Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins has a huge decision to make, and it’s one that will have a big ripple effect nationally.
The Heisman finalist reportedly has received a first-round projection for the 2019 NFL Draft from the NFL’s college personnel advisory board, per ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, and is mulling over his options.
Ohio St. QB Dwayne Haskins received a first round projection for 2019 NFL Draft from the NFL's college personnel advisory board, according to league and school sources. He is discussing his options with coaches and family but still plans to play in Rose Bowl, sources added.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 23, 2018
As Mortensen noted, Haskins still intends to keep his word about playing in the Rose Bowl. His decision to play stands out because so many other top NFL draft prospects have opted to sit their bowl games out, including fellow quarterback Will Grier.
If Haskins does decide to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft, there’s a legitimate chance he would be taken in the top five, if not No. 1 overall.
A big-armed quarterback who’s shown the ability to make accurate throws from the pocket, Haskins has the kind of skill set NFL teams dream about. This season at Ohio State, he completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 4,580 yards with 47 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
Notably, Haskins got hot down the stretch. His performance against a Michigan defense that came into its game against Ohio State as the best in the nation was one nobody will soon forget, and he threw 11 touchdowns in his final two games, including five in the Big Ten Championship Game.