It should also be noted that the Buckeyes were without a whopping 24 players against Utah for various reasons, which makes their performance even more impressive. (31%*), 30 2/8 [13] In that game, he also recorded 15 receptions (tying his own record set in the aforementioned Nebraska game) and passed David Boston for the single season receiving yards record at Ohio State with 1,606. The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. Still, a first-round selection is a pretty good consolation prize. Smith-Njigba's central role in the offense was expected to be a major part of OSU's identity as a national championship contender. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. 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. MORE:Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. Stroud. 22 overall pick. - He's a Grade A slot receiver. Or write about sports? Still, he had earned more . That may give some teams understandable pause. 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.". NBA Stats. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. Jaxon has played on 4 football teams covered by MaxPreps. 3, behind Quentin Johnston (TCU) and Jordan Addison (USC). He made his MLB debut in 2022. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. 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.". Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. Rising had a difficult second half, and things got even worse when he was sacked by Ohio State's Kourt Williams II and had to be taken out of the game in the fourth quarter. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. 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. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. [5][6] Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 games played. 9 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 In 2021, Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but Smith-Njigba still managed to dominate the competition. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. "I just think . There is no doubt C.J. College Football at Sports-Reference.com Blog and Articles. He understands leverage and can effectively direct DBs away from runners. 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. Has good body strength to squirm out of tackles with the coordination to maneuver his frame between defenders. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. Emeka Egbuka, another freshman receiver, also had a nice outing with three catches for 46 yards. 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 . 2 Appearances Receiving Yards 2021 1606 (#1) Big Ten 3 Appearances Receiving Yards Per Reception 2021 16.9 (#5) Big Ten Receiving Touchdowns 2021 9 (#5) Big Ten Yards From Scrimmage 2021 1606 (#2) Big Ten More Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pages Jaxon Smith-Njigba Overview Game Logs 2022 2021 2020 Career Splits 2022 2021 2020 Career In his final two seasons . The silver lining is that the Ohio State WR flashes great explosive capacity. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent. The next great one Omg @jaxon_smith1 stop it # . That may give some teams understandable pause. Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been widely recognized as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the upcoming draft class after his breakout season in 2021 that saw him outpace two future . If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. Garrett Wilson in 2021 on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. Statistics. 19-20 Varsity Football. The sophomore quarterback completed 17 of 22 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 92 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com Over the final five games of the 2021 season, the Texas native accumulated 60 receptions for 958 yards and six touchdowns. Let's find out. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. Smith-Njigba is undergoing medical testing at the combine, with coaches and front-office executives monitoring the results on the hamstring injury that limited him in 2022. The Ohio State WR also has great stop-and-start ability and can break at impressive angles with his loose hips. As it turns out, all the Buckeyes needed was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 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. Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. [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. Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. He hit .258 with .760 OPS last season, missing almost six weeks with a right thigh injury. Some of Smith-Njigbas traits suggest that he can translate well against press coverage. While Smith-Njigba is an exceptional player, there are some limitations and areas for improvement to make note of. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. 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? We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Smith-Njigba won't take part in the 40-yard dash in this year's NFL Combine, but he still views himself among the fastest, strongest and most capable of this year's crop, a belief he reaffirmed Friday morning in Indianapolis. After Ohio State was forced to punt on its first two drives of the game, Stroud orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives before a fumble by Smith-Njigba close to the end zone in the second quarter. Both Olave and Wilson, who declared for the NFL draft, will be gone next season, which means players like Smith-Njigba, Harrison and Egbuka will be Stroud's primary receivers in 2022. 10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft believes Smith-Njigba brings a skill set greater than that of himself or Chris Olave, another Ohio State alum who went in the first round of last year's draft. Runs elite crisp routes with sharp cuts. He was named a starter at the slot receiver position for the Buckeyes going into his sophomore season. 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. 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. Smith-Njigba wont burn you in the open field with his raw speed, but that isnt necessary for him to succeed. Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. C.J. He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the smoothest route runners you'll . 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. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. 6 Ohio State, then-sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had the best receiving performance ever in a bowl game: 347 receiving yards (a single-game bowl record) and three receiving touchdowns on . 6 Ohio State won a 48 . Lets find out. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He quickly chops his feet and decelerates heading into route stems. 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. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Hes difficult to bring down. He only played three games in 2022 due to a lingering. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. The 2021 season showed what he could do, however, as he totaled 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. 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. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. Stacked formations. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. 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. Game Logs. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . 1 Pick, The Case for Will Levis To Be the No. Rushing. Some projections have him falling into the second round, but he could still be a Round 1 selection. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. 11 Utah and No. - 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. Furthermore, he shows off exceptional reaction quickness and makes high-difficulty adjustments with very little response time. Stroud, Ohio State (2021)
41 - Justin Fields, Ohio State (2019)
39 - Drew Brees, Purdue (1998) , 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. 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. The NFL offseason is here (silently chuckles on the inside). He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. - Hes difficult to bring down. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. The Ohio State WR has great zone and blind-spot awareness, and he can exploit spaces quickly. 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. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. I don't think he'll be limited to just a slot receiver in the NFL. . Career; Var 19-20; Var 18-19; Var 17-18; Var 16-17; Career Stats. Hes a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. MORE:Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, "My playmaking ability is second to none," Smith-Njigba said. ANY GAME! He also has enough speed to extend RAC opportunities and reach the corner on drags and digs. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said he met with the New England Patriots at the combine and also praised the franchise and Mac Jones. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays wide receiver for Ohio State in college football. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. 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. This is me Follow. STROUD 50-YARD TD TO JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA . He has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. Outrageous Predictions", "Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting day sparks No. Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. Stroud is incredible. Has enough straight-line speed and takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. Plays Football. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. 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 . David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. Find out more. He will be an immediate asset to the run game. Smith-Njigba, who is listed at 6-foot, 240 pounds, is considered the Pirates' 27th-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba has done it twice this season. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. If the picks line up, adding Smith-Njigba would be an easy decision for Chicago. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 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. 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. Garrett Wilson still maintains that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a better receiver than him or Chris Olave. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. Debating NFL draft questions, risers: Concern for Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Kayshon Boutte? 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. All rights reserved. 1 Pick. His receiving yard total is a new. - He already has a rapport with Fields. Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) Neither Wilson nor Olave was an overwhelming size threat. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. [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. He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. 11 Utah. In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. 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. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. With 15 catches for 347 yards Saturday, Jaxon Smith-Njigba became Ohio State's single-season record holder in receptions (95) and yards (1,606). 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Stroud To Be the No. If anything, Saturday's game showed us the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. He also set an Ohio State and FBS. 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 team's desire to add playmaking to their passing game. 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 . Additionally, he can violently plant and rotate around at stems with impressive quickness. But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. 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. / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. In 2021, he was third among FBS wide receivers (minimum 50 targets) in receiving yards (1,595) and second in YAC (790). pic.twitter.com/jtvAYPnKH5. 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. 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. (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.