Which Ohio State defensive player will be the first drafted in 2025?

Ohio State football had one of the best defenses in the country last season. They had the best pass defense in the country and were in the top five in every other major category. The good news for them is that most of their best defensive players have decided to return for one last round.

There's a good chance the Buckeyes could have the best defense in the country. The secondary is going to be scary good this year. Many of these guys will be going to the draft in 2025. So which one of them will be Ohio State's first defensive football player drafted?

I think Denzel Burke has the best chance. Burke was one of the Buckeyes' best players in two of his three seasons. Even in his freshman year, it was clear that he had a chance to be an All-American. Although he hasn't quite reached that level yet, he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season.

Burke has shown that he is a shutdown corner. Teams have started throwing passes away from him on a regular basis. That is the type of ability NFL teams are looking for, especially in a league that is heavily focused on passing. Every franchise is looking for a corner to cover one side of the field.

Although Ohio State has some other really good players, Burke has a chance to be the highest drafted player. JT Tuimoloau is the only one who can challenge him, and that's only if he makes a lot of sacks this year. His sack numbers have not been impressive so far in his career.

The Buckeyes are a really solid defensive team. I would be surprised if several players on that side of the ball weren't drafted in the first round for Ohio State. Jim Knowles has done a great job of getting that unit back to what it once was.