Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's prediction of an "exodus" of talent leaving the program for the 2016 NFL Draft began to materialize with running back Ezekiel Elliott announcing his intention to leave OSU, and star defensive end Joey Bosa could be next. The family of the Buckeyes' star defensive end has been meeting with potential agents, and Bosa is "certainly preparing as if he'll enter the draft," according to NFL Media's Rand Getlin.
It's not the first time Bosa has offered a hint as to his future plans. Two weeks ago, Bosa said the chance to be an OSU teammate with his younger brother, Nick, who will be a freshman with the Buckeyes next year, would be the only reason he might return to college.
Bosa leads the Buckeyes with 16 tackles for loss (five sacks) this season. NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein ranked Bosa the No. 2 edge pass rusher in college football before the season.
Elliott, also a junior, said he would apply for early eligibility in the 2016 draft after OSU's loss to Michigan State, and quarterback Cardale Jones hinted at the same intention after the same game, via social media.
Underclassmen have until a Jan. 18 deadline to apply for early eligibility into the 2016 draft.
Along with several underclassmen considering whether to return to OSU, the school also has an impressively talented group of seniors that will contribute to its draft class. Among them: wide receiver Braxton Miller, linebacker Joshua Perry, defensive tackle Adolphus Washington and offensive tackle Taylor Decker.
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