Ohio State Stars C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba Both Go in Top 10 of Latest Mock Draft

Former Ohio State Buckeyes stars C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba live up to the hype in a recent mock draft from CBS Sports.

The hype surrounding former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to build as the 2023 NFL Draft inches closer.

And in a recent mock draft from CBS Sports that was released Friday, both stars live up to all the talk.

The site has Stroud - who could potentially be the No. 1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers - off the board right after this at No. 2.

Houston Texans No. 2 Overall - C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

This a realistic landing spot for Stroud, who would step in to become the franchise's long-term answer at quarterback if everything goes to plan. Either way, it's nearly impossible that Stroud will fall out of the top five.

As for his star-studded receiver ...

Chicago Bears No. 9 Overall - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

While JSN going this early is a bit unlikely, he heads to Chicago in this scenario to join former Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields. The pair played together for one season in 2020.

While there's no real debate surrounding Stroud as a top-five selection, Smith-Njigba certainly can make an argument of his own for possessing top-10 talent.

However, he only played in three games this past season to a lingering hamstring injury. Based on the repeatable nature this ailment tends to have, there's some understandable reason for concern, and the Bears are obviously going to be ready to potentially take another pass-catcher if there's any hesitation on Smith-Njigba.

But keep in mind ... this is the same guy that, in his last fully healthy season in 2021, was putting up unreal numbers while looking like one of the best players in college football. In his last notable performance, he totaled 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns against the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl. Before that record-setting day, he had already had four straight games with at least 100 receiving yards.

Should both Stroud and Smith-Njigba get picked in the top 10, the Ohio State football program would have just another reason to celebrate two of its most talented players in recent seasons.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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