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. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. by Matthew Jones. "I just think . Rising and the Utes put together five consecutive scoring drives before ending the first half with a punt. His height, weight, and length are all likely close to the median for wide receivers. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. [1] Smith-Njigba led all high school football players in the DallasFort Worth metroplex with 97 receptions for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns in his junior season. 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. Ohio State has a type at wide receiver. The Ohio State WR has great zone and blind-spot awareness, and he can exploit spaces quickly. But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? Has enough straight-line speed and takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. That may give some teams understandable pause. Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. In his junior season, Smith-Njigba led the Dallas region with 97 catches for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. Stroud dropped a dime to Marvin Harrison Jr. , C.J. MORE:Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. Let's find out. With those hips, he can expertly manipulate short ranges, as well as use abrupt lateral movements to disrupt tackling angles. 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. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. They won that game 64-6. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Ohio State. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. He only played three games in 2022 due to a lingering. He also set an Ohio State and FBS. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. Smith-Njigbas snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. 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. Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. 10 overall to the Jets) and Chris Olave (No. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. 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). In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. Before suffering an ACL tear last season, Smith-Njigba proved himself one of the most dynamic players in the country in his time in Columbus. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. He caught just five passes for 43 yards in his final season with the Buckeyes, which has some wondering how teams currently view him with his best season over a year removed. 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. Smith -Njigba played minimally with Bears . 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. [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. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. 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. On the topic of Ohio State, Smith-Njigba expressed regret that he wasn't able to play more. Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. 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. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. 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. 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. 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. Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. His receiving yard total is a new. 11 Utah and No. A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. A new home for Michael Thomas? All rights reserved. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. Smith-Njigba finished with 15 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns. 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. Coming to the team, it was assumed he would have to wait his time sitting behind a loaded receiving core for the Buckeyes. Elsewhere, Smith-Njigba is prone to occasional focus drops, often when he has to extend beyond his frame for passes. Still, he had earned more . Neither Wilson nor Olave was an overwhelming size threat. . Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 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. Going further, Smith-Njigba has the play strength to pry the ball away from DBs at the catch point. - He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. He caught just five passes for 43 yards in his final season with the Buckeyes, which has some wondering how teams currently view him with his best season over a year removed. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. Emeka Egbuka, another freshman receiver, also had a nice outing with three catches for 46 yards. / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. He has very fluid hips. Are you looking to contact Customer Support about a subscription or account related question? All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. A text message to Smith-Njigba has not been returned yet. - He's a Grade A slot receiver. Statistics. He wins with excellent, quick footwork at the line and in space. 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. Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. 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. Fields has also said in interviews this offseason that he'd like to see JSN come to town, which is all the more reason for him to be onChicago's radar. Despite the disappointing end to Rising's night, the Utes still have a bright future with him at quarterback. 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Still, he had earned more than a few admirers, interviewer after interviewer peppering him with questions. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Stats at ESPN.com. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . The Ohio State WR sometimes needs room to quicken his feet and build up speed in short spaces. (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. You can check them all out in our, How to Prepare for Your Dynasty Rookie Draft, Dynasty Rookie Draft Pick Trade Strategy & Advice, Fantasy Football Draft Values to Target: Tight Ends (2023), Dynasty Trade Advice: Trade Jamaal Williams (2023 Fantasy Football), Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers: Jake Ferguson (2023), 2023 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Aaron Rodgers & Jimmy Garoppolo (Fantasy Football), 2023 NFL Free Agent Running Backs: Devin Singletary (Fantasy Football), Fantasy Football Draft Quarterback Breakouts (2023), No, I'm a California resident looking for the California Consumer Privacy Act form, Limited to three games played in 2022 due to a hamstring injury. Copyright 2019-2023. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . . 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. 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. Ultimately, however, he committed to Ohio State University. Smith-Njigba wont burn you in the open field with his raw speed, but that isnt necessary for him to succeed. Draft analyst Todd McShay reported in December that Smith-Njigba was healthy enough to play in the College Football Playoffs, but chose not to. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. 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. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. All Rights Reserved. - Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. But if you want a well-rounded, high-floor receiver who can churn out 1,000-yard seasons year after year, Smith-Njigba is your guy. UTAH HITS THE END ZONE FIRST IN THE . He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . And already, he looks like a man amongst boys. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. - 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. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? 3 Jordan Addison - USC. Hes a guy that will do the laundry for you pic.twitter.com/oFeHCi8qPj. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? [8][9], Smith-Njigba played in seven games as a freshman and led Ohio State's freshmen with 10 receptions for 49 yards and one touchdown.[10]. . The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. Rising didn't have a performance quite like Stroud's, but he's still worth talking about. 5 Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee. Smith-Njigba's central role in the offense was expected to be a major part of OSU's identity as a national championship contender. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . 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. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? He will be an immediate asset to the run game. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . Smith-Njigba isnt necessarily a generational WR prospect, and other wideouts in the 2023 NFL Draft may have better athletic profiles. It's impossible to predict where he could go in the upcoming draft, though. 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Jan 9, 2023. . As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. Jaxon is as good as Ive ever seen, probably the best Ive ever seen. Game Logs. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com Smith-Njigba is now the Ohio State record holder for the most receiving yards in a game. 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 . Moreover, hes a manipulative route runner who can adjust his tempo through reps. 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. Even without elite explosiveness, hes still a very abrupt player whose natural suddenness provides ample value. 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. 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. While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. Debating NFL draft questions, risers: Concern for Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Kayshon Boutte? Any team investing possible 1st round capital in him knows who they are getting. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. [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. As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. Garrett Wilson still maintains that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a better receiver than him or Chris Olave. David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". Hes a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. 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. Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. 22 overall pick. 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. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN "I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. Smith-Njigbas movement style helps compound his separation ability, but hes already very proficient at using his traits effectively. Do you have a blog? He can create in minimal space with the best of them. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. 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. Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen as one of the top wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. 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. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. He believes that if he had, confetti could have rained down on the scarlet and gray. 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 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 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. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. He earned rave reviews from a number of media outlets. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. Stacked formations. Stats. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. He also holds Ohio State records . 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. 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. The 2021 season showed what he could do, however, as he totaled 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. 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. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. 4 Zay Flowers - Boston College. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) . Jaxon Smith-Njigba believes Ohio State would have won the national championship had he been healthy all of last season. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Stroud To Be the No. He finished with six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns. Its important not to speak in absolutes, but another strong season would almost assuredly grant Smith-Njigba first-round capital. Runs elite crisp routes with sharp cuts. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . Some of Smith-Njigbas traits suggest that he can translate well against press coverage. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. Receiving. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. 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. Furthermore, he shows off exceptional reaction quickness and makes high-difficulty adjustments with very little response time. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. 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. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's NFL Combine profile. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. Smith-Njigba was limited to just three games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury and his decision to not participate in the College Playoff. More Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pages. MORE:Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, "My playmaking ability is second to none," Smith-Njigba said. C.J. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Check out Jaxon Smith-Njigba's College Gamelog and More College Stats at Sports-Reference.com . Can the Lions fix their defense? Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as the college football season kicks off and we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. Those things translate. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. Hes an extremely sudden, amped-up mover who stores immense amounts of potential energy within his frame. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. If anything, Saturday's game showed us the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward.
