Ohio State Buckeyes

Unsung heroes of Ohio State's national title run find NFL homes

Published May. 5, 2015 5:24 p.m. ET

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In addition to the five Buckeyes who were drafted, three key "glue guys" from the 2014 national champions will get a shot in the NFL this year thanks to free-agent deals.

The Baltimore Ravens signed Darryl Baldwin, a fifth-year senior who held off younger challengers to claim the starting right tackle spot last fall. He played the role well enough to make people forget he was a reserve defensive lineman for the early part of his career.

The San Diego Chargers signed Curtis Grant, a senior who came to Ohio State as one of the top-rated linebacker prospects in the country but failed to make a major impact in his first three years. He split time with hotshot freshman Raekwon McMillan in the first half of 2014 but got the majority of the playing time down the stretch as the Buckeye defense rounded into one of the best in the country.

Steve Miller went from backup to starter when All-Big Ten defensive end Noah Spence was suspended for violating the Big Ten's substance abuse policy, and Miller not only turned in a solid overall campaign but made one of the biggest plays of the season when he returned an interception for a touchdown against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Miller signed with the Carolina Panthers.

(H/T BTN.com)