Those results won't be made public. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. - Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. In his final five games, he had 60 catches for 858 yards and six scores. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Moreover, hes a manipulative route runner who can adjust his tempo through reps. Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? C.J. 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. 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. 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. 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. The last time Ohio State took the field, Ryan Day's squad was embarrassed in a 42-27 loss to Michigan. Smith-Njigba struggles with injury after first catch, These five players highlight 2023 NFL mock draft. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. As it turns out, all the Buckeyes needed was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. They were saying the Giants needed OL, edge and CB first. As a prospect, he rated as the 29th overall prospect. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. In 44 high school games, Smith-Njigba racked up 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. 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 . C.J. Hes tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. 1 Pick. He understands leverage and can effectively direct DBs away from runners. Statistics. He hit .258 with .760 OPS last season, missing almost six weeks with a right thigh injury. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. Rice is 6-0 200, Flowers is 5-9 180. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. Some projections have him falling into the second round, but he could still be a Round 1 selection. 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. "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? He has good acceleration off the line and can use fast feet to gain speed as he heads upfield. But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". 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. [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Do you have a sports website? Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. Even without elite explosiveness, hes still a very abrupt player whose natural suddenness provides ample value. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. 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. Stroud dropped a dime to Marvin Harrison Jr. , C.J. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . Lets find out. 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. Smith-Njigbas snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. 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 . The NFL offseason is here (silently chuckles on the inside). While its not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. - He tracks the ball well on long throws and is capable of being a deep threat. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . Some of Smith-Njigbas traits suggest that he can translate well against press coverage. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. After catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba . He also lacks breakaway long speed and can be run down in open field by plus athletes. 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. I think he'll grow into a versatile all-around threat. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. Jersey Pos #11 WR . Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 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. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level. He flashes the ability to stack corners on verticals from the slot easily. But after a frustrating junior year, Smith-Njigba intends to show that he is the best receiver in this year's draft. In 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yardsthe second most by a quarterback in NFL historyand eight touchdowns and threw for 2,242 yards with 17 TDs, 11 interceptions and an 85.2 passer rating. 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. It's impossible to predict where he could go in the upcoming draft, though. 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. In addition to Stroud, Smith-Njigba, who had a record-setting night, and Marvin Harrison Jr. also had incredible evenings. Those things translate. Hes able to secure catches with defenders in his wheelhouse, and hes comfortable with very little space. The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Smith-Njigba as the No. Jan 9, 2023. All rights reserved. Smith-Njigba has 326 yards receiving, which is the most in any bowl game in college football history. He averaged 8.3 yards after the catch in 2021 and will likely continue that trend in the NFL. Is he a player worth trading up for in any way? Going further, Smith-Njigba has the play strength to pry the ball away from DBs at the catch point. It was also the Buckeyes' first game against the Utes since 1986. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the smoothest route runners you'll . 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. In his junior season, Smith-Njigba led the Dallas region with 97 catches for 1,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. 19-20 Varsity Football. On the topic of Ohio State, Smith-Njigba expressed regret that he wasn't able to play more. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said he met with the New England Patriots at the combine and also praised the franchise and Mac Jones. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? 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. Often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed. The 2021 season showed what he could do, however, as he totaled 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. - Hes difficult to bring down. 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. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . However, theres talk that Smith-Njigba may be one of the best to come out yet. (31%*), 30 2/8 He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. Smith-Njigba has done it twice this season. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. Smith-Njigba can manipulate and change his route path in tight spaces while keeping his speed. 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. The Ohio State WR has great zone and blind-spot awareness, and he can exploit spaces quickly. A new home for Michael Thomas? Index Of This Post [ show] GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. Stroud is incredible. That's a ringing endorsement from a future contemporary. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. 9 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. 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 . We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. He also has enough speed to extend RAC opportunities and reach the corner on drags and digs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. The No. 5 Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee. Smith-Njigba's central role in the offense was expected to be a major part of OSU's identity as a national championship contender. However, he began to heat up again as the half went on. 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. 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. Hes difficult to bring down. . 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. Draft analyst Todd McShay reported in December that Smith-Njigba was healthy enough to play in the College Football Playoffs, but chose not to. Amateur career [ edit] Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball. Smith -Njigba played minimally with Bears . Stroud completed 37 of 46 passes for 572 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. Jaxon is as good as Ive ever seen, probably the best Ive ever seen. Stats: 2021 (251 FBS WRs, minimum 50 targets) Yards per route run: 1st; PFF receiving grade: 1st; Career Breakout age: 75th percentile (19.6) . Both Olave and Wilson, who declared for the NFL draft, will be gone next season, which means players like Smith-Njigba, Harrison and Egbuka will be Stroud's primary receivers in 2022. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Rose Bowl stats: 15 receptions, 346 receiving yards, three touchdowns; College football world reacts to Jaxon Smith-Njigba's historic Rose Bowl game. After Ohio State was forced to punt on its first two drives of the game, Stroud orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives before a fumble by Smith-Njigba close to the end zone in the second quarter. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine That may give some teams understandable pause. Plays Football. (19%*), 75 3/8 Finally, Smith-Njigba has shown he can sneak through arm tackles in open space with his slippery running ability and active feet. He missed all but three games of the 2022 season because of a hamstring injury. Going further, Smith-Njigba appears to lack quantifiably elite explosive burst. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. 1 site covering the team! Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His size and strong lower body make him a tricky task for corners once the ball is in his hands. Hes an extremely sudden, amped-up mover who stores immense amounts of potential energy within his frame. Music Outro: Eminem - Lose YourselfSecond Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n8qjtOWK1j3tFiZAeeZ4QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_stewar. It's officially NFL draft season, so it's time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class. I don't think he'll be limited to just a slot receiver in the NFL. 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. 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. There's no other way to put it. He also holds Ohio State records . 6 Ohio State, then-sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had the best receiving performance ever in a bowl game: 347 receiving yards (a single-game bowl record) and three receiving touchdowns on . The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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 carries acceleration through transitions with great hip sink but also presses upfield at stems and actively employs deception. He has very fluid hips. Find out more. Its important not to speak in absolutes, but another strong season would almost assuredly grant Smith-Njigba first-round capital. 11 Utah. If youre like me and youve had a raging fever since Februarythe only prescription is my rookie primers. [2] As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 touchdowns and was named the recipient of both the Landry Award and the Texas Gatorade Football Player of the Year award. The duo didnt work together beyond one season, but it still matters. Fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba most likely won't be a top five pick but he believes he's that type of talent. "I see myself as a top-five player, not just a receiver. Smith-Njigba flashes the capacity for great explosion, especially when hes on the attack either surging into space or pursuing blockers. He also set an Ohio State and FBS. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. - He's a Grade A slot receiver. STROUD 50-YARD TD TO JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA . Being able to create and react to the defender is the strong point in my game, and taking advantage of that. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. [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]. While Smith-Njigba is an exceptional player, there are some limitations and areas for improvement to make note of. He only played three games in 2022 due to a lingering. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will do every test except 40-yard dash at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Smith-Njigba (hamstring) said he's 100 percent healthy, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. They won that game 64-6. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. 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. 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. 10 overall to the Jets) and Chris Olave (No. But at 6-1 and 200 pounds, running in the upper 4.4s, he is hardly just a slot guy. He was named a starter at the slot receiver position for the Buckeyes going into his sophomore season. Another component that helps Smith-Njigba, however, is his agility and ease of motion. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. 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. / 2023 2024 BYE WEEK. 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. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. Hes more quick than fast. Smith-Njigbas movement style helps compound his separation ability, but hes already very proficient at using his traits effectively. I just don't really care about his 40 time. Smith-Njigba and Addison finished third and fourth in receiving yards in 2021, respectively, first and second among Power Five players, and JSN's Rose Bowl performance put him over the top. 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. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. - He has had an issue hanging onto the ball at times. height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . Graduated in 2020. Stacked formations. The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Do you have a blog? 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.
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