Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wide Receiver Ohio State | NFL - NFL DRAFT BUZZ Home Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. Smith-Njigba finished with 15 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns. The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. Going further, Smith-Njigba has the play strength to pry the ball away from DBs at the catch point. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. He also has the most receiving yards in Rose Bowl game history. e's a Grade A slot receiver. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? His height, weight, and length are all likely close to the median for wide receivers. He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. Smith-Njigba was ninth in yards per route run on deep targets, tied for first in PFF deep receiving grade, and second in passer rating when targeted on routes 20-plus yards in 2021 (minimum 15 deep targets). He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. And judging by the way those around the league view the 21-year old, it seems Smith-Njigba will have every chance to prove his worth at the next level. Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. Smith-Njigbas snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he's 100% but skipping 40-yard dash Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba speak at NFL Combine Jaxon Smith-Njigba Rose Bowl stats: 15 receptions, 346 receiving yards, three touchdowns; College football world reacts to Jaxon Smith-Njigba's historic Rose Bowl game. Entering 2022, Smith-Njigba had been projected as one of the top wide receivers in the country. . Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. MORE:Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. Being able to create and react to the defender is the strong point in my game, and taking advantage of that. Jan 9, 2023. Stacked formations. He earned rave reviews from a number of media outlets. It is impossible to ignore his monster finish to the 2021 season, and he has starting slot potential, but the speed concerns coupled with an injury-plagued 2022 season threaten to negatively impact his draft stock.". Graduated in 2020. Ultimately, however, he committed to Ohio State University. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. 3, behind Quentin Johnston (TCU) and Jordan Addison (USC). If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. by Matthew Jones. The hamstring injury occurred early in Ohio State's season opener against Notre Dame, and Smith-Njigba went on to play in parts of two more games, finishing the season with five receptions for 43 yards while running a total of 42 receiving routes. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; 2021 Game Logs * indicates bowl game; 2021 Game Logs Table; Receiving Punt Ret; Rk Date School Opponent Rec Yds Avg TD Ret Yds Avg TD; 1: 2021-09 . Will Ohio State football's Jaxon Smith-Njigba play against Iowa? Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been widely recognized as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the upcoming draft class after his breakout season in 2021 that saw him outpace two future . The silver lining is that the Ohio State WR flashes great explosive capacity. 3 Jordan Addison - USC. While both had their own unique nuances as individual prospects, they both won largely with their ability to separate and convert at the catch point. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. - He's not going to blow by any defensive backs with his speed, and he's not going to participate in 40-yard dash drills at the combine, so he won't be able to change the narrative that he's a tad slower than some other standouts at WR in this class. Twitter reacts to Ohio State star Jaxon Smith-Njigba's - Sportsnaut NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com Here's everything you need to know about Smith-Njigba's NFL combine performance, measurements and results. WATCH: Jaxon Smith-Njigba make insane TD catch - Buckeyes Wire Outrageous Predictions", "Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting day sparks No. Smith-Njigba was limited to just three games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury and his decision to not participate in the College Playoff. Garrett Wilson Says Jaxon Smith-Njigba is "Probably the Best I've Ever Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba leaves early vs. Notre Dame after hard hit 10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft believes Smith-Njigba brings a skill set greater than that of himself or Chris Olave, another Ohio State alum who went in the first round of last year's draft. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. Despite sharing a wide receiver room with first-rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave last season, Smith-Njigba set single-season school records in catches (95) and . A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: College football career, stats, highlights, records Rising had a difficult second half, and things got even worse when he was sacked by Ohio State's Kourt Williams II and had to be taken out of the game in the fourth quarter. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. Copyright 2019-2023. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. [3][4] Smith-Njigba played in the 2019 All-American Bowl and was named a high school All-American by Sports Illustrated and USA Today. Do you have a sports website? Smith-Njigba won't take part in the 40-yard dash in this year's NFL Combine, but he still views himself among the fastest, strongest and most capable of this year's crop, a belief he reaffirmed Friday morning in Indianapolis. The Ohio State WR also has great stop-and-start ability and can break at impressive angles with his loose hips. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Declares himself 100 percent The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. While hes not an elite explosive threat, Smith-Njigbas cylindrical twitch is high-level, and he uses that trait to get DBs off-balance. He capped his 2021 campaign with a ridiculous performance in the Rose Bowl against Utah, catching 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns through the air, setting a new record for receiving yards in the legendary bowl game. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. If production was the only factor, then hed have that title locked down. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? 2023 NFL Draft: Jaxon Smith-Njigba says Packers 'are definitely looking Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023 Fantasy Football I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. But after a frustrating junior year, Smith-Njigba intends to show that he is the best receiver in this year's draft. [1] Smith-Njigba led all high school football players in the DallasFort Worth metroplex with 97 receptions for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns in his junior season. Index Of This Post [ show] Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Smith-Njigba is listed at 6-0, 200 pounds ahead of the NFL Combine. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. Rising is a big reason the Utes even reached the Rose Bowl, and he'll undoubtedly be a reason they play in another bowl game next season. Jaxon is as good as Ive ever seen, probably the best Ive ever seen. Top WR Prospect Praises Patriots, Mac Jones After Combine Meeting After the departure of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling during the 2022 off-season, many thought that a wide receiver would be on their mind in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. ", Smith-Njigba feels 100% after injury-marred '22, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', QB Bennett addresses off-field issues at combine, Campbell: Lamar wants deal done with Ravens, Alabama QB Young undeterred by size questions, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader, Browns' offense: Grading positions ahead of free agency, 2023 draft, Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. Devy Spotlight: Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Dynasty Nerds pic.twitter.com/jtvAYPnKH5. Scouting Jaxon Smith-Njigba: What to know about Ohio State WR ahead of Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. I just don't really care about his 40 time. - His recent injury history is certainly a concern. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Plays Football. Hes more quick than fast. Jaxon has played on 4 football teams covered by MaxPreps. The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. The Buckeyes star is surprisingly comfortable going low for passes, and he maintains his focus even as his balance is compromised. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. 2023 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Ohio State . He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. Hes a fairly easy accelerator who generates solid initial momentum and can freely throttle up and down. ANY GAME! Jaxon Smith-Njigba now has the Ohio State record for most receiving yards in a game.
Coming into this season, Ohio State only had four 200-yard receiving games ever. Is he a player worth trading up for in any way? Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Says He's a 'Top 5' Player in 2023 NFL Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he's 100% but skipping 40-yard dash Its important not to speak in absolutes, but another strong season would almost assuredly grant Smith-Njigba first-round capital. In his final two seasons . STROUD 50-YARD TD TO JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA pic.twitter.com/c8lD3QjpqU, Jaxon Smith-Njigba hit the BURNERS to score pic.twitter.com/TatHql3xZ6, OHIO STATE TURNS IT OVER pic.twitter.com/TLO9BniXJi. Some projections have him falling into the second round, but he could still be a Round 1 selection. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Stats, News, Bio | ESPN Smith-Njigba is undergoing medical testing at the combine, with coaches and front-office executives monitoring the results on the hamstring injury that limited him in 2022. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. With his slightly lighter frame, hes not always going to withstand direct contact. In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. He already has a rapport with Fields. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft.