NFL Draft Analysis 1990-2007 Part Two: After Draft

Yesterday, we took a look at when and where Ohio State players have historically been drafted. Today, we examine what happens once the Buckeyes make the league. Obviously, some positions have more players in the league (21 defensive backs led the way) so that can skew the results a little bit.

How long do they play?

Overall, the 104 Ohio State players drafted since 1990 have played 455 seasons in the NFL for an average of 4.4 seasons per player. When you look at the players by position the averages hover right around that number with one notable exception: defensive lineman.

Former Buckeyes playing along the front four beat the average by more than one full season at 5.6 seasons per defensive lineman. I am not sure what the average is for defensive lineman is league-wide, but defensive line is one of the more physically grueling positions on the field. Constant double teams and chip blocks by RBs take their toll. Of course, ending up at the bottom of every pile and other players rolling up on their knees makes for shorter careers as well.

Wide receivers placed second with an average of five seasons played.

How well did they play?

As we have discussed, Ohio State sends tons of talented players to the league. So, you would think that a handful of them end up in Honolulu at the conclusion of each season. If you did think that, you would be wrong.

Of the 455 seasons played, only 23 of those seasons have ended with a Pro Bowl appearance. That is a 5% conversion rate. At first glance that rate seems brutally low. But, then again that is more than one player per season. I am still undecided on what that %5 rate truly signifies. What do you think? Good, bad, or typical?

Interestingly, 18% of all seasons in this span played by offensive lineman resulted in a Pro Bowl appearance. Orlando Pace accounted for the majority of these seasons (7), while LeCharles Bentley (2), and Korey Stringer (1) provided the other Pro Bowl seasons.

Running backs had the second highest conversion rate at 11%, with Eddie George (6) and Robert Smith (2) producing the entire total. Quarterbacks, linebackers, and special teams players have not netted a Pro Bowl appearance in the last 17 years.

Most surprising is the dearth of Pro Bowl appearances by defensive backs. Only Shawn Springs (2) and Nate Clements (1) have made it. How was Antoine Winfield been snubbed over all of these years?

Draft Update: Vernon Gholston will soon be adding to these totals, as he was drafted 6th overall by the New York Jets today. Because the jets run a 3-4 scheme Gholston will most likely be playing from a two-point stance instead of the down position he occupied at Ohio State.

Troy Smith did not exactly receive a vote of confidence today as the Ravens spent their first round pick on Joe Flacco, QB from Delaware. To add insult to injury, Flacco’s alma mater wears virtually identical helmets (and uniforms) to that team up north.