Former Ohio State Buckeyes had strong performances in Week 2 of the NFL season, making it the ultimate recruiting pitch for Ryan Day.

Strong play at the highest level is the ultimate recruiting pitch. With that in mind, let’s run through this week’s edition of Buckeyes in the NFL.

Chris Olave – New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is off to a great start to his 2026 campaign. The Saints picked up a major upset win over the Baltimore Ravens, 24-17. Olave caught 8 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Olave received a game ball from head coach Kellen Moore after his strong performance. Olave was one of three Buckeyes to receive a game ball, joining Pete Werner and Chase Young.

Pete Werner – New Orleans Saints

Saints defensive end Pete Werner posted a solid performance in their week two victory over Baltimore. Werner converted 11 tackles, including a sack. Werner recorded 7 tackles in week one, bringing his season total to 18 through two weeks. Werner dealt with a groin injury for most of August but appears healthy and better than ever.

Chase Young –  New Orleans Saints

Chase Young had a strong performance against Baltimore, converting two tackles, including 1.5 sacks. The former Defensive Rookie Of The Year has bounced around the NFL since being selected by Washington with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft.

Young’s health concerns have played a large role in his unsuccessful tenure with Washington, but he appears to have found a home in New Orleans. Young posted 10 sacks last season and will look to continue that success this season.

Caleb Downs – Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20. Rookie safety Caleb Downs had a fantastic performance, posting 9 total tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 forced fumble. Downs has been a star for the Cowboys through two weeks and looks like he could be the next great safety in the NFL.

Highest-graded defensive players through two weeks, per @PFF:

1. Mansoor Delane (KC) — 97.3
2. Zakee Wheatley (CAR) — 93.7
3. Trent McDuffie (LAR) — 93.0
T-4. Jordan Turner (DEN) — 91.5
T-4. Denzel Ward (CLE) — 91.5

— Chris Cooper (@ChrisCooper_NFL) September 22, 2026

Denzel Ward – Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19. The game was suspended for 2 hours with just 2:00 minutes left to play in the fourth quarter due to weather. Play resumed, and the Browns picked up their first win of the season. Denzel Ward helped the Browns on defense, recording 5 tackles and a forced fumble. Ward has been fantastic to start the season, posting an overall grade of 91.5 according to Pro Football Focus.

Garrett Wilson – New York Jets

The New York Jets fell to the Green Bay Packers in an overtime thriller, 20-17. Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson looked the part, catching 5 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. Wilson has been a key part of the Jets’ offense since entering the league in 2022. Wilson was limited to just seven games last season after three consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 yards. Now, Wilson and the Jets will look to post a strong 2026 campaign.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks dominated the Arizona Cardinals, 31-7. Now 2-0, the Seahawks are cruising without starting quarterback Sam Darnold, who sustained an injury in week one. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a dominant second straight week, posting 9 receptions for 155 yards and three touchdowns. Smith-Njigba now leads the NFL in yards with 277 and touchdowns with four.