Eric Boggs
Over the past two days at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, several former Ohio State stars didn’t just participate — they took over, reinforcing what Buckeye fans already believed: the scarlet and gray pipeline to the league is as strong as ever.
Linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles delivered the headline performances, tying for the fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers with blazing 4.46-second runs despite both weighing over 240 pounds. At 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, Styles paired elite speed with jaw-dropping explosiveness, posting a 43.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump — the best marks among linebackers this year. Historically, his vertical ranks second all-time for the position behind only Cameron Wake, and his broad jump ties for fourth since 2000. Reese chose to save his jumps for pro day, but his movement drills and speed confirmed he belongs in the same elite tier. Both now look like legitimate top-10 picks, which would place them alongside Buckeye legends Tom Cousineau, A.J. Hawk, and Jim Houston as rare Ohio State linebackers drafted that high.
Safety Caleb Downs didn’t need a stopwatch to command attention. Speaking with calm confidence, he declared himself the best defensive player in the draft, and his résumé backs it up. After a freshman season at Alabama with 100-plus tackles, Downs transferred and became the centerpiece of two dominant Buckeye defenses, winning the Thorpe Award and earning unanimous All-America honors twice. His versatility — 240 snaps at deep safety, 241 in the box, 146 in the slot last season — has evaluators intrigued, including decision-makers from the New York Giants. Historically, safeties rarely go high, with Jamal Adams the last top-10 selection at the position and only Eric Turner, Sean Taylor, and Eric Berry ever cracking the top five. Downs’ combination of instincts, leadership, and processing speed gives him a real chance to challenge that trend.
Tight end Max Klare entered the draft with eligibility remaining but felt ready for the leap after a season refining his all-around game. The former Purdue standout embraced a more complete role in Columbus, lining up everywhere from wide receiver to in-line tight end and even taking a snap at running back. Though his stats dipped slightly in a crowded offense, he credits daily battles against Reese, Styles, and Downs for sharpening his skills and preparing him for the league’s demands.
Defensive end Caden Curry experienced a full-circle moment. Growing up minutes from Lucas Oil Stadium — home of the Indianapolis Colts — and starring at Center Grove High School, he used to attend the combine as a fan. Now he’s living it as a prospect. Curry opted to save his measurable testing for Ohio State’s pro day but impressed in drills and interviews, leaning on advice from former Buckeye defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer about staying calm and trusting his preparation.
Several other Buckeyes drew attention simply by being present as projected early-round picks, including Kayden McDonald, Carnell Tate, Davison Igbinosun, Lorenzo Styles Jr., Will Kacmarek, and CJ Donaldson. Even in a loaded defensive class featuring stars like Reuben Bain Jr. and Jacob Rodriguez, Ohio State’s contingent consistently stood out for polish, intelligence, and readiness.
From a Buckeye perspective, the biggest takeaway from Indianapolis wasn’t just the eye-popping numbers. It was the validation of a program identity. These players didn’t look overwhelmed by the stage because they’ve spent years competing against NFL-caliber teammates in practice. That culture — iron sharpening iron — showed up in every sprint, jump, interview, and drill. And if the past two days are any indication, the next NFL draft will once again sound a lot like an Ohio State roll call.
