2023 NFL Draft Profile: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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A native of Rockwall, Texas, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has the chance to be the next great Ohio State wide receiver at the NFL level. During parts of three seasons with the Buckeyes, Smith-Njigba compiled 110 receptions, 1,698 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns during his college career. After the 2021 regular season, he was awarded the 2022 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP. In that Rose Bowl game against Utah, Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished with 15 receptions, 347 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on New Year’s Day 2022. Due to a reported hamstring injury, he was limited to just a few games in 2022.

Top Strengths

Ball Skills

There is seemingly no pass that Jaxon Smith-Njigba cannot haul in. His ability to extend his catch radius allows him to defeat nearly any coverage, no matter how tight. Smith-Njigba is smooth when tracking and adjusting to the football. When tracking the football, he looks to attack the ball by coming back to it and winning initial leverage. Meanwhile, the way in which he adjusts and contorts his body allows Smith-Njigba to rack up instant yards after the catch. Simply put, JSN is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands, and he gives his passer instant comfort when throwing his way.

Route Running/Separation

The route running and separation technique of Jaxon Smith-Njigba is masterful. Of course, that appears to be the case for any Buckeye receiver that worked with Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. He approaches every rep with a certain plan in mind, altering his attack, if necessary. The subtleness to his steps, cuts and breaks during the route allow for him to maintain body control. His footwork can be deceptive for defenders to pick up. Therefore, defenses are looking to give him an ample cushion. Add in his spatial awareness, and Smith-Njigba will look to take what is given to him as quick as possible.

Hands

Compared to other top receivers in this class, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is routinely extending his hands at the catch point to secure the pass. There is little, if any, basket catching or catching the ball with his chest. By being able to pluck the ball out of the air, Smith-Njigba can often make certain jump balls become 70-30 balls in his favor, rather than 50-50 balls. The focus and timing of his hands at the catch point are exceptional. With everything he does, Smith-Njigba is technically sound and refined.

Areas Of Improvement

Ability To Beat Press Coverage

The shiftiness and quick transitions of Jaxon Smith-Njigba are smooth and electric enough to get instant separation off the line of scrimmage. He has not been forced to beat press coverage much, nevertheless. Smith-Njigba will eventually see more defenders trying to frustrate him and throw him off course from his route at the NFL level. If he can beat press consistently, Smith-Njigba could become virtually unstoppable when running his routes. That could lead to a larger cushion for him to work with, as a result.

Consistently Winning From The Outside

Throughout his Ohio State career, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was used mainly as a slot receiver. The ability to eventually transition into a threat from the outside is still possible. He benefitted from plenty of free releases during his college career, overall. To boot, Smith-Njigba was not always forced to readjust and redirect his routes. His agility can likely win plenty of those battles from the outside. Though, Smith-Njigba will look to remain poised when facing more contact and short areas from the perimeter.

Ideal Role

The best offensive attack for Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a spread offense. Largely, a team that runs 11 personnel most of the time will suit JSN best. There is still potential for him to become a threat from the outside perimeter. However, Smith-Njigba may be best utilized as a slot receiver, given his separation skills and playmaking ability with the ball in his hands. Just get the ball to him quickly and let him work his magic with his route running from the slot.

Potential Fits

There is a chance that Jaxon Smith-Njigba ends up being the first wide receiver off the board in April. If so, some teams inside the top 15 make sense. The Houston Texans could look to invest in a young wide receiver after the Brandin Cooks trade. With JSN’s playmaking ability, that could give a potential rookie quarterback a boost. Another team that makes sense in the top 15 is the Green Bay Packers. With Jordan Love expected to take over as the starter, Green Bay needs to surround him with reliable weapons.

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens could be a natural fit for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, if he slips into the 20s. Baltimore is obviously dealing with a difficult situation involving Lamar Jackson. Yet, the Ravens need more options at wide receiver. Smith-Njigba could be a nice complement to someone of Rashod Bateman‘s stature.

Be on the lookout for more FPC 2023 NFL draft prospect profiles throughout the next month. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.