UTAH HITS THE END ZONE FIRST IN THE . hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. 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. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. 5 Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee. Stroud To Be the No. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at 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. 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. STATISTICS. Stroud. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. However, he began to heat up again as the half went on. 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. "From playing basketball [as a kid], I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. . 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. 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. [14], Smith-Njigba is of half Sierra Leonean descent. Those are two of the most important jobs for a wide receiver. All Rights Reserved. Neither Wilson nor Olave was an overwhelming size threat. 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 . - He's a Grade A slot receiver. Those results won't be made public. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. 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. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Canaan Elijah Smith-Njigba (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). Jaxon has played on 4 football teams covered by MaxPreps. Rockwall High School Rockwall TX. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. He wins with excellent, quick footwork at the line and in space. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . Smith-Njigba turned down offers from multiple in-state schools and decided to take his talents to Columbus. Still, he had earned more . If the picks line up, adding Smith-Njigba would be an easy decision for Chicago. Statistics. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. Has enough straight-line speed and takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. In 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yardsthe second most by a quarterback in NFL historyand eight touchdowns and threw for 2,242 yards with 17 TDs, 11 interceptions and an 85.2 passer rating. [1] Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. His receiving yard total is a new. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. In his final two seasons . With those hips, he can expertly manipulate short ranges, as well as use abrupt lateral movements to disrupt tackling angles. Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. In his junior season, Smith-Njigba led the Dallas region with 97 catches for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Ohio State. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Ultimately, however, he committed to Ohio State University. (31%*), 30 2/8 [5][6] Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 games played. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. Still, he had earned more than a few admirers, interviewer after interviewer peppering him with questions. 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? Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. Draft analyst Todd McShay reported in December that Smith-Njigba was healthy enough to play in the College Football Playoffs, but chose not to. Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. - 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. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN 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. by Matthew Jones. Seeing him against press coverage in 2021 will be key, but he projects well there. . 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. Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. 1 Pick. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Jaxon Smith-njigba Stats, News, Fantasy Football Rankings Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wide Receiver Number # AGE 21 weight 198 lbs. Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. 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. 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. [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. 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he's 100% but skipping 40-yard dash Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won't run the 40 at the scouting combine but says he is fully healed from the hamstring. Check out Jaxon Smith-Njigba's College Gamelog and More College Stats at Sports-Reference.com . 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. Rising didn't have a performance quite like Stroud's, but he's still worth talking about. In 2021, Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but Smith-Njigba still managed to dominate the competition. Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. Smith-Njigba's central role in the offense was expected to be a major part of OSU's identity as a national championship contender. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. [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. 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. A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. 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. Willing to go up and attack the ball. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . 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). Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. While hes not an elite explosive threat, Smith-Njigbas cylindrical twitch is high-level, and he uses that trait to get DBs off-balance. Expectations were high after Smith-Njigba's stellar Rose Bowl performance in which he caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns that put an exclamation point on a 2021 season in which he set a Big Ten record with 1,606 yards. ", 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. It was the most receiving yards by anyone in bowl history. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba confident he is 'a top-five player' in 2023 NFL Draft: 'I can win you the game', Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts, Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. Jersey Pos #11 WR . 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. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. C.J. Stroud has a message for those who question whether Fields can excel as a passer and not just a runner. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. 3 Jordan Addison - USC. Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Runs elite crisp routes with sharp cuts. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. He also uses route angles and sudden movements at stems to generate displacement. As a freshman, Smith-Njigba was a depth piece who would get a few snaps a game. Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. - He already has a rapport with Fields. Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Hes difficult to bring down. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. Let's find out. Plays Football. As a result, many are interested to see how he tests at the Scouting Combine. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. 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. A new home for Michael Thomas? Hes a guy that will do the laundry for you pic.twitter.com/oFeHCi8qPj. Current draft projection for Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 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 . Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba, Williams back vs. Iowa, Ohio State rules out Smith-Njigba, Williams. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. 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. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. 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. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? Here's everything you need to know about Smith-Njigba's NFL combine performance, measurements and results. Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. Career; Var 19-20; Var 18-19; Var 17-18; Var 16-17; Career Stats. As it turns out, all the Buckeyes needed was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His route running is superior to most wideouts in this draft class. 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. 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. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. 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. He hit .258 with .760 OPS last season, missing almost six weeks with a right thigh injury. Can the Lions fix their defense? 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. 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. Lets find out. Despite having most of his 2022 season wiped out by the injury, the six-foot, 197-pound Smith-Njigba is still a good bet to hear his name called in the first round of the draft, given his past production and the outstanding hands and agility he's displayed when healthy. [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. 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. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. Stats at ESPN.com. Smith-Njigba can manipulate and change his route path in tight spaces while keeping his speed. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. Do you have a sports website? [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. For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . The No. He understands leverage and can effectively direct DBs away from runners. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. 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. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Additionally, he can violently plant and rotate around at stems with impressive quickness. . The Ohio State WR is a natural hands catcher, with incredibly smooth body control in the open field when adjusting for throws. 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. He was a 5-star recruit and the fifth WR in his class. Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. You throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game.". They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. He finished the 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,595. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. Is he a player worth trading up for in any way? Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays wide receiver for Ohio State in college football. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. While Smith-Njigba is an exceptional player, there are some limitations and areas for improvement to make note of. There is no doubt C.J. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. On the topic of Ohio State, Smith-Njigba expressed regret that he wasn't able to play more. He can contort in stride and corral tough passes with ease. 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. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. NBC4 WCMH-TV Video 81-year-old gearing up for the Arnold 5k Pump . Hes a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . 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). Smith -Njigba played minimally with Bears . In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. 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. 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. Smith-Njigbas snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. 11 Utah and No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. - His recent injury history is certainly a concern. That may give some teams understandable pause. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards.