In an announcement that surprises absolutely no one, Ohio State edge defender Chase Young has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Young announced his decision via his Twitter account.
James 1:17... Buckeye For Life...✌ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/symHLRRuCB
— CY2 (@youngchase907) January 3, 2020
Young and the Buckeyes recently lost to the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff semifinals, just a couple weeks after Young was in New York as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
While there, Young was asked about his plans for 2020 and said he intended to return to Ohio State. The prospect of being the best defender in the draft and a sure-fire top-five pick makes this decision an easy and predictable one.
In his third and final season with the Buckeyes, Young finished with an FBS-best 16.5 sacks along with 21 tackles for loss. Young could’ve opted to return to Columbus to take another shot at a National Championship, but the risks would far outweigh the benefits.
The sole reason why Young isn’t the favorite to go first-overall in the draft is because Joe Burrow exists. The LSU QB is expected to be the Cincinnati Bengals’ selection at the top of the draft, with Young following him immediately afterwards.
Assuming he turns in a decent combine performance and stays healthy throughout the draft process, Young’s decision to leave early will pay off.