JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA

SMITH-NJIGBA was a top 10 picking into 2022 but he has barely played a snap this year. It has inevitable hurt his draft stock. But on the other hand, he had one of the most dominant stretches in NCAA history. He is hard to place because of this reason. 

JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA lacks the physical traits of a dominant WR – being a respectable 6’1ft and 200LBS – he also possesses respectable speed but again not special. He tracks the ball well but won’t overpower and Moss defenders. What he does special is run elite short and intermediate routes. He has fluid hips and is clean out of his breaks with no wasted steps. Sets up defenders and has a natural instinct – making it look like a work of art. 

But the rub to this is; how much separation will he get when he goes against faster NFL defenders – will he have the same level on separation with his average physical skill set?

In addition, how much of his success can be attributed to single coverage? OHIO STATE has been stacked at WR – with Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr coming up. 

These are questions that all factor into the evaluation of JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA. I think it is safe to say that his elite route running ability will translate to the NFL. But he wont be as dominate as his 2021 stat line suggested. A perfect number 2 option that can line up in the slot – perfect for 3rd downs and timing routes. If he can get on a good repour with a QB and get in sync – that’s when  JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA will be at his best.