Key Ohio State transfer addition named 'most improved player' for 2025 NFL Draft by Senior Bowl Director
Entering the transfer portal is a risk for both the player and team looking to make a move, but the Ohio State Buckeyes hit a home run with center Seth McLaughlin. The former Alabama blocker was a controversial addition after his struggles against Michigan in the College Football Playoff, but the gamble has helped his […]
Entering the transfer portal is a risk for both the player and team looking to make a move, but the Ohio State Buckeyes hit a home run with center Seth McLaughlin. The former Alabama blocker was a controversial addition after his struggles against Michigan in the College Football Playoff, but the gamble has helped his 2025 NFL Draft outlook as well as the Buckeyes' championship efforts.
On Wednesday, Reese's Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy announced that McLaughlin will be in Mobile, Alabama for the 2025 all-star week. But what he added to the announcement is what really stood out.
Nagy said, "Based on our recent calls with NFL teams about @seniorbowl roster, a strong case could be made that @OhioStateFB OC Seth McLaughlin is the 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 player at any position in this year's draft class. Numerous director level execs said they graded @Seth_Mc24 as low UDFA last fall at Alabama and now most have him as solid mid-rounder.
That's an incredible jump."
McLaughlin was an interesting draft evaluation because his tape and PFF grades agreed that 2023 was a clear downgrade in performance. After two seasons grading as an above-average center for Alabama, last year's performance saw his grade dip into a less consistent and more concerning area. PFF is not the end-all-be-all, but it's telling his grade jumped from a 74 to a 59.
However, his 2024 grade is right back where it was before 2023, and the on-field impact is clear. McLaughlin's stats have been stellar as well.
Well-rounded as a pass and run blocker, McLaughlin's isolated play makes him fun to watch. It's easier to see him projecting as an NFL starter now more than ever. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder has given up only six quarterback hurries and one penalty, and both are career-best marks.
Our latest 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft did not have McLaughlin drafted, but I'm sure we'll find him a home on Day 3 in our next iteration.
