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Ohio State OL Austin Siereveld Earns Favorable NFL Draft Projection
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- Ohio State OL Austin Siereveld Earns Favorable NFL Draft Projection
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Austin Siereveld will be a key piece protecting the offense in the 2026 season. Siereveld was the Buckeyes' starting left tackle for Ohio State in 2025 but has transitioned to offensive guard for the 2026 season.
His versatility and play on the offensive line could make him a candidate to go early in the 2027 NFL Draft. In Fox Sports' latest mock draft , Siereveld is predicted to land with the Baltimore Ravens with the 29th overall pick.
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This is a favorable projection for Siereveld, as he enters the season as one of the best guards in college football, but that position isn't valued as highly in the NFL. Siereveld's versatility could allow him to go earlier in the draft to a team that needs more protection.
The Buckeyes came away with a dominant 56-3 victory over Ball State on Saturday, but the offensive line wasn't at its best, allowing two sacks and struggling to get the run game going early in the first half.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Siereveld and the offensive line stepped it up later on, allowing quarterback Julian Sayin to have time in the pocket to deliver downfield, as he completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. It was a very efficient game for the star quarterback, who is looking to compete for the Heisman Trophy.
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The run game also improved steadily throughout the game, as running back Bo Jackson rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Ja'Kobi Jackson also played well, as he had 83 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
While Ohio State's offensive line was inconsistent in the opening part of the game, they still came away with a dominant win.
However, when they take on tougher opponents in pursuit of a second National Championship in three years, they will need Siereveld to create holes for the run game and give time for Sayin to deliver the ball downfield to talented receivers like Jeremiah Smith.
Siereveld has a long season ahead, but if he plays well in the 2026 season, he could find himself being one of the top offensive guards off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft.
