In 2016, Ohio State had to replace three starters in the defensive backfield because of players leaving school early for the NFL. No problem, coaches Greg Schiano and Kerry Coombs just plugged three guys in and the Buckeyes had one of the best pass defenses in the nation.
This year they face the same situation. Two of the players who were plugged in last year, Marshon Lattimore and Malik Hooker, along with Gareon Conley will be high picks in the NFL draft.
There is a good chance the returning players, along with the outstanding defensive backs in the 2017 recruiting class, will be able to fill the void those players are leaving and the Buckeyes will again have a stout pass defense next season.