All the hype is flying around about each of the Ohio State Buckeyes that dominated during the Combine, but we can't forget about Caden Curry
One of the most important pieces of Ohio State's defense last season was defensive end Caden Curry.
The underrated playmaker flew a bit under the radar because he did not carry the same star power that his teammates, such as Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, brought to the table. What has always stood out to me about Curry is that I think that he legit bleeds Scarlet and Gray.
There is nothing more important to Curry than being an Ohio State Buckeye, and that reality was reflected in his play. Whatever the team needed throughout his four seasons he would do and the most important thing on his mind was winning football games.
In 2025, that role for him was rushing the passer. The Buckeyes' sack leader in 2025 was, you guessed it, Curry.
The senior defender tallied 11 sacks on the season, five more than second place. Very little of his production had to do with pure skill, but rather, it had to do with a relentless motor.
So, how does that transfer to the NFL?
Curry attended the NFL Draft Combine, but he didn't test on the field as he is saving it for the Ohio State Pro-Day. In today's day and age, that is not an uncommon practice for these athletes.
Regardless, Curry possesses several traits outside of having a relentless motor that will bode well at the next level.
Ohio State Mens Hoops MUST WIN to Make Tourney | PreDraft Prep | Best Fits for Future NFL StarsThe Ohio State Men's Basketball Team has its back against the wall to make the NCAA Tournament. They have six games left, and they must win four of them, lik...The biggest thing that Curry does is that there is no drop-off between his run game and his pass game. His productivity against the pass matches his productivity against the run, and obviously, that goes back to the motor conversation. To go along with that, he also possesses and deploys violent hands.
His hands at the point of attack are always up and always ready to fight. It's very common for him to get the first punch, and if the offensive lineman gets the best of him early, he has great counter moves to combat his primary moves.
It's not all positives for Curry. The reason that he needs a relentless motor is that he does come in a bit undersized for a defensive end. He stands at just 6'3, and he does not have the natural ability to bend and maneuver to be successful at the next level.
Those skills will have to be developed over time.
Curry is definitely going to be fighting an uphill battle in the NFL from a pass-rushing standpoint. As a defensive end, he is likely going to be going toe to toe with guys who are 6-foot-5 and above week after week. He will need to develop strength and technical skills to find success in the league.
If there is anyone who will work tirelessly to do just that, it is Caden Curry.
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Category: General Sports
