: ESPN pic.twitter.com/ViwcC57gPb, UTAH 97-YARD KICK RETURN TD pic.twitter.com/Vx5K537La6, CAMERON RISING WOULD NOT BE STOPPED pic.twitter.com/RCIwiwaQQ4. A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine He also has the most receiving yards in Rose Bowl game history. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023 Fantasy Football Music Outro: Eminem - Lose YourselfSecond Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n8qjtOWK1j3tFiZAeeZ4QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_stewar. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). It was also the Buckeyes' first game against the Utes since 1986. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. 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. 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. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. e's a Grade A slot receiver. As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. If production was the only factor, then hed have that title locked down. 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. Is he a player worth trading up for in any way? Hes difficult to bring down. Graduated in 2020. However, he began to heat up again as the half went on. [5][6] Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 games played. The next great one Omg @jaxon_smith1 stop it # . 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". Here's everything you need to know about Smith-Njigba's NFL combine performance, measurements and results. It was his most productive performance since a Nov. 13 win over Arizona when he threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 22 yards a score. Receiving. Jan 9, 2023. MORE:Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, "My playmaking ability is second to none," Smith-Njigba said. Ohio State star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss College Football Playoff matchup versus Georgia See all videos Verified Results Forty 4.59 Seconds The Opening Finals 07/01/19 Shuttle 3.91. Do you have a blog? NFL Draft 2023: Former NFL GM makes pro comparisons for Jaxon Smith Jaxon Smith-Njigba drops huge injury update, bold message at Combine 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. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. Index Of This Post [ show] Smith-Njigba isnt necessarily a generational WR prospect, and other wideouts in the 2023 NFL Draft may have better athletic profiles. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays wide receiver for Ohio State in college football. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Stroud, Ohio State (2021)
41 - Justin Fields, Ohio State (2019)
39 - Drew Brees, Purdue (1998) pic.twitter.com/E0WseZYZjN, 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. Plays Football. "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It's officially NFL draft season, so it's time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class. He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. . See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. Current draft projection for Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. 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? "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? 1 Pick. 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. Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. He earned rave reviews from a number of media outlets. Jersey Pos #11 WR . Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. (31%*), 30 2/8 11 Utah. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. Any team investing high draft capital in him knows what they are getting: a high-volume wide receiver that can work both inside and on the perimeter. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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 receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has studied Bills' Stefon Diggs since Maryland, would love to play with Josh Allen - newyorkupstate.com NFL Draft may have strongest class of tight ends in . 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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Smith-Njigbas movement style helps compound his separation ability, but hes already very proficient at using his traits effectively. Smith-Njigba grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall High School. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Nationality, Parents, Brother, Mother, Stats And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. 4 Zay Flowers - Boston College. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Breaks Rose Bowl Receiving Record as OSU Tops Utah Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2023 NFL Draft Profile | Tankathon Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Makes Captivating Statement Regarding The Green Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Meets With Cowboys, Packers, Patriots 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR - Ohio State) Jaxon Smith-Njigba Stats, News, Bio | ESPN All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. It did not take long for Smith-Njigba to support those remarks. [14], Smith-Njigba is of half Sierra Leonean descent. In 2021, Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but Smith-Njigba still managed to dominate the competition. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba confident he is 'a top-five player' in 9 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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 . 2023 NFL draft film room: Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba It was the most receiving yards by anyone in bowl history. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. 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. Seeing him against press coverage in 2021 will be key, but he projects well there. "From playing basketball [as a kid], I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. However, theres talk that Smith-Njigba may be one of the best to come out yet. He wins with excellent, quick footwork at the line and in space. 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. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. 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. 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. 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 also lacks breakaway long speed and can be run down in open field by plus athletes. In 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yardsthe second most by a quarterback in NFL historyand eight touchdowns and threw for 2,242 yards with 17 TDs, 11 interceptions and an 85.2 passer rating. 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. He's great at getting open on broken plays, as he can often be found scrambling around nearly as much as his quarterback while trying to get open. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. Harrison, a freshman, also had the best game of his career with Olave and Wilson out of the lineup. Canaan Elijah Smith-Njigba (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). Stroud. ", 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. "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . This is me Follow. NBC4 WCMH-TV Video 81-year-old gearing up for the Arnold 5k Pump . 2023 NFL Draft: Jaxon Smith-Njigba says Packers 'are definitely looking Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. Still, he had earned more . Jaxon Smith-Njigba Stats, News, Bio | ESPN In his final five games, he had 60 catches for 858 yards and six scores. 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. JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . Smith-Njigba is listed at 6-0, 200 pounds ahead of the NFL Combine. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba leaves early vs. Notre Dame after hard hit 5 Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee. 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. 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.