The NFL knows Tressel…One of the best “scouts” for NFL teams is always the coach that coaches ‘em up. That is, NFL personnel folks know that they are going to get a better player out of a Tressel program than they are out of a Carr program (as a f’rinstance) if everything else was equal.
We have received feedback recently from Bucknuts fans that also follow pro teams around the country and are aware of their scouting criteria. One pro-connected media guy said this to me: This notion that college programs don't factor in is a popular notion but it's incorrect, especially with OSU and Tressel. NFL teams know they're getting guys who have played in big games and gotten great coaching and are more prepared and capable to play in the NFL than just about anyone. There are a few other programs of that ilk, but not many. There is a real feeling among some NFL teams that an OSU player isn't just a safe pick, it's a solid pick, in any round. There are maybe only three other programs in the country that you can say that about.
When you read the scouting reports on future draft picks, the reports on OSU guys always include references to great coaching. Holmes was known as the best route-runner in the draft. Mangold was known as technically and fundamentally superior and able to make all the right calls at the line. I read the reports on Mario Williams and they say "great talent, great size and speed and athleticism, great upside, but lacking in technique and takes too many plays off." That's not a tribute to a college coaching staff. The scouting reports on most OSU players are a tribute to the coaching staff.
Look, for a further example at how the Carolina Panthers drafted recently. What the Panthers are doing is taking things another step -- they like three-year starters in major programs more than guys who run good 40s in Indy. They are putting great value on leaders. So many of the Panthers picks -- and free-agent signees -- were team captains and team leaders. Nate Salley is a prime example. He's a nice, solid fourth round pick, and he's now a Panther because despite his shortcomings which we know about, they liked the fact that he was a three-year starter who came to Ohio State playing behind Mike Doss.
So we have to – once again speculate about Youboty benefitting from coming back and being a captain. That could have helped him in more ways than the general public realizes.
For you NFL-followers that are also Buckeye-based, watch how any teams that have drafted one or two Bucks (Panthers, Bills, etc.) have started taking more Bucks, in higher rounds than you would have expected. That’s because it’s their bucks at stake. You gotta think that this not only helps the current Buckeye roster eventually make more money playing professionally, but it also should help OSU recruit high school kids that are made to understand this undeniable linkage.
