Ohio State had a pretty good football team last year, which was well illustrated at this year’s draft when five players from the school were taken in the first round.
The first two off the board played well enough in October to be named the top rookies on their respective sides of the ball. Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, who was the third overall pick, took the honors on the defensive side of the ball while Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who went a pick later, was the offensive choice.
Bosa’s NFL career got off to a delayed start thanks to a long wait for the two sides to agree on a contract and a hamstring injury suffered once he finally did sign, but he wasted little time showing why the Chargers picked him so early once he got on the field. Bosa has been a constant presence in opposing backfields, recording four sacks and disrupting a lot of other plays in his first four NFL appearances.
Elliott also played four games in October and his efforts leave him as the NFL’s top rusher halfway through the season. Elliott ran 88 times for 525 yards, providing the Cowboys with exactly the kind of production they were looking for when they made him their top draft choice and helping them win all four games they played during the month.
Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has done more than expected alongside Elliott on Dallas’ offense, which has raised hopes of a lot more wins to come as their careers unfold.