2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Tommy Eichenberg, a linebacker out of Ohio State. He is from Cleveland, OH, and was a 3-star recruit from St Ignatius High School.
Eichenberg played in only one game as a freshman on a stacked Ohio State roster, recording only two assists.
In 2021 as a sophomore, he appeared in 13 games. His production exploded for 33 tackles, 21 assists, 1 interception, and 2 passes defended. His first stint as a full-time player showed he had the potential to be elite.
His production went to an entirely new level in 2022 as a junior. In 13 games he racked up 77 tackles, 43 assists, 1 interception, and 3 passes defended and proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the Buckeye’s defense.
His final collegiate season came at Ohio State in 2023. He recorded solid numbers once again, but an elbow injury forced him to miss three games which led to a slight dip. He recorded 41 tackles, and 41 assists before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Tackles | Def Int | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF |
| *2020 | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | LB | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2021 | Ohio State | Big Ten | SO | LB | 13 | 33 | 31 | 64 | 6.5 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||
| *2022 | Ohio State | Big Ten | SR | 13 | 77 | 43 | 120 | 12.0 | 2.5 | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| *2023 | Ohio State | Big Ten | SR | LB | 10 | 41 | 41 | 82 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Career | Ohio State | 151 | 117 | 268 | 21.0 | 3.5 | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- He instinctively locates the ball and swarms to make tackles.
- Possesses a great frame with a solid build.
- Has great quickness and takes an excellent angle to the ball carrier.
- Is an excellent combination of size and athleticism.
Weaknesses
- Could stand to play with more physicality.
- Has poor instincts while defending the run.
- He needs to be schemed up as a pass rusher.
- Lacks technique as a tackler in the open field.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 4/5
Ideal Landing Spot: Buffalo Bills
The Bills need significant help on the defensive side of the ball. Injuries and the salary cap seem to have doomed a once-promising unit and any help they can get through the draft is a win.
Eichenberg is not likely to be a Pro-Bowl caliber linebacker, but he could be a very solid one nevertheless. He could be a steady and talented defender in the middle of the field and could fill a major hole for the Bills.
