Ohio State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Defensive Backs

Starting cornerbacks: Denzel Ward, Damon Arnette
Backups: Kendall Sheffield, Jeffrey Okudah

The defensive backfield is forced to replace departing starters at three of the four positions. The Buckeyes were lucky in this area last year seeing as the young guys all seemed to break out at the same time, but at the end of the year, everyone took the NFL leap.

Back is junior Denzel Ward who could be a top cornerback in the conference along with sophomore Damon Arnette. While those are my protected starters at the beginning of the season, I’d be shocked if Kendall Sheffield didn’t break out and steal some time from the No. 1s. He’s a former five-star prospect who originally committed to Alabama but went the JUCO route before picking Ohio State. Freshman Jeffrey Okudah is also a talented backup. This unit is uber-talented but extremely unproven.

Starting safeties: Jordan Fuller, Damon Webb
Backups: Erick Smith, Isaiah Pryor

At safety, gone is Malik Hooker who was one of the top safeties chosen in the 2017 NFL Draft, but he will have solid replacements as well. Jordan Fuller is an impressive sophomore who was an “athlete” out of high school but molded into a safety. He’s the biggest starting defensive back for the Buckeyes in 2017.

Damon Webb is the lone returning starter in the entire secondary. He finished the 2016 season with 57 tackles, an interception and three pass deflections. Expect his numbers to take another step forward as the leader of the group. Erick Smith and Isaiah Pryor will play the backup roles.