However, theres talk that Smith-Njigba may be one of the best to come out yet. (37%*), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL, Had an elite 2021 season when he led Ohio State with school-record totals of 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards on a team that also featured first-round NFL Draft picks Garrett Wilson (No. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. [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. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. He missed all but three games of the 2022 season because of a hamstring injury. 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. (31%*), 30 2/8 However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. After that performance, he was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. 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. I doubt it matters what anyone thinks of Smith-Njigba because he likely won't be available at 25. He can create in minimal space with the best of them. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen as one of the top wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. 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. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. He understands leverage and can effectively direct DBs away from runners. Smith-Njigba is now the Ohio State record holder for the most receiving yards in a game. height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . 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. STATISTICS. Smith-Njigbas snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Smith-Njigba feels 100% after injury-marred '22, Kiper's updated NFL mock draft: Who's moving up for a QB? 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. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. I wouldn't take a big jump, but I'd move up a couple picks to nab him if he's still there late in Round 1. 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. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. Stroud To Be the No. Former OSU teammate Garrett Wilson the No. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) . He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. 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. [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. Let's find out. 1 Quentin Johnston - TCU. 19-20 Varsity Football. 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. Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba, Williams back vs. Iowa, Ohio State rules out Smith-Njigba, Williams. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Game Logs. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . Over the final five games of the 2021 season, the Texas native accumulated 60 receptions for 958 yards and six touchdowns. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Ohio State. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. I just don't really care about his 40 time. The vitals on Jaxon Smith-Njigba School: Ohio State Position: Wide receiver Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 pounds Years active: 2020-2022 Here are Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career stats in. Statistics. If anything, Saturday's game showed us the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. 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. 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. Standing at 60, 198 pounds, Smith-Njigba fits the Ohio State mold thats been reinforced in previous cycles. Furthermore, he shows off exceptional reaction quickness and makes high-difficulty adjustments with very little response time. Interestingly enough, while Smith-Njigba is a phenomenal prospect, his production may inflate his stock a bit past his actual value. 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. "I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. A native of Rockwall, TX, Smith-Njigba has impressive route-running, agility, and a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands. Smith-Njigba is just 20 years old. The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. A text message to Smith-Njigba has not been returned yet. What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. He made his MLB debut in 2022. Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) He finished with six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns. Smith-Njigba can manipulate and change his route path in tight spaces while keeping his speed. 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. Receiving. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. He quickly chops his feet and decelerates heading into route stems. 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. . 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. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. It's officially NFL draft season, so it's time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class. He wont blow defenders out of their cleats, but he has the functional strength to hold running lanes or clear a path. Debating NFL draft questions, risers: Concern for Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Kayshon Boutte? The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. 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. 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. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). - Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. 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. Garrett Wilson in 2021 on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. We present them here for purely educational purposes. He set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,606 . [13] In that game, he also recorded 15 receptions (tying his own record set in the aforementioned Nebraska game) and passed David Boston for the single season receiving yards record at Ohio State with 1,606. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? 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. by Matthew Jones. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. 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 . . 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. Is Ohio State WR and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best of the bunch from the historic 2021 OSU trio? [5][6] Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 touchdowns in 44 games played. As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to miss Peach Bowl, enter 2023 NFL Draft Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards this season. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; 2021 Game Logs * indicates bowl game; 2021 Game Logs Table; Receiving Punt Ret; Rk Date School Opponent Rec Yds Avg TD Ret Yds Avg TD; 1: 2021-09 . Despite having most of his 2022 season wiped out by the injury, the six-foot, 197-pound Smith-Njigba is still a good bet to hear his name called in the first round of the draft, given his past production and the outstanding hands and agility he's displayed when healthy. 1 site covering the team! Some projections have him falling into the second round, but he could still be a Round 1 selection. Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. Smith-Njigba's performance helped C.J. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . 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. [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. In addition to Stroud, Smith-Njigba, who had a record-setting night, and Marvin Harrison Jr. also had incredible evenings. They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. Hes a fairly easy accelerator who generates solid initial momentum and can freely throttle up and down. Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. Find out more. The Ohio State WR is a natural hands catcher, with incredibly smooth body control in the open field when adjusting for throws. C.J. More Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pages. Those are two of the most important jobs for a wide receiver. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. The Ohio State WR also has great stop-and-start ability and can break at impressive angles with his loose hips. - He already has a rapport with Fields. Ohio State has a type at wide receiver. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In his junior season, Smith-Njigba led the Dallas region with 97 catches for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. MORE:Follow live updates, highlights from NFL Combine workouts. He. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? The Ohio State WR sometimes needs room to quicken his feet and build up speed in short spaces. Can the Lions fix their defense? He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? A hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. 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. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. He wont always win on explosiveness alone, and he doesnt cover a ton of ground off initial explosions out of cuts. Jan 9, 2023. Stroud. I don't think he'll be limited to just a slot receiver in the NFL. 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 . Smith-Njigba is listed at 6-0, 200 pounds ahead of the NFL Combine. And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. 11 Utah and No. 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. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's NFL Combine profile. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. - Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. 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. He can also pinch tight angles around defensive backs while accelerating, showing off valuable ankle flexion. Canaan Elijah Smith-Njigba (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). Willing to go up and attack the ball. He earned rave reviews from a number of media outlets. 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. If the picks line up, adding Smith-Njigba would be an easy decision for Chicago. Addison is 6-0 175, Hyatt is 6-0 180. In 2021, Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but Smith-Njigba still managed to dominate the competition. 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. Also called him, "the most natural athlete Ive ever seen. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. "The Patriots have a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien and could . The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. The Buckeyes star is surprisingly comfortable going low for passes, and he maintains his focus even as his balance is compromised. Has good body strength to squirm out of tackles with the coordination to maneuver his frame between defenders. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Rockwall High School Rockwall TX. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. Let's take a closer look at JSN's draft profile, and whether the Bears should be interested in his services. January 21, 2023 11:30 pm ET. Smith-Njigba was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas, and graduated from Rockwall High School. This is me Follow. The freshman quarterback was without two of his top three receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, but that didn't matter as he had one of his most productive games of the season. - Hes difficult to bring down. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. - 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. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. All rights reserved. As a freshman, Smith-Njigba was a depth piece who would get a few snaps a game. In his final two seasons . He carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. 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. Jersey Pos #11 WR . Hes a guy that will do the laundry for you pic.twitter.com/oFeHCi8qPj. 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. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Stats at ESPN.com. 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 team's desire to add playmaking to their passing game. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. But at the very least, he passes the desired threshold for an NFL starter. JSN's Rose Bowl performance against Utah, albeit with the Utes drastically undermanned in the secondary and Olave and Wilson sitting out, was a . pbr boat jeremy clarkson, largest landowners in wyoming, hole lotta love donuts elizabethtown ky,