In the 2006 and 2007 NFL Draft combined , Ohio State sent 17 players to football’s “next level” including A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Donte Whitner, Santonio Holmes, Nick Mangold, Teddy Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez, Quinn Pitcock, Troy Smith and Antonio Pittman. On Saturday’s (’08) draft however, with potential first-day and first-round picks LB James Laurinaitis, CB Malcolm Jenkins, OL Alex Boone, WR Brian Robiskie and LB Marcus Freeman all electing to complete their senior year of eligibility at OSU, the normal laundry list of scarlet and gray gridiron go-getters suiting up in one of 32 new uniforms was limited to only three.

Though the number might be exponentially smaller than most Central Ohioans are used to seeing 0n that Saturday afternoon in late April, like many of the players listed above and just as the ones who have come before them, DE/LB Vernon Gholston, OL Kirk Barton and LB Larry Grant all have the potential to make a difference on Sunday

*Vernon Gholston- (Selected by the New York Jets) Round 1, 6th Overall-

With a freakish body (6-4 258) suited for either standing up at linebacker or planted down in the three-point stance at the next level, the former Big Ten Defensive Linemen of the Year looks to make a smooth transition to the professional level in ‘08. Over the past two years at Ohio State, Gholston’s 23 sacks have give him more than any other D1 talent in that time period.

His combination of tremendous speed (4.56 40-yard dash), strength (455LB bench press) and on-field intelligence were intangibles Jets head coach Eric Mangini and defensive coordinator Bob Sutton believe will immediately help their “middle of the pack” pass and run defense in the 3-4 scheme this coming season. At least to start the year, expect the Jets to line him up as a “starting” outside linebacker where he can use his evasiveness and motor to bull rush and create chaos on the outside of the oppositions line. With a tough schedule against AFC East/West and NFC West teams, Gholston will be challenged all season by tremendous offensive lines such as New England, San Diego, Denver and Seattle. Just as it would be for an rookie, there will be plenty of growing pains and he will at least early on run into some trouble with some of the bigger tackles such as Matt Light and Shane Olivea, but 60-70 tackles (7-8TFL), 5 sacks and an interception or two in coverage should merit some heavy excitement for OSU’s only first round pick this upcoming season.

*Larry Grant (Selected by the San Francisco 49ers)

Round 7, 214th Overall- Although he only had one year to truly show his talents as a strong-side LB at the highest collegiate level, Larry Grant made the most of his opportunities (8 tackles vs. LSU) and proved to NFL scouts that he had the tools and skill set to warrant a chance to compete for roster spot in the coming months for a team in the need of LB depth and assistance on special team units. He has a nice build (6′1 235) and tremendous burst as he was a primarily a RB until he reached college. Grant’s ability to cover large amounts of open field and close in and tackle in pursuit are highly coveted and could make him late round steal. The Georgia native collected five sacks in ‘07, good for second on OSU and his 51 tackles ranked fifth. While the 49ers have 11 linebackers listed on their roster including stud Patrick Willis, hole-fillers Tully Banta-Cain and Jeff Ulbrich and veteran pickup Dontarrious Thomas, Grant will have an excellent chance to make the squad as a backup in Mike Nolan’s complex 3-4 defense. His best chance to make the team though, will come with his work on kickoffs and punt returns. If he can make plays and wrap-up like he did at school, San Fran will have a difficult time cutting a tremendous athlete. Hypothetically, he makes the team and gets an opportunity to play on special teams units, then look for some spot time at LB late in games and barring injuries as well.

*Kirk Barton (Selected by the Chicago Bears) Round 7, 247th overall

Without a doubt, one of the most popular Buckeyes in recent memory, Barton helped anchor OSU’s offensive line for three solid seasons dating back to 2005. Although injured at points during his collegiate career, his 42 starts and only three sacks allowed on 670 passing plays is a testament to his skills at the tackle position and competitive nature second to few in his line of work. The Massillion, OH native garnered an invitation to the 2008 Senior Bowl but sprained his right knee limiting his appearance there and at the combine which severely hurt his stock. One of the last picks in the NFL Draft, the Bears hope KB can put his injuries aside and contribute in the coming years for the black and orange at Soldier Field. His Size (6′5 310) is legitamate for his position and while he was not the most gifted tackle taken this year, he is certainly one of the hardest working and character driven. With Chicago already featuring massive bodies in John Tait, Fred Miller and John St. Clair, Barton will be pushed to the back of the tackle line but should find himself in position for a roster spot if he brings his blue collar abilities to camp. While he may or may not ever be good enough to be a starter at this level, the big man on campus will without a doubt hang around for a while.