Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett has not been bandied about as one of the top prospects heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. This, despite the fact that he put up a tremendous junior season for the Buckeyes.
In reality, it’s more about the tale of tape on Barrett. He’s not as strong-armed as the Mitch Trubiskys or Brad Kaayas of the world. He doesn’t possess the supposed pedigree of one Deshaun Watson. Still, there was every reason to believe Barrett would find himself as a Day 2 pick.
That’s no longer going to be the case.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Barrett will return to Ohio State for his senior season.
Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett announces he will return for his senior year.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2017
This makes all the sense in the world. Barrett is coming off a disastrous performance in a blowout loss to Clemson in the CFP semifinals. He can use one more year to build up his stock for the 2018 NFL Draft, at which point teams will have more tape on him.
Barrett finished the 2016 campaign with 3,400 total yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.