'It'd Be Cool To Play With C.J. Stroud': Buckeyes WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Open To Pro Reunion

Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be catching balls from C.J. Stroud in the pros.

Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba likely won't have to wait long to hear his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Neither will his teammate C.J. Stroud.

Could the two reconnect with one franchise as the new cornerstones of the offense?

During an interview with Buffalo Bills defensive end Von Miller, Smith-Njigba said he'd love to be Stroud's No. 1 option in the passing game with the next franchise. Right now, the best place to make that possibility a reality seems to be Houston.

The Texans currently own the No. 2 and No. 12 pick in the first round. Both Stroud and Smith-Njigba have consistently been mocked to the AFC South franchise throughout the draft process.

"It would be awesome,” Smith-Njigba said. “Stress would definitely leave my body playing next to and beside him. He’s a good friend of mine. Knows what he likes, knows what he dislikes. He’s the same. It would be awesome to have the opportunity to be on the same team and still have that connection and keep that connection going. … he’s a crazy talented player and wherever he goes he’s going to ball out. Maybe in Houston at 12, that would be cool.”

A native of Rockwall (Texas), Smith-Njigba would immediately become the new top target for Houston as a rookie. Last season, the Texans finished 25th in passing yards (197.6 yards per game) and 18th in passing touchdowns (20). Brandin Cooks finished with a team-high 699 receiving yards, while tight end Jordan Akins led the team with five TDs.

Akins agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns in free agency to reunite with former Texans starter Deshaun Watson. Cooks was traded to the Dallas Cowboys prior to the start of free agency in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick.

Known for his route-running and smooth hands, Smith-Njigba should provide a level of consistency across the middle of the field for whichever passer ends up becoming the next quarterback at NRG Stadium. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.9 yards per reception and finished with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and 9 TDs.

Once considered a top-two lock, Stroud's draft stock has come into question entering the home stretch. Houston reportedly could elect to pass on a quarterback at No. 2 and take a defensive prospect instead. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said earlier this month that the team would be "open to listening" to trade offers to move down the board and garner more draft capital.

Even if the Texans were to move down, Stroud's status as the No. 2 pick shouldn't be considered a lock. Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi recently mentioned that several executives stated Stroud was "not an easy guy to coach."

Columbus native and former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn said earlier this week that several NFL teams have questioned Stroud's skills coming from the Buckeyes' coaching scheme and how he would adapt to a franchise without exceptional talent at the skills position.

Stroud, a two-time Heisman Finalist and 2022 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year threw for over 8,100 yards and 85 touchdowns in his two seasons as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback. His list of receivers included Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave — both of which were drafted in the first round last season — along with Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming.

Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame receiver and Colts' legend Marvin Harrison, is the betting favorite to be the top receiver selected in next year's draft. Egbuka, who finished with 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 TDs, is currently projected to be a first-round pick should he declare.

"He's the most accurate quarterback in this draft class, he showcased his athleticism ability," Quinn said. "Any time I've been around the kid, he's been an upstanding young man who's grown and matured into a leader I think NFL teams are looking for."

The first round of the NFL draft begins on April 27 at 8:00 p.m. in Kansas City. 

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