NFLDB Draft Profile: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ric's scouting report for Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
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Today, we are giving a preview of the NFLDB scouting report on Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes
WR | #11 | Jr | 6005 | 196 | 4.38 | High school: Rockwall, TX | 02.14.02 (21.7)
Career history: Ohio State (2020–2022)
Bowl games:
2021 Sugar Bowl
2021 CFP National Championship
2022 Rose Bowl (MVP)
Career highlights and awards:
Landry Award (2019)
2022 Rose Bowl offensive MVP
Third-team All-American (2021)
Third-team All-Big Ten (2021)
One-Liner:
One of the more refined wideout prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft Class, Smith-Njigba projects as a reliable, high-level long-term offensive weapon and immediate impact starter on the outside or inside.
Evaluation:
A technician in route running, Smith-Njigba wins with excellent releases, agility, footwork, and lateral quickness. In addition, he boasts strong route salesmanship, subtle directional changes and sharp, sudden cuts. The Texas native tracks the ball extremely well and flashes the ability to win at the catch point as a hands catcher. After securing the pass, he has an advanced understanding of timing and angles to make defenders miss. However, Smith-Njigba tends to exhibit poor catch technique and lets the ball into his frame. As a result, he occasionally drops the easy catch. The lingering hamstring injury which prevented him from playing in 11 of the Buckeyes 13 games this past season has been brought into question by some national draft analysts. However, elite-level times of 3.93 in the three-cone drill and 6.57 in the short shuttle at the NFL Combine have rejuvenated discussion of Smith-Njigba being in play as the first wide receiver chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Quotable:
"Well, he's not a real talkative guy, just in terms of on the field. He kind of keeps to himself but when he says something, people listen. When he does speak, he's got a backbone. He's strong in what he says and his opinions and he believes in hard work. He believes in toughness. If you watch the way he plays, he's tough. Winning really matters to him. He tries to win every rep when he's out there. I've just been very impressed with the way he's practiced, the way he plays. He doesn't want to miss a rep. That's just the way he is. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy and he doesn't stand for people making excuses. He doesn't stand for people not being accountable. For somebody who isn't real talkative or loud, he does in his own way hold guys accountable. I think his competitiveness shows that way and he leads by playing really, really hard." -- Ohio State HC Ryan Day on WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Background:
Played in parts of just two games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury. Measured in with nine-inch hands, 30.5-inch arms, 75.5-inch wingspan, along with 35” vertical jump and 10-foot-5 broad jump. Was named Third Team All-American and Rose Bowl MVP in 2021, on a team that featured future first round picks Chris Olave (Saints) and Garrett Wilson (Jets). A five-star recruit and Texas 6A State Player of the Year; compiled 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 career high school games under coach Randy Webb (once caught 14 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns in a playoff game). The son of Jami Smith and Maada Smith-Njigba; majored in Health Sciences. Repped by WME Sports.
One of the top performers from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Ohio State wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba explained why he’s a top five player in the draft, amongst numerous other topics when he met with the media in Indianapolis.
Combine Q&A with JSN
What was last season like for you?
Very frustrating last year. Never really had an injury that sat me out for games or even practices or stuff like that. But I feel like I'm gonna come out a better person, better man, better player. So I'm definitely thankful. Just looking at it as a positive. And I think it will be beneficial for me at the end of the day.
What was your reaction to Justin Fields campaigning for you to be a Bear?
Since he's been in Chicago, we've always talked about it. Him being like a big brother to me. I definitely appreciate it, coming from a guy like that.
Why do you think you have such a great connection with Fields?
Just being at practice with him, making plays. Getting open in practice for him and catching the ball and just doing what I do. And him doing what he does. I feel like we definitely have a little connection back in the day, but hopefully, we can maybe do it again.
What would you say to the critics that say Justin Fields is just a running back playing quarterback?
I wouldn't think they're very smart. I would think they should do some more research, more film-watching, more something. Do something different. He's a great passer. He has a great arm, great eyes, great vision, reads the defense very well, so yeah, critics, you know how it is.
What did you think of C.J. Stroud’s final season at Ohio State?
I mean, just to see the maturity, the growth, and his play, his leadership, him being a captain, him using his voice, him using everything. His ability to bring people together is second to none. And it was awesome to see him play. Definitely. It was awesome.
Will what you did in Ohio State's offense translate to the NFL?
Oh, definitely. I feel like I'm a player. Wherever you ask me to be, I can be. Outside, inside, pitching me the ball, punt return, wherever you need me to be, I'm the type of guy to get it done.
Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave think you're better than them. Why?
Honestly, I mean, in my eyes, I think they're the best. They're doing it right now, they're showing out in the league. So I definitely appreciate them saying that. It means a lot, but as me being a younger guy, I feel like just me being able to watch how they work and take things from their game, I think, just gives me maybe an upper hand, an advantage. But without those guys, I definitely wouldn't be where I am today.
What NFL players do you look up to?
I always think you know that I'm one of one. I'm myself. But I definitely watch film of receivers. Davante Adams and his feet, Stefon Diggs and his over-exaggerating route running and Cooper Kupp, the way he finds space and takes advantage of the defense. A lot of players, I just try to steal little things from.
Why should he be the first receiver drafted?
I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft. I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft, just being able to make plays and given the opportunities, you know, you throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game. And I think that speaks for itself.
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