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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, an Ohio State wide receiver, is among the best prospects working to improve his draft stock.
He demonstrated what he was capable of in the 2021 campaign, hauling in 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine TDs. On a team that also included 2024 candidate Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, who were both sensational as rookies in the NFL last season, Smith-Njigba was the top receiver.
The anticipation for his comeback performance grew following a stunning end to the 2021 season. Reality struck when the receiver was only able to play in three games due to injury.
Several teams are already making advances at Smith-Njigba, who has a strong upside coming into the draft. At the combine, he interacted with representatives from the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots and should have more opportunities to establish himself as a future star.
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Many experts now predict that Smith-Njigba could be selected in the first round. He's expected to be selected among the top 20 players and has also been discussed among the top three receivers in the draft class.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has lofty aspirations for himself going into the 2023 NFL draft, notwithstanding what was a rather disappointing 2022 season. During the scouting combine, the pass-catcher told reporters,
"I view myself as a top-five player in the draft."
Smith-Njigba might just be the solution for teams that depend on slots. With his route-running knowledge, quarterback awareness and good blocking ability, he makes a great control receiver out of the slot.
Whether his strong 2021 run gets him selected in the first round of this year's draft remains to be seen, though.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s strengths and weaknesses
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a natural in the slot-receiving role. Apart from having all the short-area mobility abilities and awareness necessary to get open against anyone, he's big enough to overpower many slot defenders.
Smith-Njigba is an intelligent, quick-footed supple route-runner. He does a good job of keeping himself clear at the line of scrimmage and skillfully using his hands and feet to open up extra room at the top of his routes.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's lack of explosiveness is a big cause for concern. Although Smith-Njigba has shown enough lateral speed and route change, his top gear is slightly slower than his peers. The development of Smith-Njigba, a catcher who excels in agility and intelligence but plays mainly in the slot, is limited.
He lacks elite athleticism, so many analysts are skeptical about his chances to excel on the big stage.
