'I'm The Best WR In The Draft': Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba Makes Bold Claim Ahead Of NFL Combine

Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn't holding back when it comes to knowing his worth at the next level.

Everyone has a WR1. Some will look back at the 2021 season and consider playmaking machine Garrett Wilson the top weapon for Ohio State. Others will turn to the smooth route-running skills of Chris Olave for the answer.

And then there's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who could be a combination of both receivers at the next level once selected in April's draft.

Then again, while Olave and Wilson have been on record stating that Smith-Njigba might end up being the best of the three, the junior pass-catcher feels the same about either of his former teammates.

"They are pushing the bar," Smith-Njigba told CBS Sports' Josh Edwards. "There is no pressure. I just try to be myself and that is really what they tell me; just be yourself and everything will take care of itself. ... A lot of guys from the receiver room that I was in are ballers. Those guys are the best right now and it is fun to chase greatness."

Smith-Njigba will look to bolster his draft stock next week at Lucas Oil Stadium at the 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. From a skill standpoint, Smith-Njigba will have a case to be this season's WR1, but injury concerns will be the main subject of conversations in meetings with scouts and general managers.

After leading Ohio State in receptions (95), receiving yards (1,606) and yards per catch (16.6), Smith-Njigba was limited to just three games due to a hamstring injury. He totaled five receptions and 43 yards.

After electing to miss the College Football Playoff and prepare for the draft, pandering came from fans and spectators across the college football landscape, criticizing Smith-Njigba's lack of effort and commitment to the program. Smith-Njigba said that missing most of what could have been a breakout season was one of the "toughest challenges of his life."

"At the end of the day, I feel blessed that I went through this hardship and I don't take anything for granted," Smith-Njigba said. "Definitely wanted to be out there and compete. You can only control what you can control and I just leave it up to God. I'm blessed at the end of the day. I still have my dreams right in front of me, so I'm just ready to attack."

Smith-Njigba is one of four receivers expected to fight for the title of top receiver in the upcoming class. Tennessee's Jaylin Hyatt torched his way through the SEC with his vertical presence in Knoxville. USC's Jordan Addison continued to improve as a route-runner during his lone season in the Pac-12. Few players were as consistent as TCU's Quentin Johnston when it came to 50/50 jump balls and contested catches.

Still, Smith-Njigba isn't allowing his ailments to hold him back when it comes to proving his worth during workouts next week at the combine. With a healthy season, he believes there'd be no contest as to which receiver would come off the board first in the first round on April 27.

"I definitely believe that I am the best wide receiver available in this draft, but I'm all about proving it," Smith-Njigba said. "No matter what happens, I'm just ready to go out there and prove it."

The NFL Combine begins on February 28 and will run through March 4. 

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