3 Buckeyes invited to NFL Draft in Kansas City

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Three Ohio State Buckeyes have been invited to this month’s NFL Draft in Kansas City.

Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist C.J. Stroud is expected to be one of the first players selected when the first round takes place on April 27.

The Carolina Panthers own the first pick and are in need of a quarterback. Most experts have them picking either Stroud or Alabama’s Bryce Young.

MORE | Stroud part of OSU's unprecedented run of Black college QBs

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also has been invited to the draft. He capped a prolific 2021 season with a record-setting performance in OSU’s thrilling win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl.

Despite missing almost the entire 2022 season because of injuries, Smith-Njigba is expected to be picked in the top half of the first round.

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Offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. has been invited as well. He's also is projected to be a mid-first-rounder.