The Columbus Dispatch is reporting this afternoon that it’s official. Ohio State running back Beanie Wells is making himself eligible for the NFL draft. Apparently, a potential $10 million signing bonus is just too much to pass up.
And who can blame him. Coach Tressel seemed to think he was going before Wells seemed to know it himself. He’s also had a serious issue with injuries missing three games this year and most of the second half of the Fiesta Bowl. Remember how badly we wanted Keith Byers to come back for just one more year? Another year in college ball could bring an injury that could keep him out of the pros for good.
Yeah, a Sophomore Pryor lined up next to a healthy Wells would bring a running game to the Buckeyes that would be almost unstoppable. Wells seemed to do a pretty good job at running right over the Texas safeties. Just think what the Buckeye offense would look like with a solid Pryor passing game to boot.
Regardless, it would border on irresponsible to turn down that kind of money. A career ending injury in the NFL leaves wells and his family financially set for life. A career ending injury at Ohio State and, well, there’s always the record books.
So, a note to Boom Herron – bulk up in the off season buddy. You’ve got the speed. If you can put Wells size to go with it, the Buckeye running game shouldn’t bat an eye.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent athlete and runner when he wasn’t injured. Best of luck at the next level.
I wouldn’t expect him to go in the first round, maybe the 2nd? maybe lower than that.
NFL teams tend to be not terribly enamored with players who can’t make it through a college schedule without constantly being injured. I’d think his durability at the the NFL level would be much in doubt.
His durability? He seemed durable to me, he got injured big deal, he’ll go in the late first early second and be worth the money.
I hate Penn State – so I bought one of these!!
http://tinyurl.com/7srfl6
His efficiency of running was very good but sad thing is that he was injured & not able to appear again in next level.