When looking at the 2017 depth chart compared to the 2016 depth chart, there are noticeable holes, but the team is in a much better place now than it was entering the 2016 season after a mass exodus of NFL departures and graduation. Using key departures, spotlighting players at important positions, leadership qualities, and recognizing the depth at each position, we came up with the 10 most important players on the team. They may not be the most heralded players, or even the best players, but they will be vital to this team’s on-field success.
Position: Cornerback
2016 stats: 23 total tackles, 9 pass breakups
Ohio State graduated both starting cornerbacks from last season, and not one, but both of them were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.