He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. - He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. The Ohio State WR has great zone and blind-spot awareness, and he can exploit spaces quickly. Any team investing possible 1st round capital in him knows who they are getting. Even without elite explosiveness, hes still a very abrupt player whose natural suddenness provides ample value. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. He also lacks breakaway long speed and can be run down in open field by plus athletes. 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. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. - He already has a rapport with Fields. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 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. 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. - Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. He already has a rapport with Fields. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. 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. He has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. The Ohio State WR sometimes needs room to quicken his feet and build up speed in short spaces. The 2021 season showed what he could do, however, as he totaled 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . - Hes difficult to bring down. 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. 4 Zay Flowers - Boston College. [11] On November 6, 2021, Smith-Njigba recorded 15 receptions (single game school record) for 240 yards (the second most receiving yards in a game in school history at the time) and one touchdown in a 2617 win against Nebraska. Smith-Njigba is already a proficient separator, but he doesnt rely on separation to win. Stroud dropped a dime to Marvin Harrison Jr. , C.J. With those hips, he can expertly manipulate short ranges, as well as use abrupt lateral movements to disrupt tackling angles. 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. While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. 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. Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? In 2021, he was third among FBS wide receivers (minimum 50 targets) in receiving yards (1,595) and second in YAC (790). NBA Stats. Stroud tossed an interception on the opening drive of the second half. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. Are you looking to contact Customer Support about a subscription or account related question? Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. They won that game 64-6. Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. NBC4 WCMH-TV Video 81-year-old gearing up for the Arnold 5k Pump . Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. STROUD 50-YARD TD TO JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA . On the topic of Ohio State, Smith-Njigba expressed regret that he wasn't able to play more. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. Smith-Njigba, who is listed at 6-foot, 240 pounds, is considered the Pirates' 27th-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Career Recap: Ohio State has been loaded with wide receiver talent year after year now, and Smith-Njigba is the program's model for the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver on a team that featured last year's NFL rookie . "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. 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. Rising didn't have a performance quite like Stroud's, but he's still worth talking about. Smith-Njigba is a bit of an enigma athletically. MORE:Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts. Index Of This Post [ show] If production was the only factor, then hed have that title locked down. He missed all but three games of the 2022 season because of a hamstring injury. The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer, in his latest mock draft,has Smith-Njigba going to the Chargers with the No. e's a Grade A slot receiver. The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. Smith-Njigba is listed at 6-0, 200 pounds ahead of the NFL Combine. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. Smith-Njigba can manipulate and change his route path in tight spaces while keeping his speed. In his final two seasons . Stroud has a message for those who question whether Fields can excel as a passer and not just a runner. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Ohio State. Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? 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. . Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. 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. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. Harrison, a freshman, also had the best game of his career with Olave and Wilson out of the lineup. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba In the 2022 Rose Bowl that was played at the end of the 2021 college football season between No. 22 overall pick. (31%*), 30 2/8 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 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). C.J. As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. He also has enough speed to extend RAC opportunities and reach the corner on drags and digs. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. 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. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. 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. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. 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 . 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. A new home for Michael Thomas? 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. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. Can the Lions fix their defense? 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 Breaks Rose Bowl Receiving Record as OSU Tops Utah in Thriller Erin Walsh January 1, 2022 AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill The No. Hes difficult to bring down. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . Jersey Pos #11 WR . For his size, Smith-Njigba is surprisingly physical. "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said. Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. 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. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? College Football at Sports-Reference.com Blog and Articles. . Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. 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. Who are the top WR's in the 2023 NFL draft? . Hes an extremely sudden, amped-up mover who stores immense amounts of potential energy within his frame. As it turns out, all the Buckeyes needed was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. 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. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. 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. Stroud To Be the No. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Addison is 6-0 175, Hyatt is 6-0 180. - 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. Runs elite crisp routes with sharp cuts. He lined up in the slot over 88% of the time in his dominant 2021 campaign, so that could be his primary role in the pros, but he's also capable of winning one-on-ones against corners in man or zone. In 2021, Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but Smith-Njigba still managed to dominate the competition. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had one of the most epic Rose Bowl performances of all time -- literally one for the record books -- on Saturday as No. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. 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. 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. Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba, Williams back vs. Iowa, Ohio State rules out Smith-Njigba, Williams. His receiving yard total is a new. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. 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. I don't think he'll be limited to just a slot receiver in the NFL. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. 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. Music Outro: Eminem - Lose YourselfSecond Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n8qjtOWK1j3tFiZAeeZ4QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_stewar. 1 Pick, The Case for Will Levis To Be the No. Graduated in 2020. The No. 11 Utah. 6 Ohio State still trails, 38-31 with the 4th quarter underway. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. However, theres talk that Smith-Njigba may be one of the best to come out yet. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. 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. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. TOP 2023 WRs. We present them here for purely educational purposes. You throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game.". 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. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. . / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. 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. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. 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. - Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. pic.twitter.com/jtvAYPnKH5. 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.
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