Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Proves 1st Round Value At NFL Combine

Jaxon Smith-Njigba might have proven to be WR No. 1 in this year's draft following the NFL Combine.

Any NFL scout that still questions Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's long speed might have a point.

Everything else about his game was answered Saturday afternoon during the 90-min drill session at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

Smith-Njigba, the potential top receiver in this year's draft, slammed the door shut on his injury concerns during the NFL Scouting Combine last weekend. After dealing with a hamstring injury that limited him to three games in 2022, the junior pass-catcher looked smooth running routes and tracking balls on the turf while working with a handful of quarterbacks trying to prove their worth in front of executives and general managers.

In a class that doesn't feature a consensus No.1 receiver, Smith-Njigba might be pulling away with the title of WR1. Sure, he'll need to show off his 40-time during Ohio State's Pro Day later this month, but all the tools teams covet in a bonafide No. 1 weapon were on display.

Even without a 40-time, Smith-Njigba's speed might no longer be in question. His 3.93 20-yard shuttle time was the fastest among all prospects that worked out during the combine.

Strike that. The 3.93 was the fastest time recorded by a prospect since 2017, according to Mock Draftable. Smith-Njigba's 3-cone drill of 6.57 seconds was also the fastest among all prospects, beating Princeton's Andrei Iosivas by .28 seconds.

Speed and athleticism have been traits associated with Smith-Njigba. Consistent has been his best asset. Last season Chris Olave posted a 10-foot-4 broad jump and a 32-inch vertical. Smith-Njigba's numbers (10-foot-5, 35-inch vertical) nearly mirrored that of the 11th overall pick.

What exactly does the 20-yard shuttle or the 3-cone drill have to do with Smith-Njigba's draft status? Plenty when looking at the big picture. Projected to be a slot receiver at the next level, showing off the quick lateral in short-yardage situations only boosts Smith-Njigba's status as a receiver that can make plays across the middle of the field.

When healthy, that was a specialty for No. 11 when connecting with quarterback C.J. Stroud. In 2021, Smith-Njigba led the Buckeyes in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,606), and yards per catch (16.6). He was targeted 10 or more times in six games, including the final five contests where he averaged 12 receptions per game.

“I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft,” Smith-Njigba said Friday during his pre-draft interview. “From playing basketball (as a kid), I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. Just being able to create and react to the defender is the strong point in my game, and taking advantage of that. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done.”

While Smith-Njigba might not be the first receiver selected come April 27, his short-yardage times will at least keep teams interested. And all it takes is one franchise to buy in on the upside and make him a first-round target when on the clock. 

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