'The Real Deal': NFL Coaches Weigh In On Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a projected first-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and NFL positional coaches had both their praises and questions about his game.

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman interviewed NFL quarterback and wide receiver coaches to discuss the prospects in what was called a "really weak" pass-catching class by one coach.

Feldman kept the identities of his interview subjects anonymous, but the general consensus on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was that he'll play the slot wide receiver position in the NFL.

“I do think Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a great player, but is he a slot only?" NFL quarterback coach 3 said. "They never get pressed at OSU. Great hands."

Two league wide receiver positional coaches raved about Smith-Njigba's route-running and agility.

NFL wide receiver coach 2 said the Rockwall, TX. native ran "plenty fast" at the combine in Indianapolis, despite not participating in the 40-yard dash.

“Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s change of direction numbers at the combine were truly elite, and that stuff really does show up on film," NFL wide receiver coach 2 said. "I like him more than Wilson or Olave. He plays a lot stronger and has a better feel and he gets better separation. I think he’s the only receiver in this group I’d take anywhere near the top 15.”

NFL wide receiver coach 3 said the three-year Buckeye "has all the tools" to move from the slot to an X or Z receiver position.

“Smith-Njigba is the real deal," NFL wide receiver coach 3 said. "The most all-around complete WR in this draft. He’s crisp. Such a good route runner.”

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