coverage and cover tight ends or running backs in the passing game. His 40-yard dash time was respectable for his position, and his ability to explode in short bursts impressed many observers.

Williams also showed good hands and ball awareness during drills designed to simulate pass coverage situations, displaying the instincts that could make him a valuable asset in the NFL.

The Outcome:

Williams’ pro day performance helped elevate his stock, and he is now considered one of the top linebacker prospects in the draft. While he may not be a first-round pick, his performance raised his stock considerably, with many projecting him as a second-to-third-round selection. His versatility and ability to perform in multiple roles make him a strong addition to any NFL roster.

Ohio State’s pro day was a showcase for some of the best football talent in the country, and these five players used the event to solidify or improve their NFL Draft status. From C.J. Stroud’s commanding presence at quarterback to Paris Johnson Jr.’s dominant performance as a tackle, Ohio State’s pro day was an important moment in shaping their future professional careers. As the draft approaches, it is clear that many of these players will go on to make an impact at the next level, thanks to the preparation and performance they displayed at their pro day. Whether they are selected early in the draft or have to prove themselves over time, these athletes are well-positioned for success.