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. While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. Stacked formations. As a result, many are interested to see how he tests at the Scouting Combine. 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 There is no doubt C.J. [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. He was named a starter at the slot receiver position for the Buckeyes going into his sophomore season. *, Copyright 2010- FantasyPros.com And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. Stroud tossed an interception on the opening drive of the second half. 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. I just don't really care about his 40 time. Smith-Njigba is already a proficient separator, but he doesnt rely on separation to win. Stroud has a message for those who question whether Fields can excel as a passer and not just a runner. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. STROUD 50-YARD TD TO JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA . [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. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. His height, weight, and length are all likely close to the median for wide receivers. All rights reserved. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. , Most TD passes in single season by B1G QB, all-time:
50 - Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (2018)
41 - C.J. 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. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? 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. 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 . NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? MORE:Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. With his slightly lighter frame, hes not always going to withstand direct contact. He wont always win on explosiveness alone, and he doesnt cover a ton of ground off initial explosions out of cuts. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. The Buckeyes star is surprisingly comfortable going low for passes, and he maintains his focus even as his balance is compromised. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. But Kiper shifted gears for his second mock, predicting New England to draft Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Interestingly enough, while Smith-Njigba is a phenomenal prospect, his production may inflate his stock a bit past his actual value. Do you have a blog? "I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . Music Outro: Eminem - Lose YourselfSecond Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n8qjtOWK1j3tFiZAeeZ4QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_stewar. Stroud To Be the No. 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 . Runs elite crisp routes with sharp cuts. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. 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. 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. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. 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. He made his MLB debut in 2022. He will be an immediate asset to the run game. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen as one of the top wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Statistics. While Smith-Njigba is an exceptional player, there are some limitations and areas for improvement to make note of. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, is Smith-Njigbas scouting report stronger than his predecessors? INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he is fully healed from the hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last season, and he intends to participate in all drills at the NFL scouting combine except for the 40-yard dash. Three trades in a chaotic top five, NFL draft questions, predictions for combine workouts: Potential risers, top QBs and burners to watch, Played college football at Cheyney University. He was a five-star recruit from Rockwall (Texas) High School. . by Matthew Jones. - Hes difficult to bring down. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the smoothest route runners you'll . He has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Even without elite explosiveness, hes still a very abrupt player whose natural suddenness provides ample value. [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. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. 10 overall to the Jets) and Chris Olave (No. He believes that if he had, confetti could have rained down on the scarlet and gray. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. 9 Hes a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. 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. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. That's a ringing endorsement from a future contemporary. 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. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. Rushing. Its important not to speak in absolutes, but another strong season would almost assuredly grant Smith-Njigba first-round capital. A text message to Smith-Njigba has not been returned yet. 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? Graduated in 2020. Smith-Njigba can manipulate and change his route path in tight spaces while keeping his speed. He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. 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. With those hips, he can expertly manipulate short ranges, as well as use abrupt lateral movements to disrupt tackling angles. It was the most receiving yards by anyone in bowl history. His receiving yard total is a new. He wont blow defenders out of their cleats, but he has the functional strength to hold running lanes or clear a path. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? He quickly chops his feet and decelerates heading into route stems. Garrett Wilson still maintains that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a better receiver than him or Chris Olave. TOP 2023 WRs. Over the final five games of the 2021 season, the Texas native accumulated 60 receptions for 958 yards and six touchdowns. [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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. Those results won't be made public. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . He. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. Stroud throw for 573. pic.twitter.com/jtvAYPnKH5. 11 overall to New Orleans), Broke 20-year-old Big Ten receiving yards record (1,545 yards in 2001 by Lee Evan, Wisconsin) with his 1,606 receiving yards in 2021, 95 receptions rank fifth-most in Big Ten history, Set Rose Bowl records with 347 receiving yards and 15 receptions with three touchdowns and was named offensive most valuable player, 2021: Rose Bowl game MVP; Third-team All-American (Associated Press), Named the Texas 6A State Player of the Year - No. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Coming to the team, it was assumed he would have to wait his time sitting behind a loaded receiving core for the Buckeyes. Entering Saturday's game, Rising had completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 2,279 yards and 18 touchdowns against five interceptions, in addition to rushing for 407 yards and five scores. Emeka Egbuka, another freshman receiver, also had a nice outing with three catches for 46 yards. 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. Stats at ESPN.com. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. The next great one Omg @jaxon_smith1 stop it # . Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Can he make the most of it and command first-round capital like they did? He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. Jaxon Smith-njigba Stats, News, Fantasy Football Rankings Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wide Receiver Number # AGE 21 weight 198 lbs. 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 has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. Moreover, hes a manipulative route runner who can adjust his tempo through reps. However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. 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. However, theres talk that Smith-Njigba may be one of the best to come out yet. Smith-Njigba finished with 15 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN They won that game 64-6. Plays Football. Smith-Njigba's central role in the offense was expected to be a major part of OSU's identity as a national championship contender. Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He also holds Ohio State records . And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He finished with six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns. 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. The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. 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. (31%*), 30 2/8 Jersey Pos #11 WR . 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. "Why Rockwall WR, Ohio State pledge Jaxon Smith-Njigba's impressive showing at The Opening almost didn't", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Riley Dodge win 2019 Tom Landry Awards", "Rockwall wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba named Gatorade Texas football player of the year", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba Named to SI All-American Team", "Ohio State commit Jaxon Smith-Njigba honored as a 2020 All-American", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba poised to become Ohio State's next star at receiver", "Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State Buckeyes, Wide Receiver", "Four-Star Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba Commits To Ohio State", "Former Rockwall star Jaxon Smith-Njigba ready to take on larger role in Ohio State's offense", "Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba headed for breakout game in Ohio State football's season opener against Minnesota? Debating NFL draft questions, risers: Concern for Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Kayshon Boutte? Those things translate. They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. He can contort in stride and corral tough passes with ease. 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. It did not take long for Smith-Njigba to support those remarks. A new home for Michael Thomas? Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. College Football at Sports-Reference.com Blog and Articles. He finished the 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,595. Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. Smith-Njigba is a possession slot receiver who lacks the shake to separate underneath and the speed to run past defenses. The No. The 2021 season showed what he could do, however, as he totaled 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. - 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. The Ohio State WR has great zone and blind-spot awareness, and he can exploit spaces quickly. Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. Smith-Njigba grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall High School. 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. His route running is superior to most wideouts in this draft class. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. 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. [14], Smith-Njigba is of half Sierra Leonean descent. Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. - Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. 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. 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. . - 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. JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . There's no other way to put it. . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. Any team investing high draft capital in him knows what they are getting: a high-volume wide receiver that can work both inside and on the perimeter. 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. Career; Var 19-20; Var 18-19; Var 17-18; Var 16-17; Career Stats. Addison is 6-0 175, Hyatt is 6-0 180. Jaxon has played on 4 football teams covered by MaxPreps. Outrageous Predictions", "Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting day sparks No. Despite the disappointing end to Rising's night, the Utes still have a bright future with him at quarterback. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. I think the best way to describe Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that hes a quarterbacks Phone-a-Friend pic.twitter.com/ZykxbLB2bG. Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. Those are two of the most important jobs for a wide receiver. 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. Smith -Njigba played minimally with Bears . . Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . Jaxon Smith-Njigba Height, Weight and Hand Size ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. 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. Copyright 2019-2023. He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. 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 . And already, he looks like a man amongst boys. 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. 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. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". 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. In a wide receivers room that also featured reigning 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba led the Buckeyes with 95 receptions, 1,606 receiving yards (16.9 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. You can check them all out in our 2023 dynasty draft kit. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba isnt necessarily a generational WR prospect, and other wideouts in the 2023 NFL Draft may have better athletic profiles. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. "From playing basketball [as a kid], I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. 11 Utah. Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. He wins with excellent, quick footwork at the line and in space. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. 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. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . Receiving. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent.
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