Ohio State buckeye Jack Sawyer expressed a desire to be selected by either the Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL draft

Ohio State Star Jack Sawyer Expresses Desire to Play for Browns or Bengals in 2025 NFL Draft

Ohio State defensive standout Jack Sawyer has made it clear—when the 2025 NFL Draft arrives, he hopes to land with one of his home-state teams, the Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals. The Buckeyes’ edge rusher, who has been a key piece of Ohio State’s dominant defense, recently shared his admiration for both franchises and his dream of playing in the NFL close to home.

Sawyer’s Ohio Roots

Born and raised in Pickerington, Ohio, Sawyer has long been a proud representative of the Buckeye State. He was a five-star recruit out of Pickerington North High School and committed to Ohio State early in his career, bypassing offers from other powerhouse programs. His connection to Ohio football runs deep, making the idea of playing professionally for one of the state’s two NFL teams especially meaningful.

“Playing in the NFL has always been my dream, but getting the opportunity to stay in Ohio with either the Browns or Bengals would make it even more special,” Sawyer said in a recent interview. “I grew up watching both teams, and to put on one of those jerseys would be a huge honor.”

Potential Fit with the Browns or Bengals

As one of the top defensive linemen in college football, Sawyer is expected to be a high draft pick in 2025. Both Cleveland and Cincinnati could be in the market for a defensive playmaker by then, making his dream a realistic possibility.

• Cleveland Browns: The Browns already have Myles Garrett, one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, but adding a young talent like Sawyer to their defensive front could make them even more formidable. Cleveland has consistently emphasized building an elite defense, and Sawyer’s versatility would fit well within their scheme.
• Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, have built a strong roster but could use additional help on the defensive line. With veteran Trey Hendrickson approaching 30, Cincinnati may be looking for a young edge rusher to develop into their next star.

Sawyer’s NFL Draft Projection

Sawyer has steadily improved throughout his Ohio State career, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his pass-rushing skills, athleticism, and strength. Entering the 2024 season, he is considered a potential first-round draft pick, and another standout year could cement his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation.

His ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker makes him an appealing option for a variety of defensive schemes. NFL scouts will be closely watching his production in the upcoming season, particularly in high-profile matchups against top-tier competition.

Looking Ahead

While the NFL Draft process is still months away, Sawyer’s public expression of interest in playing for the Browns or Bengals is sure to excite Ohio football fans. Whether Cleveland or Cincinnati will have the opportunity to draft him remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Sawyer’s passion for his home state and his elite talent make him a player to watch as the 2024 college football season unfolds.