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. Jan 9, 2023. A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. - Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Seeing him against press coverage in 2021 will be key, but he projects well there. Here's everything you need to know about Smith-Njigba's NFL combine performance, measurements and results. Smith-Njigba turned down offers from multiple in-state schools and decided to take his talents to Columbus. 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. 22 overall pick. Who are the top WR's in the 2023 NFL draft? [1] Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There's no other way to put it. It was the most receiving yards by anyone in bowl history. But after a frustrating junior year, Smith-Njigba intends to show that he is the best receiver in this year's draft. 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. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. Still, he had earned more . I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. 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. He earned rave reviews from a number of media outlets. For comparison, he entered with just five catches for 68 yards on the season. JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . 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. He was a five-star recruit from Rockwall (Texas) High School. He finished the 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,595. . 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Ohio State. All Rights Reserved. In his final two seasons . Canaan Elijah Smith-Njigba (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). Ohio State has a type at wide receiver. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. In 2021, he was third among FBS wide receivers (minimum 50 targets) in receiving yards (1,595) and second in YAC (790). "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said. - Hes difficult to bring down. pic.twitter.com/jtvAYPnKH5. Can the Lions fix their defense? ANY GAME! 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. "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? 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 What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. You can check them all out in our 2023 dynasty draft kit. For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. Garrett Wilson in 2021 on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. 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? 11 Utah. 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. 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. Interestingly enough, while Smith-Njigba is a phenomenal prospect, his production may inflate his stock a bit past his actual value. He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . [11] On November 6, 2021, Smith-Njigba recorded 15 receptions (single game school record) for 240 yards (the second most receiving yards in a game in school history at the time) and one touchdown in a 2617 win against Nebraska. 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. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. 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. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. I don't think he'll be limited to just a slot receiver in the NFL. Those things translate. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. The NFL offseason is here (silently chuckles on the inside). 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. Stacked formations. - His route running is superior to most wideouts in this draft class. ", 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. Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver on a team that featured last year's NFL rookie . Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. NBA Stats. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. NBC4 WCMH-TV Video 81-year-old gearing up for the Arnold 5k Pump . One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. [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. 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. 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. Rising didn't begin the 2021 campaign as Utah's starting quarterback but earned the position after taking over for Charlie Brewer in an overtime loss to San Diego State on Sept. 18 and led the Utes to a Pac-12 championship. Hes a tenacious blocker who engages well with defenders and anchors them. As a freshman, Smith-Njigba was a depth piece who would get a few snaps a game. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. 6 Ohio State still trails, 38-31 with the 4th quarter underway. 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. He flashes the ability to stack corners on verticals from the slot easily. He was a 5-star recruit and the fifth WR in his class. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. Smith-Njigba's central role in the offense was expected to be a major part of OSU's identity as a national championship contender. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. Jaxon Smith-Njigba rose to stardom at Rockwell High School in Rockwell, Texas, where he became a five-star recruit, according to both 24/7 sports and Rivals. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. 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. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. 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. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. 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. The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. The Ohio State WR sometimes needs room to quicken his feet and build up speed in short spaces. 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. UTAH HITS THE END ZONE FIRST IN THE . Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen as one of the top wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith-Njigba feels 100% after injury-marred '22, Kiper's updated NFL mock draft: Who's moving up for a QB? Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. Join our linker program. 1 Pick. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. MORE:Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, "My playmaking ability is second to none," Smith-Njigba said. Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is earning high praise from coaches and teammates alike this preseason, and is preparing for an increased role in the offense. Stroud is incredible. Despite sharing a wide receiver room with first-rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave last season, Smith-Njigba set single-season school records in catches (95) and . He. He also has the most receiving yards in Rose Bowl game history. . 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. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. 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 . But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? 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. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. (31%*), 30 2/8 He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Prospect Join Our Discord Height 6' 0" Weight 196 lbs Arm Length - Draft Pick - 2023 College Ohio State Age 21.0 High School Workouts 4.62 46th 91.1 68th 31.1 15th 4.25 58th 76.0 15th 40-Time Speed Score Vertical Jump 20 Yard Shuttle Scouting Grade College Dominator 14.2% (11th) College YPR 12.8 (25th) College Target Share Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? 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. The 2021 season showed what he could do, however, as he totaled 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. 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. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. More Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pages. Jaxon is as good as Ive ever seen, probably the best Ive ever seen. C.J. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. 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). Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. 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.