As usual, pro day at Ohio State on March 25 was littered with talented Buckeyes completing another step in the journey toward the NFL Draft, four of them possible top 10 draft picks and a handful considered first-round talents.
As usual, NFL scouts and front office personnel swarmed Columbus, Ohio, to watch and conduct interviews.
As usual, the New Orleans Saints were among the teams represented.
And, as usual, it would shock no one if the Saints used a draft pick on one of the top-rated players they saw — among them linebacker Sonny Styles, edge Arvell Reese, receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald — in the upcoming draft.
"It's the preparation these guys put in to this program," Saints coach Kellen Moore said. "They are very well prepared, they've been coached really, really well and they're ready for the lifestyle of the NFL."
New Orleans isn't the only franchise that has upgraded and enriched its roster over the years with Ohio State players, but it's no stretch to suggest that New Orleans keeps a close eye on the Buckeyes.
Over the years, through the draft and free agency, the Saints have eyed and selected star after star from Ohio State, including: The late Will Smith (defensive end, 2004 first rounder); Malcolm Jenkins (defensive back, '09 first rounder); Michael Thomas (receiver, '16 second rounder); Vonn Bell (safety, '16 second rounder); Marshon Lattimore (cornerback, '17 first rounder); Pete Werner (linebacker, '21 second rounder); Chris Olave (receiver, '22 first rounder); and Chase Young (defensive end, '24 free agent signee).
Why the magnetism?
"First of all, they do a great job of evaluating talent," Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis said. "Their players are really talented. And then, they do a great job coaching them. A lot of schools do that — I think it's coincidence that we've had so many Ohio State guys here over the years, but a lot of Ohio State guys have been drafted in our league. So, a lot of teams can say they've had a large contingent of Buckeyes, just like a lot of teams can say they've had a large contingent of Alabama players, and LSU players, and some of the other schools as well."
All true.
But the Saints affectionately have been called "Ohio State South" for a reason.
The Buckeye-to-Saint pipeline exists because Buckeyes have proven to be an NFL-ready collection of players regardless of year or position.
"It's just how they train us, how they develop us from Day 1, as soon as we get there as an 18-year-old kid," said Olave, a second-team All-Pro last season after posting career bests in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,163) and receiving touchdowns (nine). "It's kind of the program they put us through, just training us to be NFL-ready. As soon as we step on campus at 18 years old, just taking everything serious.
"They have the best of the best at every position, so if you want to get on the field and dominate, you've got to be able to go through that program they put us through. It's ran like an NFL program, or an NFL organization. I feel like that's why we're ready once we step into the league."
Young, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 who totaled a career high 10 sacks in 12 games last season, agreed that the Ohio State experience helped shape him in the best ways.
"Ohio State is just different," Young said. "From the coaches to the players, everyone is so talented and it made practice a dogfight every day. I give a lot of credit to DL coach Larry Johnson for helping me develop and believing in me. And then, I formed a real close relationship with our strength coach that learned what buttons to push to get the best out of me."
Olave said players have no choice except to be the best version of themselves daily.
"Competitive. That's the one word I can say, is 'competitive,'" he said. "It's every day. You can't just have one good day or two good days, you've got to bring it every day because everybody is bringing it every day. I feel like everybody has got a competitive edge out there, everybody is trying to be the best. It's not just receivers against DBs, it was receivers against receivers. Everybody is trying to get on the field, everybody is trying to touch the ball so you've just got to bring it every day and bring it consistently."
That message is presented at the outset.
"They say that during their recruiting," Olave said. "They say if you want to get on the field, you've got to be able to bring your best. You've got to show out every day, you've got to stand out every day. But that's what you want to be a part of, not just in football but in life.
"At the end of the day, you want to be around the best — that makes you the best. To be able to be the best, you've got to beat the best. Having that competition every day in practice, you've got to find that competitive edge within yourself to be able to get the best out of yourself."
Those "best" days often have led to the NFL, and sometimes have earned a place with Ohio State South. During this year's NFL Draft, which will be held from April 23-25, no one would be surprised if it happened again.
