"Why Rockwall WR, Ohio State pledge Jaxon Smith-Njigba's impressive showing at The Opening almost didn't", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Riley Dodge win 2019 Tom Landry Awards", "Rockwall wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba named Gatorade Texas football player of the year", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba Named to SI All-American Team", "Ohio State commit Jaxon Smith-Njigba honored as a 2020 All-American", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba poised to become Ohio State's next star at receiver", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State Buckeyes, Wide Receiver", "Four-Star Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba Commits To Ohio State", "Former Rockwall star Jaxon Smith-Njigba ready to take on larger role in Ohio State's offense", "Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba headed for breakout game in Ohio State football's season opener against Minnesota? STATISTICS. In his junior season, Smith-Njigba led the Dallas region with 97 catches for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. [1] Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It's impossible to predict where he could go in the upcoming draft, though. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Stats, News, Bio | ESPN 11 Utah and No. He also holds Ohio State records for most catches in a single game with 15 (twice) and most receiving yards in a single season with 1,606 during the 2021 season. The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - College Football at Sports-Reference.com Those are two of the most important jobs for a wide receiver. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2022 stats* 2021 stats REC 95 YDS 1606 TDS 9 *Updated through Nov. 5, 2022 2022 season updates Nov. 2 A hamstring injury has robbed Smith-Njigba of almost his. 5 Ohio State over Nebraska", "Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba sets bowl record with 347 receiving yards vs. Utah in Rose Bowl win", "Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba won't play in College Playoff, intends to enter 2023 NFL Draft", "Ohio State's Impactful Nigerian Connections, Relationship with Greg Mattison and Eye-Opening June Visit Were Driving Forces in Tunmise Adeleye's Recruitment", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jaxon_Smith-Njigba&oldid=1141457926, American people of Sierra Leonean descent, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 04:43. However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . It was also the Buckeyes' first game against the Utes since 1986. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. Career Recap: Ohio State has been loaded with wide receiver talent year after year now, and Smith-Njigba is the program's model for the 2023 NFL Draft. When Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a likely first round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, was asked what stood out about his formal interview with the Green and Gold, he said the team's desire to add playmaking to their passing game. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. Rob Oller: OSU receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba lights up Utes and - Yahoo! He also uses route angles and sudden movements at stems to generate displacement. A new home for Michael Thomas? He also has the most receiving yards in Rose Bowl game history. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Meets With Cowboys, Packers, Patriots Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2023 NFL Draft Profile | Tankathon Smith-Njigba, who is listed at 6-foot, 240 pounds, is considered the Pirates' 27th-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. 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. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? Jaxon Smith-Njigba (/ndb/ in-JIG-b; born February 14, 2002), also known by his initials JSN, is an American football wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Jaxon Smith-Njigba NFL Combine Results, Measurements and 40-Yard Dash Time Do you have a sports website? Seeing him against press coverage in 2021 will be key, but he projects well there. He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Stats. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba confident he is 'a top-five player' in 2023 NFL Draft: 'I can win you the game', Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts, Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. The Ohio State WR is a natural hands catcher, with incredibly smooth body control in the open field when adjusting for throws. Outrageous Predictions", "Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting day sparks No. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Jan 9, 2023. Smith-Njigba is already a proficient separator, but he doesnt rely on separation to win. Hes a tenacious blocker who engages well with defenders and anchors them. Harrison, a freshman, also had the best game of his career with Olave and Wilson out of the lineup. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Fantasy College Football News & Stats Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. Top WR Prospect Praises Patriots, Mac Jones After Combine Meeting Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 2021 Highlights - YouTube Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) . Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . 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. It's officially NFL draft season, so it's time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba met with Patriots at NFL Scouting Combine The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. With 15 catches for 347 yards Saturday, Jaxon Smith-Njigba became Ohio State's single-season record holder in receptions (95) and yards (1,606). Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. His brief connection to Fields makes him one of the more intriguing draft prospects for the Bears this year, and they certainly could use some solid receivers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Stats, News, Bio | ESPN A native of Rockwall, TX, Smith-Njigba has impressive route-running, agility, and a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. It did not take long for Smith-Njigba to support those remarks. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Stats, News, Bio | ESPN Jaxon Smith-njigba Stats, News, Fantasy Football Rankings Stroud, QB, OSU: 37/46 for 572 YDS, 6 TD, 1 INT and 1 CAR for 10 YDS, Cameron Rising, QB, UTAH: 17/22 for 214 YDS, 2 TD and 11 CAR for 92 YDS, 1 TD, Bryson Barnes, QB, UTAH: 2/2 for 23 YDS, 1 TD and 1 CAR for 10 YDS, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, OSU: 15 REC for 346 YDS, 3 TD, Britain Covey, WR, UTAH: 3 REC for 34 YDS, 1 TD and 2 CAR for 10 YDS and 7 KR for 208 YDS, 1 TD, Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, OSU: 6 REC for 71 YDS, 3 TD, Buckeyes Have Bright Future with C.J. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. That may give some teams understandable pause. Stroud To Be the No. Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) races to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl. 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.". But after a frustrating junior year, Smith-Njigba intends to show that he is the best receiver in this year's draft. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Says He's a 'Top 5' Player in 2023 NFL Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) Jaxon Smith-Njigba - College Football Wide receiver - News, Stats, Bio "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . He caught just five passes for 43 yards in his final season with the Buckeyes, which has some wondering how teams currently view him with his best season over a year removed. Statistics. You don't currently have any notifications. While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. Copyright 2019-2023. His receiving yard total is a new. Expectations were high after Smith-Njigba's stellar Rose Bowl performance in which he caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns that put an exclamation point on a 2021 season in which he set a Big Ten record with 1,606 yards. While Smith-Njigba entered the game leading Ohio State with 80 catches for 1,259 yards, he ranked third behind Olave and Wilson with six touchdowns. A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: College football career, stats, highlights, records He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. Interestingly enough, while Smith-Njigba is a phenomenal prospect, his production may inflate his stock a bit past his actual value. Has good body strength to squirm out of tackles with the coordination to maneuver his frame between defenders. The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer, in his latest mock draft,has Smith-Njigba going to the Chargers with the No. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Big Blue Interactive Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will do every test Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. He hit .258 with .760 OPS last season, missing almost six weeks with a right thigh injury. Can the Lions fix their defense? Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver on a team that featured last year's NFL rookie . Find out more. Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a bold message at the 2023 NFL Draft Combine, wrote the Athletic Chicago Bears beat writer Kevin Fishbain wrote in a Thursday tweet. - His route running is superior to most wideouts in this draft class. Draft analyst Todd McShay reported in December that Smith-Njigba was healthy enough to play in the College Football Playoffs, but chose not to. Jaxon Smith-Njigba now has the most receiving yards (231) in @rosebowlgame history.
The game's only in the third quarter pic.twitter.com/2yNyfpHVXg, It's a new Buckeye record for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
He has 288 Rec yds (and counting), the most in a game in program history, and he's closing in on the all-time Bowl Game record (308 by Jason Rivers in 2006).
No. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. He tossed a touchdown on his second drive of the third quarter before OSU tacked on a field goal to cut into Utah's lead, dicing the score to 38-31. They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Entering 2022, Smith-Njigba had been projected as one of the top wide receivers in the country. Despite the disappointing end to Rising's night, the Utes still have a bright future with him at quarterback. Scouting Jaxon Smith-Njigba: What to know about Ohio State WR ahead of Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. Both Olave and Wilson, who declared for the NFL draft, will be gone next season, which means players like Smith-Njigba, Harrison and Egbuka will be Stroud's primary receivers in 2022. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Smith-Njigbas very consistent catching the ball in stride to supplement run-after-catch opportunities, and he converts over the middle of the field, even with impending contact. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. Join our linker program. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 1 Pick, The Case for Will Levis To Be the No. Stroud. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. "I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. 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.". Jaxon Smith-Njigba, CJ Stroud shine, Ohio State tops Utah in Rose Bowl Willing to go up and attack the ball. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. Despite having most of his 2022 season wiped out by the injury, the six-foot, 197-pound Smith-Njigba is still a good bet to hear his name called in the first round of the draft, given his past production and the outstanding hands and agility he's displayed when healthy. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Any team investing possible 1st round capital in him knows who they are getting. Often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. After Ohio State was forced to punt on its first two drives of the game, Stroud orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives before a fumble by Smith-Njigba close to the end zone in the second quarter. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023 Fantasy Football - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. Rising and the Utes put together five consecutive scoring drives before ending the first half with a punt. What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . I just don't really care about his 40 time. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 2023 NFL Draft: Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba explains why he is the Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. NFL Draft 2023: Former NFL GM makes pro comparisons for Jaxon Smith The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. . Jaxon Smith-Njigba Height 6-1 Weight 200 College Ohio State Position WR Class Junior Home town Rockwall, TX 88.3/100 Player Rating 4 PositionRank (WR) FortyYD Time Receptions 5 Rec YDs 43 Rec TDs Rec AVG PLAYER OVERVIEW STATS WORKOUT COMBINE PLAYER NEWS Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report Draft Profile: Bio Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. That may give some teams understandable pause. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. Hes more quick than fast. Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. Another component that helps Smith-Njigba, however, is his agility and ease of motion. Furthermore, he shows off exceptional reaction quickness and makes high-difficulty adjustments with very little response time. And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. One wide receiver many Chicago Bears fans have on their radar heading into the 2023 draft is former Ohio State Buckeyes standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, Kiper's updated NFL mock draft: Who's moving up for a QB? Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent. Additionally, he can violently plant and rotate around at stems with impressive quickness. He lined up in the slot over 88% of the time in his dominant 2021 campaign, so that could be his primary role in the pros, but he's also capable of winning one-on-ones against corners in man or zone. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. 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. All Rights Reserved. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. ANY GAME! Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. Cowboys 2023 draft profile of Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Has a knack for getting open and is a quarterback's best friend - passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he'll come down with it. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Nationality, Parents, Brother, Mother, Stats Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. Still, he had earned more than a few admirers, interviewer after interviewer peppering him with questions. Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? Stacked formations. 6 Ohio State, then-sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had the best receiving performance ever in a bowl game: 347 receiving yards (a single-game bowl record) and three receiving touchdowns on . Do you have a blog? - He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. (19%*), 75 3/8 MORE:Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts. With his slightly lighter frame, hes not always going to withstand direct contact. 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. by Matthew Jones. 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. The No. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said.
The game's only in the third quarter pic.twitter.com/2yNyfpHVXg, It's a new Buckeye record for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
He has 288 Rec yds (and counting), the most in a game in program history, and he's closing in on the all-time Bowl Game record (308 by Jason Rivers in 2006).
No. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. He tossed a touchdown on his second drive of the third quarter before OSU tacked on a field goal to cut into Utah's lead, dicing the score to 38-31. They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Entering 2022, Smith-Njigba had been projected as one of the top wide receivers in the country. Despite the disappointing end to Rising's night, the Utes still have a bright future with him at quarterback. Scouting Jaxon Smith-Njigba: What to know about Ohio State WR ahead of Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. Both Olave and Wilson, who declared for the NFL draft, will be gone next season, which means players like Smith-Njigba, Harrison and Egbuka will be Stroud's primary receivers in 2022. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Smith-Njigbas very consistent catching the ball in stride to supplement run-after-catch opportunities, and he converts over the middle of the field, even with impending contact. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. Join our linker program. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 1 Pick, The Case for Will Levis To Be the No. Stroud. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. "I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. 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.". Jaxon Smith-Njigba, CJ Stroud shine, Ohio State tops Utah in Rose Bowl Willing to go up and attack the ball. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. Despite having most of his 2022 season wiped out by the injury, the six-foot, 197-pound Smith-Njigba is still a good bet to hear his name called in the first round of the draft, given his past production and the outstanding hands and agility he's displayed when healthy. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Any team investing possible 1st round capital in him knows who they are getting. Often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. After Ohio State was forced to punt on its first two drives of the game, Stroud orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives before a fumble by Smith-Njigba close to the end zone in the second quarter. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023 Fantasy Football - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. Rising and the Utes put together five consecutive scoring drives before ending the first half with a punt. What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . I just don't really care about his 40 time. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 2023 NFL Draft: Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba explains why he is the Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. NFL Draft 2023: Former NFL GM makes pro comparisons for Jaxon Smith The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. . Jaxon Smith-Njigba Height 6-1 Weight 200 College Ohio State Position WR Class Junior Home town Rockwall, TX 88.3/100 Player Rating 4 PositionRank (WR) FortyYD Time Receptions 5 Rec YDs 43 Rec TDs Rec AVG PLAYER OVERVIEW STATS WORKOUT COMBINE PLAYER NEWS Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report Draft Profile: Bio Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. That may give some teams understandable pause. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. Hes more quick than fast. Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. Another component that helps Smith-Njigba, however, is his agility and ease of motion. Furthermore, he shows off exceptional reaction quickness and makes high-difficulty adjustments with very little response time. And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. One wide receiver many Chicago Bears fans have on their radar heading into the 2023 draft is former Ohio State Buckeyes standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, Kiper's updated NFL mock draft: Who's moving up for a QB? Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent. Additionally, he can violently plant and rotate around at stems with impressive quickness. He lined up in the slot over 88% of the time in his dominant 2021 campaign, so that could be his primary role in the pros, but he's also capable of winning one-on-ones against corners in man or zone. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. 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. All Rights Reserved. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. ANY GAME! Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. Cowboys 2023 draft profile of Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Has a knack for getting open and is a quarterback's best friend - passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he'll come down with it. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Nationality, Parents, Brother, Mother, Stats Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. Still, he had earned more than a few admirers, interviewer after interviewer peppering him with questions. Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? Stacked formations. 6 Ohio State, then-sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had the best receiving performance ever in a bowl game: 347 receiving yards (a single-game bowl record) and three receiving touchdowns on . Do you have a blog? - He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. (19%*), 75 3/8 MORE:Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts. With his slightly lighter frame, hes not always going to withstand direct contact. 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. by Matthew Jones. 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. The No. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said.