Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. 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. 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 . STATISTICS. . [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. [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. Smith-Njigba is already a proficient separator, but he doesnt rely on separation to win. 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. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stats at ESPN.com. In addition, he led a scoring drive to tie the game at 38 before helping the Buckeyes take the lead with 4:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. With those hips, he can expertly manipulate short ranges, as well as use abrupt lateral movements to disrupt tackling angles. Coming to the team, it was assumed he would have to wait his time sitting behind a loaded receiving core for the Buckeyes. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Stroud has a message for those who question whether Fields can excel as a passer and not just a runner. That may give some teams understandable pause. 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. 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. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Going further, Smith-Njigba has the play strength to pry the ball away from DBs at the catch point. ", 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. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen as one of the top wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Still, he had earned more than a few admirers, interviewer after interviewer peppering him with questions. A text message to Smith-Njigba has not been returned yet. Has good body strength to squirm out of tackles with the coordination to maneuver his frame between defenders. He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. The next great one Omg @jaxon_smith1 stop it # . Jan 9, 2023. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. Rushing. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. 9 Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. You throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game.". [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. Smith-Njigba was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas, and graduated from Rockwall High School. 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. Yes, Smith-Njigba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesnt mean he doesnt have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. Seeing him against press coverage in 2021 will be key, but he projects well there. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. Jaxon has played on 4 football teams covered by MaxPreps. C.J. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? In 2021, Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but Smith-Njigba still managed to dominate the competition. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. 6 Ohio State still trails, 38-31 with the 4th quarter underway. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. Stroud and Smith-Njigba are cooking . . We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Stats. Music Outro: Eminem - Lose YourselfSecond Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n8qjtOWK1j3tFiZAeeZ4QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_stewar. He was a five-star recruit from Rockwall (Texas) High School. 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? He also has enough speed to extend RAC opportunities and reach the corner on drags and digs. Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. - Hes difficult to bring down. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. The Buckeyes star is surprisingly comfortable going low for passes, and he maintains his focus even as his balance is compromised. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) . Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. MORE:Updated NFL Draft big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings. Saturday's game was Ohio State's 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl, entering with an 8-7 record in Pasadena. He also has the most receiving yards in Rose Bowl game history. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. If anything, Saturday's game showed us the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. He has very fluid hips. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. He understands leverage and can effectively direct DBs away from runners. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. Jaxon Smith-njigba Stats, News, Fantasy Football Rankings Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wide Receiver Number # AGE 21 weight 198 lbs. College Football at Sports-Reference.com Blog and Articles. Smith -Njigba played minimally with Bears . Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. e's a Grade A slot receiver. - Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. Smith-Njigba is just 20 years old. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. As a blocker, Smith-Njigba is an energetic and high-effort player. A new home for Michael Thomas? hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Or write about sports? - 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. 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 holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. 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. 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. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN 10 overall to the Jets) and Chris Olave (No. 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. 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. Join our linker program. The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. He tossed a touchdown on his second drive of the third quarter before OSU tacked on a field goal to cut into Utah's lead, dicing the score to 38-31. . He. There is no doubt C.J. The Ohio State WR trio of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will go down in the college football history books. Career; Var 19-20; Var 18-19; Var 17-18; Var 16-17; Career Stats. Still, he had earned more . Are you looking to contact Customer Support about a subscription or account related question? He can create in minimal space with the best of them. 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. Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. 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. 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. Some of Smith-Njigbas traits suggest that he can translate well against press coverage. He will be an immediate asset to the run game. 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. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. 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. Stacked formations. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. Its important not to speak in absolutes, but another strong season would almost assuredly grant Smith-Njigba first-round capital. 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. 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 has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. However, theres talk that Smith-Njigba may be one of the best to come out yet. 11 Utah. 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. Stroud throw for 573. Smith-Njigba isnt necessarily a generational WR prospect, and other wideouts in the 2023 NFL Draft may have better athletic profiles. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Smith-Njigba can manipulate and change his route path in tight spaces while keeping his speed. Smith-Njigba grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and attended Rockwall High School. Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. 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. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. Stroud dropped a dime to Marvin Harrison Jr. , C.J. The silver lining is that the Ohio State WR flashes great explosive capacity. 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. It was the most receiving yards by anyone in bowl history. He wont blow defenders out of their cleats, but he has the functional strength to hold running lanes or clear a path. 22 overall pick. Menu Shop Menu Standings Menu Stats Menu Super Bowl Menu Teams Menu Tickets Menu More . 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. Can the Lions fix their defense? "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. 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. Canaan Elijah Smith-Njigba (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer, in his latest mock draft,has Smith-Njigba going to the Chargers with the No. Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) What makes Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba . Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. 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. [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. Pro Football Network, LLC. Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba, who is listed at 6-foot, 240 pounds, is considered the Pirates' 27th-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. Rice is 6-0 200, Flowers is 5-9 180. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. But Kiper shifted gears for his second mock, predicting New England to draft Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Furthermore, he shows off exceptional reaction quickness and makes high-difficulty adjustments with very little response time. 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. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. That's a ringing endorsement from a future contemporary. 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 . Those are two of the most important jobs for a wide receiver. Smith-Njigba famously capped his season in style, putting up a Rose Bowl-record 347 receiving yards in the Buckeyes' demolition of USC. Receiving. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. "I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft," he said. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. 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. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. 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. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Graduated in 2020. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. 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. 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. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Stroud is incredible. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. [14], Smith-Njigba is of half Sierra Leonean descent. In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. Ohio State star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has been limited to parts of two games this season because of a hamstring injury, returned Saturday to start in the Buckeyes' 54-10 blowout of . 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. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. 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. (31%*), 30 2/8 And already, he looks like a man amongst boys. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . They won that game 64-6. 6'1" 190 lbs Senior. Smith-Njigba has visible lateral twitch, and he brings good energy with his movement. Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba, Williams back vs. Iowa, Ohio State rules out Smith-Njigba, Williams. Garrett Wilson still maintains that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a better receiver than him or Chris Olave. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. Resting on the podium overlooking a gaggle of reporters, Jaxon Smith-Njigba looked a composed figure. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He also holds Ohio State records . JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's NFL Combine profile. Willing to go up and attack the ball. 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. Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. 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. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. . Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 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. Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. Jersey Pos #11 WR . Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. Still, a first-round selection is a pretty good consolation prize. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? It is impossible to ignore his monster finish to the 2021 season, and he has starting slot potential, but the speed concerns coupled with an injury-plagued 2022 season threaten to negatively impact his draft stock.". It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The Ohio State wideout had seen only a few downs of action in 2022. 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. Smith-Njigba is now the Ohio State record holder for the most receiving yards in a game. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. Do you have a sports website? 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. 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). The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . 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. [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]. He finished with six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
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