Athletic Profile
Height: 6010
Weight: 196
Arm Length: 30 1/2”
40 Time: 4.52*
Vertical: 35”
Broad Jump: 1005
3-Cone: 6.57
Shuttle: 3.93
Relative Athletic Score: 8.34
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022 (3 Games): 4 REC / 39 YARDS / 0 TDs / 0.98 Y/RR
2021: 95 REC / 1,595 YARDS / 9 TDs / 4.01 Y/RR
Pros
Route Running
Football IQ
Body Control
Hands
Spatial Awareness
Cons
Deep Speed
Explosive Ability
Thin Frame
Outside Versatility
Summary
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the next in a line of talented Ohio State receivers to enter the NFL Draft. A NFL ready route runner he possesses fluid movement skills and excellent short area quickness. A devastating route runner, he uses his stems and change of direction abilities to manipulate defenders and often generates large amounts of separation. Smith-Njigba has excellent body control as well. His ability to contort his body for balls outside his radius often makes up for his lack of size. He does an excellent job of protecting himself over the middle while making catches in high traffic areas. A high football IQ player Smith-Njigba does an excellent job of reading out coverages and finding open zones to settle in. His excellent spatial awareness and high motor make him a QB’s best friend in the scramble drill. Despite his slender build he is a willing blocker in the run game rarely missing his assignment due to mental errors. The biggest question for Smith-Njigba is whether or not his game will translate to being an outside receiver. Largely relegated to a slot role last year he was supposed to showcase his outside ability this year before struggling with injuries all year long. Due to his lack of explosiveness and size it makes it difficult to project him out there because teams will be relying on his footwork and quickness to overcome his deficiencies. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, like most Ohio State wide receivers over the past few years, projects to be an excellent pro and should be a first round pick. However, with his lack of speed and limited reps succeeding on the outside in college teams will ultimately question his upside and ability to be a WR. The answers to these questions will largely determine whether he is a Top-15 or Top-40 pick.
Grade: 6.60 - Mid to Late 1st Round Value (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Penn State (2021), Indiana (2021), Rutgers (2021), Akron (2021), Notre Dame (2022), Iowa (2022)
Pro Comp: Adam Theilen