College football is loaded with talented games this weekend, but Ohio State vs. Penn State on Saturday night has 14 NFL teams sending scouts to watch the game, according to Chase Goodbread of College Football 24/7.
The New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys will all be sending scouts to watch this much anticipated Saturday night matchup.
Ohio State's Joey Bosa will be heavily watched, as he is projected to a be top five draft pick, and is seen as the number two pick in Walter Football's mock draft. The junior defensive lineman has 13 solo tackles this season with six tackles for loss. Bosa is listed at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds and is expected to be a very productive pass rusher at the next level. Bosa won the 2014 Big Ten defensive player of the year award last season and has continued to prove himself as one of the top defensive players in all of college football. The Giants, Bears, and Steelers will likely be watching Bosa closely Saturday night, as they could all use an impact player on the defensive line.
Bosa isn't the only Ohio State player to watch Saturday night, as Heisman hopeful Ezekiel Elliot will be watched very closely. The junior running back is one of the top prospects at his position and has already rushed for 835 yards this season with 10 touchdowns. Elliott is averaging 6.9 yards per carry, and if he continues to dominate in Big Ten games, he will likely be one of the top five running backs taken in April. The Browns, Colts, and Cowboys will likely be watching Elliott closely, as they all could use a talented young running back.
Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg will likely draw most of the attention out of the Nittany Lions prospects. Hackenberg has been one of the most controversial prospects this year because many are split as to what he can do at the next level. Scouts will likely focus on how Hackenberg handles pressure, as he will likely see the best defensive line he has faced this season. Hackenberg will have to display his accurate passing, and also getting the ball out fast. Hackenberg is 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, and fits the prototypical NFL mold. The Browns, Bears, and Redskins are teams that will be interested in the junior quarterback, as they will likely determine if he can lead an NFL franchise.
Ohio State is undefeated and on a mission to repeat as National Champions, but Penn State has won five straight and will look to end the Buckeyes streak Saturday night. It will be interesting to see which of these players perform under the bright lights, as they all likely know that they are being evaluated.
