Copyright 2019-2023. Stats. He also has enough speed to extend RAC opportunities and reach the corner on drags and digs. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. Hes a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. This is me Follow. I'm taking things slowly to close the book on this nagging injury, which I feel like I have. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. 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. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent. . Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Smith-Njigba grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall High School. The Ohio State WR also has great stop-and-start ability and can break at impressive angles with his loose hips. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch (0:19) Jaxon Smith-Njigba takes a big hit on his first catch and doesn't come back in the game until late in the second quarter. He also lacks breakaway long speed and can be run down in open field by plus athletes. Stroud and Smith-Njigba are cooking . While Smith-Njigba entered the game leading Ohio State with 80 catches for 1,259 yards, he ranked third behind Olave and Wilson with six touchdowns. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) Jaxon Smith-Njigba ( / ndb / in-JIG-b; born February 14, 2002), also known by his initials JSN, is an American football wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. TOP 2023 WRs. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. If production was the only factor, then hed have that title locked down. Smith-Njigba is just 20 years old. Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba, Williams back vs. Iowa, Ohio State rules out Smith-Njigba, Williams. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Smith-Njigba finished the game with a mind-boggling 15 catches, 347 yards and three touchdowns as Ohio State scored a dramatic 48-45 victory over the Utes. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. He wont always win on explosiveness alone, and he doesnt cover a ton of ground off initial explosions out of cuts. . (31%*), 30 2/8 All Rights Reserved. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. 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. A text message to Smith-Njigba has not been returned yet. While hes not an elite explosive threat, Smith-Njigbas cylindrical twitch is high-level, and he uses that trait to get DBs off-balance. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. Garrett Wilson still maintains that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a better receiver than him or Chris Olave. His receiving yard total is a new. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. He believes that if he had, confetti could have rained down on the scarlet and gray. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. . He will be an immediate asset to the run game. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. But after a frustrating junior year, Smith-Njigba intends to show that he is the best receiver in this year's draft. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2022 stats* 2021 stats REC 95 YDS 1606 TDS 9 *Updated through Nov. 5, 2022 2022 season updates Nov. 2 A hamstring injury has robbed Smith-Njigba of almost his. He was a 5-star recruit and the fifth WR in his class. "From playing basketball [as a kid], I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. 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. Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. Rushing. In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (/ndb/ in-JIG-b; born February 14, 2002), also known by his initials JSN, is an American football wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. The NFL offseason is here (silently chuckles on the inside). 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. Or write about sports? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. (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. 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. Has enough straight-line speed and takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. 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. Do you have a blog? He has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. 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. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. 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. 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. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. You can check them all out in our 2023 dynasty draft kit. 3, behind Quentin Johnston (TCU) and Jordan Addison (USC). Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the smoothest route runners you'll . The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. Stroud dropped a dime to Marvin Harrison Jr. , C.J. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. As a freshman, Smith-Njigba was a depth piece who would get a few snaps a game. 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. 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. However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. 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. ", 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. Over the final five games of the 2021 season, the Texas native accumulated 60 receptions for 958 yards and six touchdowns. Hes difficult to bring down. 11 Utah and No. It was the most receiving yards by anyone in bowl history. That's a ringing endorsement from a future contemporary. 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. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. e's a Grade A slot receiver. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. . Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. Ultimately, however, he committed to Ohio State University. Based on Stroud's performance, in addition to the performances of his receivers, Ohio State could very well be in the College Football Playoff next season. Still, he had earned more . All rights reserved. Elsewhere, Smith-Njigba is prone to occasional focus drops, often when he has to extend beyond his frame for passes. The Ohio State WR is a natural hands catcher, with incredibly smooth body control in the open field when adjusting for throws. 6'1" 190 lbs Senior. . He was a five-star recruit from Rockwall (Texas) High School. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Jaxon Smith-Njigba now has the most receiving yards (231) in , It's a new Buckeye record for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

He has 288 Rec yds (and counting), the most in a game in program history, and he's closing in on the all-time Bowl Game record (308 by Jason Rivers in 2006).

No. . Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. Jaxon Smith-Njigba believes Ohio State would have won the national championship had he been healthy all of last season. Hes more quick than fast. 6 Ohio State still trails, 38-31 with the 4th quarter underway. Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen as one of the top wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. I wouldn't take a big jump, but I'd move up a couple picks to nab him if he's still there late in Round 1. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. [5][6] Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 games played. Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. Stroud To Be the No. Among other things, Smith-Njigba has shown that while he doesnt have great long speed, he can at least stack defenders in the slot on intermediate routes. In a wide receivers room that also featured reigning 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba led the Buckeyes with 95 receptions, 1,606 receiving yards (16.9 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. MORE:Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. Smith-Njigba was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas, and graduated from Rockwall High School. You throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game.". Stats at ESPN.com. Stroud tossed an interception on the opening drive of the second half. Jaxon Smith-njigba Stats, News, Fantasy Football Rankings Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wide Receiver Number # AGE 21 weight 198 lbs. - 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. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Hes a fairly easy accelerator who generates solid initial momentum and can freely throttle up and down. Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. Here's what NFL.coms draft expert Lance Zierlein had to say about Smith-Njigba's game: "Smith-Njigba is a possession slot receiver who lacks the shake to separate underneath and the speed to run past defenses. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. Rice is 6-0 200, Flowers is 5-9 180. Find out more. Stacked formations. But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? Are you looking to contact Customer Support about a subscription or account related question? Some of Smith-Njigbas traits suggest that he can translate well against press coverage. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. 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. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. I don't think he'll be limited to just a slot receiver in the NFL. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . - He already has a rapport with Fields. Smith-Njigbas very consistent catching the ball in stride to supplement run-after-catch opportunities, and he converts over the middle of the field, even with impending contact. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. They won that game 64-6. He also holds Ohio State records . Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. It's officially NFL draft season, so it's time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. 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. 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. Outrageous Predictions", "Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting day sparks No. "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. 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. Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . 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. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. [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. [2] As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 touchdowns and was named the recipient of both the Landry Award and the Texas Gatorade Football Player of the Year award. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. As a blocker, Smith-Njigba is an energetic and high-effort player. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com MORE:Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, "My playmaking ability is second to none," Smith-Njigba said. Rising is a big reason the Utes even reached the Rose Bowl, and he'll undoubtedly be a reason they play in another bowl game next season. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. He wins with excellent, quick footwork at the line and in space. (19%*), 75 3/8 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. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Stroud is incredible. In his junior season, Smith-Njigba led the Dallas region with 97 catches for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. [7] A 5 star prospect and the #5 ranked wide receiver in the nation, Smith-Njigba received offers from many top college football programs including Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ole Miss. 4 Zay Flowers - Boston College. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; 2021 Game Logs * indicates bowl game; 2021 Game Logs Table; Receiving Punt Ret; Rk Date School Opponent Rec Yds Avg TD Ret Yds Avg TD; 1: 2021-09 . ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. Despite the disappointing end to Rising's night, the Utes still have a bright future with him at quarterback. In addition to Stroud, Smith-Njigba, who had a record-setting night, and Marvin Harrison Jr. also had incredible evenings. Smith-Njigba showed some star potential in college, especially during the 2021 season in which he finished with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. Stroud throw for 573. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's NFL Combine profile. In 2021, he was third among FBS wide receivers (minimum 50 targets) in receiving yards (1,595) and second in YAC (790). The Buckeyes star is surprisingly comfortable going low for passes, and he maintains his focus even as his balance is compromised. Garrett Wilson in 2021 on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. It is impossible to ignore his monster finish to the 2021 season, and he has starting slot potential, but the speed concerns coupled with an injury-plagued 2022 season threaten to negatively impact his draft stock.". The NFL offseason is here (silently chuckles on the inside). C.J. He wont blow defenders out of their cleats, but he has the functional strength to hold running lanes or clear a path. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. It was also the Buckeyes' first game against the Utes since 1986. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. 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. However, he began to heat up again as the half went on. Smith-Njigba is already a proficient separator, but he doesnt rely on separation to win. Smith-Njigba is listed at 6-0, 200 pounds ahead of the NFL Combine. There's no other way to put it. Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. 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. 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. - 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. But at the very least, he passes the desired threshold for an NFL starter. 11 Utah. As a result, many are interested to see how he tests at the Scouting Combine. [14], Smith-Njigba is of half Sierra Leonean descent. Hes a guy that will do the laundry for you pic.twitter.com/oFeHCi8qPj. He flashes the ability to stack corners on verticals from the slot easily. 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.