Ohio State's Top-5 Second Day NFL Draft Picks Since 2010

A look at the standout Buckeyes talent selected in Rounds 2 and 3 over the past decade.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented scenes of football players, the NFL Draft, and Ohio State's iconic scarlet and gray colors, conveying the multi-faceted talent that emerges from the Buckeyes' program.Ohio State's NFL Draft pipeline continues to produce top-tier talent, even on the second day of selections.New Orleans Today

Ohio State has consistently produced top NFL talent, with several Buckeye stars being drafted in the second and third rounds since 2010. This article highlights the five most impactful Ohio State players selected on the second day of the NFL Draft over the past 12 years, including wide receivers Michael Thomas and Terry McLaurin, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, running back Carlos Hyde, and offensive guard Jonah Jackson.

Why it matters

Ohio State is known as one of the premier college football programs, regularly sending players to the NFL. Examining their top second-day draft picks provides insight into the depth and quality of the Buckeyes' talent pipeline, which has produced several Pro Bowl-caliber players over the past decade.

The details

Michael Thomas was a second-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2016 and became one of the NFL's elite wide receivers, setting records for receptions in a season. Terry McLaurin was a third-round selection by Washington in 2019 and has made two Pro Bowls. Johnathan Hankins, a second-rounder by the Giants in 2013, was a stout run-stuffing defensive tackle who started over 140 games. Carlos Hyde, a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2014, had an 8-year career with over 40 rushing touchdowns. Jonah Jackson, a third-round pick by the Lions in 2020, made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and was a key part of the Bears' offensive line turnaround.

  • The NFL Draft has been a three-day event since 2010.
  • Michael Thomas was drafted in the second round by the Saints in 2016.
  • Terry McLaurin was drafted in the third round by Washington in 2019.
  • Johnathan Hankins was drafted in the second round by the Giants in 2013.
  • Carlos Hyde was drafted in the second round by the 49ers in 2014.
  • Jonah Jackson was drafted in the third round by the Lions in 2020.

The players

Michael Thomas

A wide receiver who was drafted in the second round by the New Orleans Saints in 2016 and became one of the NFL's elite receivers, setting records for receptions in a season.

Terry McLaurin

A wide receiver who was drafted in the third round by the Washington Commanders in 2019 and has made two Pro Bowls.

Johnathan Hankins

A defensive tackle who was drafted in the second round by the New York Giants in 2013 and started over 140 games in his 12-year NFL career.

Carlos Hyde

A running back who was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 and had an 8-year NFL career with over 40 rushing touchdowns.

Jonah Jackson

An offensive guard who was drafted in the third round by the Detroit Lions in 2020 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021 while playing a key role in the Bears' offensive line turnaround.

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The takeaway

Ohio State's consistent ability to produce top NFL talent, even on the second day of the draft, highlights the program's depth and the quality of its player development. These five standout Buckeyes demonstrate the long-term impact that second and third-round picks can have in the league.