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. 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. STATISTICS. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. Still, he had earned more . 5-ranked player overall in the state of Texas, Played in the Army All-American game in San Antonio, Compiled 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 career games at High School, Super productive slot receiver who Led Ohio state in receptions and yardage in 2021 despite playing officially as the third receiver behind Olave and Garret Wilson, Smooth hips with outstanding agility who is equally adept at moving laterally as vertically, Has outstanding soft hands demonstrated by his impressive 141.8 QB rating when targetted in 2021. He already has a rapport with Fields. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Smith-Njigba wont burn you in the open field with his raw speed, but that isnt necessary for him to succeed. INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he is fully healed from the hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last season, and he intends to participate in all drills at the NFL scouting combine except for the 40-yard dash. As it turns out, all the Buckeyes needed was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud To Be the No. He wont blow defenders out of their cleats, but he has the functional strength to hold running lanes or clear a path. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 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. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. Who are the top WR's in the 2023 NFL draft? Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Ohio State. Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . Stroud. He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. He also uses route angles and sudden movements at stems to generate displacement. In his final five games, he had 60 catches for 858 yards and six scores. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. 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. The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. However, he began to heat up again as the half went on. Moreover, hes a manipulative route runner who can adjust his tempo through reps. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Hes difficult to bring down. [1] - He's a Grade A slot receiver. 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. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. "From playing basketball [as a kid], I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. 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. In 2021, he was third among FBS wide receivers (minimum 50 targets) in receiving yards (1,595) and second in YAC (790). Pro Football Network, LLC. NBC4 WCMH-TV Video 81-year-old gearing up for the Arnold 5k Pump . Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. Stroud has a message for those who question whether Fields can excel as a passer and not just a runner. Debating NFL draft questions, risers: Concern for Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Kayshon Boutte? He also set an Ohio State and FBS. Hes a guy that will do the laundry for you pic.twitter.com/oFeHCi8qPj. 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). 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. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba In the 2022 Rose Bowl that was played at the end of the 2021 college football season between No. Ultimately, however, he committed to Ohio State University. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? If production was the only factor, then hed have that title locked down. He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. 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. , Most TD passes in single season by B1G QB, all-time:
50 - Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (2018)
41 - C.J. This is me Follow. [5][6] Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 games played. 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. 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. But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". 11 Utah. Smith-Njigba has done it twice this season. 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. Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. C.J. On the topic of Ohio State, Smith-Njigba expressed regret that he wasn't able to play more. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. I'm taking things slowly to close the book on this nagging injury, which I feel like I have. 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. The No. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. He can contort in stride and corral tough passes with ease. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer, in his latest mock draft,has Smith-Njigba going to the Chargers with the No. 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 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. . The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will do every test except 40-yard dash at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. MORE:Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts. 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. . 10 overall to the Jets) and Chris Olave (No. Smith-Njigba grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall High School. 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. Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. There's no other way to put it. (19%*), 75 3/8 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Let's find out. 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. Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. With his slightly lighter frame, hes not always going to withstand direct contact. That may give some teams understandable pause. He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . Smith-Njigba and Addison finished third and fourth in receiving yards in 2021, respectively, first and second among Power Five players, and JSN's Rose Bowl performance put him over the top. [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. 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). And already, he looks like a man amongst boys. 6 Ohio State still trails, 38-31 with the 4th quarter underway. Has enough straight-line speed and takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays wide receiver for Ohio State in college football. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. 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 In addition to Stroud, Smith-Njigba, who had a record-setting night, and Marvin Harrison Jr. also had incredible evenings. As a result, many are interested to see how he tests at the Scouting Combine. Smith-Njigba has visible lateral twitch, and he brings good energy with his movement. Additionally, he can violently plant and rotate around at stems with impressive quickness. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. 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. The sophomore quarterback completed 17 of 22 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 92 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. 1 site covering the team! I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. Smith-Njigbas movement style helps compound his separation ability, but hes already very proficient at using his traits effectively. He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. Jaxon Smith-Njigba believes Ohio State would have won the national championship had he been healthy all of last season. 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. 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. Seeing him against press coverage in 2021 will be key, but he projects well there. 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. height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. 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. He earned rave reviews from a number of media outlets. He was a five-star recruit from Rockwall (Texas) High School. Stacked formations. Stroud throw for 573. 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. His receiving yard total is a new. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. Smith-Njigba played minimally with Bears quarterback Justin Fields at Ohio State in 2020, catching 10 passes for 49 yards and a touchdown that year, but it was his sophomore campaign in 2021 that put him on the map nationally. Has dominated at the college level but doesn't have any elite traits that translate to the pro game - athletically he's good not great, Doesn't have any serious explosion to his game and may find it difficult to separate at the NFL level, Has good but not great speed and doesn't possess elite athletic skills, Has missed a major chunk of his junior year with a hamstring injury - will have to demonstrate this is the exception rather than the rule for him, Has had a few more drops than you would hope for in a top wideout - mostly due to occasional lapses of concentration rather than anything more intrinsic, Spent most of his college career playing in the slot - so it remains to be seen how he will stand up as an outside threat. Some of Smith-Njigbas traits suggest that he can translate well against press coverage. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. Still, a first-round selection is a pretty good consolation prize. Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. He also has enough speed to extend RAC opportunities and reach the corner on drags and digs. Fields has also said in interviews this offseason that he'd like to see JSN come to town, which is all the more reason for him to be onChicago's radar. Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver on a team that featured last year's NFL rookie . They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) . (37%*), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL, Had an elite 2021 season when he led Ohio State with school-record totals of 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards on a team that also featured first-round NFL Draft picks Garrett Wilson (No. He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Has good body strength to squirm out of tackles with the coordination to maneuver his frame between defenders. Smith-Njigba is a bit of an enigma athletically. 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. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. The freshman quarterback was without two of his top three receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, but that didn't matter as he had one of his most productive games of the season.