LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas hosted this year's NFL draft, and their football team will be adding a true Buckeye to its ranks.
The Raiders on Saturday picked Massillon Washington High School graduate and Ohio State offensive lineman Thayer Munford at No. 238 overall in the seventh round. The 6-foot-6, 238-pound Cincinnati native was one of five players with Northeast Ohio ties to be selected on the draft's final day.
Munford began his high school career at Division II powerhouse LaSalle, winning two OHSAA state championships in 2014 and '15. After head coach Nate Moore took the job at Massillon, Munford went with him to Stark County, where he subsequently became a four-star O-line prospect.
After redshirting as a freshman, Munford took advantage of the NCAA's COVID-19 exemptions and played four years at OSU, starting each of those seasons at various positions and three times earning All-Big Ten honors as the Bucks won three conference titles and twice made the College Football Playoff (including a berth in the national title game in 2020). Munford moved to left guard as a senior, and delivered by nabbing first-team All-America honors.
Munford joins a Raiders squad fresh off its first playoff appearance in five years. Five other Ohio State teammates were selected ahead of him, including edge rusher and Cleveland Heights native Tyreke Smith in the fifth round.
More draft headlines:
- Cleveland native Coby Bryant selected in 4th round of NFL draft by Seattle Seahawks
- St. Ignatius alum Darian Kinnard selected in 5th round of NFL draft by Kansas City Chiefs
- Seattle Seahawks select Cleveland Heights native Tyreke Smith in 5th round of NFL draft
- Broadview Heights native Nick Zakelj selected in 6th round of NFL draft by San Francisco 49ers