1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. Bunch. https://t.co/0WKdfgT6qO, Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) February 10, 2023, Player Comp: If Robert Woods and Keenan Allen had a baby, Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio, *All data utilized in this article is courtesy of PFF, Football Outsiders, and Playerprofiler.com unless otherwise specified. 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. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. Ohio State star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has been limited to parts of two games this season because of a hamstring injury, returned Saturday to start in the Buckeyes' 54-10 blowout of . He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. Stats. Being able to create and react to the defender is the strong point in my game, and taking advantage of that. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. He understands leverage and can effectively direct DBs away from runners. Runs elite crisp routes with sharp cuts. In 2021, he was third among FBS wide receivers (minimum 50 targets) in receiving yards (1,595) and second in YAC (790). Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. He hit .258 with .760 OPS last season, missing almost six weeks with a right thigh injury. He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. While Stroud ended the first half on a high note, he and the OSU offense got out to a rough start to open the third quarter. 1 Pick, The Case for Will Levis To Be the No. Three trades in a chaotic top five, Kiper's Round 1 NFL mock draft: Where four quarterbacks land in the top 10 picks, OSU's Smith-Njigba headed to draft, out for CFP, Ohio State gets RB Williams back vs. Michigan, Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba (hamstring) out again, Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba may be on snap count. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. He also uses route angles and sudden movements at stems to generate displacement. Still, a first-round selection is a pretty good consolation prize. He finished with six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns. However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. Smith-Njigba grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall High School. Hes a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. (Photo: Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire, Getty), wide receiver many Chicago Bears fans have on their radar heading into the 2023 draft is former Ohio State Buckeyes standout, -Njigba played minimally with Bears quarterback. 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 . Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. He quickly chops his feet and decelerates heading into route stems. Stacked formations. Smith-Njigba is a possession slot receiver who lacks the shake to separate underneath and the speed to run past defenses. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver on a team that featured last year's NFL rookie . - His recent injury history is certainly a concern. 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. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. That may give some teams understandable pause. The Ohio State WR has great zone and blind-spot awareness, and he can exploit spaces quickly. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . You throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game.". 2 Appearances Receiving Yards 2021 1606 (#1) Big Ten 3 Appearances Receiving Yards Per Reception 2021 16.9 (#5) Big Ten Receiving Touchdowns 2021 9 (#5) Big Ten Yards From Scrimmage 2021 1606 (#2) Big Ten More Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pages Jaxon Smith-Njigba Overview Game Logs 2022 2021 2020 Career Splits 2022 2021 2020 Career 11 overall to New Orleans), Broke 20-year-old Big Ten receiving yards record (1,545 yards in 2001 by Lee Evan, Wisconsin) with his 1,606 receiving yards in 2021, 95 receptions rank fifth-most in Big Ten history, Set Rose Bowl records with 347 receiving yards and 15 receptions with three touchdowns and was named offensive most valuable player, 2021: Rose Bowl game MVP; Third-team All-American (Associated Press), Named the Texas 6A State Player of the Year - No. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 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. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. He was named a starter at the slot receiver position for the Buckeyes going into his sophomore season. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the smoothest route runners you'll . [7] A 5 star prospect and the #5 ranked wide receiver in the nation, Smith-Njigba received offers from many top college football programs including Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ole Miss. Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had one of the most epic Rose Bowl performances of all time -- literally one for the record books -- on Saturday as No. - He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. Debating NFL draft questions, risers: Concern for Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Kayshon Boutte? Smith-Njigba has done it twice this season. His height, weight, and length are all likely close to the median for wide receivers. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. The Green Bay Packers, like the rest of the NFL, are at the combine trying to figure out who they want to draft in April. He finished the 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,595. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. Hes an extremely sudden, amped-up mover who stores immense amounts of potential energy within his frame. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. In addition to Stroud, Smith-Njigba, who had a record-setting night, and Marvin Harrison Jr. also had incredible evenings. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . He also lacks breakaway long speed and can be run down in open field by plus athletes. Rising and the Utes put together five consecutive scoring drives before ending the first half with a punt. Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. NFL teams had hoped to see Smith-Njigba run the 40 in Indianapolis to compare him against the rest of the top wide receivers in 2023. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. 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. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. [1] pic.twitter.com/jtvAYPnKH5. Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as the college football season kicks off and we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. 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. They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. Smith-Njigba is a bit of an enigma athletically. by Matthew Jones. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. 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. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. If anything, Saturday's game showed us the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. Smith-Njigba is a favorite to not only break into Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft but also be one of the first wide receivers off the board. Smith-Njigba finished with 15 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. But Kiper shifted gears for his second mock, predicting New England to draft Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. Entering Saturday's game, Rising had completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 2,279 yards and 18 touchdowns against five interceptions, in addition to rushing for 407 yards and five scores. Copyright 2019-2023. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. . Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Coming to the team, it was assumed he would have to wait his time sitting behind a loaded receiving core for the Buckeyes. 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. Do you have a blog? The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? - He already has a rapport with Fields. Before suffering an ACL tear last season, Smith-Njigba proved himself one of the most dynamic players in the country in his time in Columbus. . 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. ANY GAME! Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 11 Utah. Among other things, Smith-Njigba has shown that while he doesnt have great long speed, he can at least stack defenders in the slot on intermediate routes. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. They won that game 64-6. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. It should also be noted that the Buckeyes were without a whopping 24 players against Utah for various reasons, which makes their performance even more impressive. It was also the Buckeyes' first game against the Utes since 1986. He has very fluid hips. Plays Football. [12] Later that season, he set both an Ohio State single game and FBS Bowl record for receiving yards with 347 in Ohio State's win in the 2022 Rose Bowl. - Hes difficult to bring down. Stroud, Ohio State (2021)
41 - Justin Fields, Ohio State (2019)
39 - Drew Brees, Purdue (1998) , Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished the Rose Bowl with 347 Rec yds, a new bowl record and the 5th most in a game in FBS history.

The Buckeyes prevail in a thriller, 48-45 over No. Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Another component that helps Smith-Njigba, however, is his agility and ease of motion. Can the Lions fix their defense? That may give some teams understandable pause. Index Of This Post [ show] Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. Even without elite explosiveness, hes still a very abrupt player whose natural suddenness provides ample value. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2023 NFL Draft Outlook Hasn't had a chance to show what he can do this past season, but what he showed as a sophomore strongly suggests he's one of the most pro-ready. In addition, he led a scoring drive to tie the game at 38 before helping the Buckeyes take the lead with 4:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. 1 site covering the team! Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. 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 . Jaxon Smith-Njigba Height, Weight and Hand Size MORE:Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. "From playing basketball [as a kid], I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. TOP 2023 WRs. While Smith-Njigba is an exceptional player, there are some limitations and areas for improvement to make note of. 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. Interestingly enough, while Smith-Njigba is a phenomenal prospect, his production may inflate his stock a bit past his actual value. He has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. Smith-Njigba finished the game with a mind-boggling 15 catches, 347 yards and three touchdowns as Ohio State scored a dramatic 48-45 victory over the Utes. Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Current draft projection for Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Addison is 6-0 175, Hyatt is 6-0 180. . - He's a Grade A slot receiver. Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays wide receiver for Ohio State in college football. For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. Jaxon Smith-njigba Stats, News, Fantasy Football Rankings Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wide Receiver Number # AGE 21 weight 198 lbs. Stroud To Be the No. And as a true sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba led a talented Buckeyes receiving corps in both receptions and receiving yards with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine scores. Smith-Njigba is now the Ohio State record holder for the most receiving yards in a game. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. 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). Entering 2022, Smith-Njigba had been projected as one of the top wide receivers in the country. I wouldn't take a big jump, but I'd move up a couple picks to nab him if he's still there late in Round 1. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Rising didn't have a performance quite like Stroud's, but he's still worth talking about. 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. 22 overall pick. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . You can check them all out in our 2023 dynasty draft kit. The Buckeyes star is surprisingly comfortable going low for passes, and he maintains his focus even as his balance is compromised. . Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. Any team investing possible 1st round capital in him knows who they are getting. Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Smith-Njigba is already a proficient separator, but he doesnt rely on separation to win. 1 Pick. As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. He can contort in stride and corral tough passes with ease. The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. [8][9], Smith-Njigba played in seven games as a freshman and led Ohio State's freshmen with 10 receptions for 49 yards and one touchdown.[10]. Smith-Njigba, who is listed at 6-foot, 240 pounds, is considered the Pirates' 27th-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. You don't currently have any notifications. Neither Wilson nor Olave was an overwhelming size threat. Smith-Njigba dominated during his high school career and had over 5,300 receiving yards and 63 receiving touchdowns, with little of that production coming in his freshmen season. Draft analyst Todd McShay reported in December that Smith-Njigba was healthy enough to play in the College Football Playoffs, but chose not to. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. But if you want a well-rounded, high-floor receiver who can churn out 1,000-yard seasons year after year, Smith-Njigba is your guy. A native of Rockwall, TX, Smith-Njigba has impressive route-running, agility, and a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands. Join our linker program. What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent. . Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? - Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. And already, he looks like a man amongst boys. "I just think . 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. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. NBC4 WCMH-TV Video 81-year-old gearing up for the Arnold 5k Pump . ", 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. 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.". . Stats at ESPN.com. apped 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. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Breaks Rose Bowl Receiving Record as OSU Tops Utah in Thriller Erin Walsh January 1, 2022 AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill The No. But at the very least, he passes the desired threshold for an NFL starter. Jaxon has played on 4 football teams covered by MaxPreps. The vitals on Jaxon Smith-Njigba School: Ohio State Position: Wide receiver Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 pounds Years active: 2020-2022 Here are Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career stats in. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. (19%*), 75 3/8 Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. 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. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. It did not take long for Smith-Njigba to support those remarks. 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.