Draft Analysis: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

February 17, 2023 /
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 196 lb
  • College: Ohio State
  • Tape watched: 2021: Penn State, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska
  • College Comparison: Cooper Kupp

Pros

  • Release
    Untouchable off the line and through his stem, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a technician. He has a high level of understanding how defenses align and flow post-snap. He attacks defensive leverage like a pro. He has excellent hand usage and a shoulder dip that is top of the class. He has a wide array of tools and setup moves that pair really well with his top-tier footwork.
  • Hands
    JSN has sticky hands that attack the ball rather than letting the ball find him.
  • Route Running
    While his tempo can be off attacking in and out of breaks, JSN showed the ability to run every route. He flows well through the defense. Smith-Njigba works back to the ball in most situations. He understands spacing and how to attack zone coverages. He is strong in man coverage and uses his body to keep defenders away.
The manipulation of cover 3 is fantastic by JSN.
  • RAC
    While he is not a certified burner or the shiftiest receiver, JSN is solid enough in every aspect of carrying the football. He has a sturdy and wide lower frame that helps him run through contact. He has good ball carrier vision and splits the defense often. Smith-Njigba will have a lot of success after the catch in the NFL.

Midline

  • Route Tempo
    JSN occasionally gets left behind on quarterback reads because his timing is off through some of his intermediate and deep routes. Smith-Njigba can slow down quite a bit, whether he is being too patient, or slow post-snap processing. While this was likely an experience issue, it is something to note.

Cons

  • Blocking
    JSN does not give full effort in the run and screen game. He did have nice reps driving defenders out of plays, but nothing consistent enough on tape.
  • Injury/Experience
    With one true season of college football under his belt, albeit a historic one, JSN has injury red flags and experience concerns. He rarely played outside of the slot, with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson on the roster in 2021. Smith-Njigba had five receptions in 2022 due to injury. Medicals will be important for teams, but his frame, playstyle, and attributes should transition well-enough to all three receiver spots in the NFL.
  • Speed
    Downfield and play speed is hardly the end all be all for wide receivers, but it does help mask other issues receivers may have. JSN will not separate consistently with speed, nor will he threaten defenses over the top of safeties. It is important to note, but not something that should prevent teams from drafting him in the first round. Keenan Allen would be a first round pick in hindsight, and Smith-Njigba should run faster at the combine with a similar profile.

Overview

After essentially a year away from college football, draft enthusiasts have started to sour on the stock of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If JSN passes all injury concerns at the combine, he should find himself in first round conversations again. There are few receivers in this draft that have the football IQ and route running savvy that Smith-Njigba possesses. He will be an immediate plug and play receiver that should have no problem approaching 80 catches as a rookie, especially on a team that utilizes the slot. I see JSN somewhere between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Amari Cooper. Expect his first round hype to return to normal the closer we get to the draft, and skyrocket if he runs sub 4.5s at the combine.