Ezekiel Elliott leads exodus of Ohio State talent headed to the NFL

Following Saturday's 17-14 loss to Michigan State, junior running back Ezekiel Elliott said he's played his last home game for Ohio State. He did so while ripping the coaching staff for its play calling decisions. Elliot entering the 2016 NFL Draft shouldn't come as a surprise. He's the top running back eligible for the draft. If he plays another season in college, he'd be rated behind players like LSU's Leonard Fournette and Florida State's Dalvin Cook.

Junior quarterback Cardale Jones also said it was his last home game with Ohio State. Whether Jones is simply implying he's transferring or entering the 2016 NFL Draft is unknown. Because he's redshirted a year already, Jones would have to be a graduate student to transfer to an FBS school next season. After winning a national title last season, Jones was demoted by head coach Urban Meyer after several poor showings. Because the extreme up and down nature of his college career, Jones is going to be a challenging evaluation for NFL scouts and general managers.

Star defensive end Joey Bosa, a junior, also intimated last week that he's playing his final season for the Buckeyes. He'll be one of the top players picked if he leaves for the NFL this spring.

Joey Bosa: "The only possible thing that would keep me here is playing with [brother] Nick. ...We'll see when the time comes."

— Tim Shoemaker (@TimShoemaker) November 16, 2015

Michael Thomas, wide receiver (junior): If anyone on OSU should complain about the play calling against Michigan State, it should be Thomas. He had just two receptions for eight yards. On the season, he's only topped 100 yards two times. It's not a skill and athleticism issue for Thomas. Ohio State's offense just isn't suited to getting him the ball. Because of that, it won't be a shock to see Thomas enter the draft. After Laquon Treadwell of Ole Miss, he might be the best wideout in the 2016 draft. Would staying another season help his stock? Maybe not.

Darron Lee, linebacker (redshirt sophomore): Touted as the next version of Ryan Shazier, the speedy Lee's stats are a little down this season. He's fifth on the team with 52 tackles to go along with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Although Lee's NFL stock hasn't seen a hit this season, it hasn't been bolstered either. Staying at least one more season could cement Lee as a first rounder.

Eli Apple, cornerback (redshirt sophomore): Ohio State has a solid tradition of sending high-caliber cornerbacks to the NFL. Most recently, it was Bradley Roby, a first-round pick in 2014. Apple is going to be the next one, but just not yet. Apple likes to be physical and take on the opposing team's No. 1 wideout. This season, he has 26 tackles, an interception and six pass breakups. Against Michigan State, Apple gave up four receptions to the Spartans' Aaron Burbridge. The talent is there, but he's not ready.

Vonn Bell, safety (junior): A reasonable argument could be made that Bell is the top draft-eligible safety in the nation. He's a complete player who will get up and play in the box, is a sure tackler and has looked better in coverage this season. He's third on the team with 59 tackles this season and has a team-leading nine pass breakups. Bell looks ready for the NFL and could be a top 50 pick.

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