Ohio State WR Named Top Chargers Draft Target

He could maximize his role right away with the Bolts.

When looking at exactly what the Los Angeles Chargers need heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, it is pretty clear that another WR is more of a preference than a necessity. They certainly have more glaring issues that need to be addressed should they want to grow into contenders but the right WR could propel their offense to new levels.

Many have looked Jordan Addison's way to fill this role as he is a local kid from USC and even Zay Flowers, a skilled pass-catcher from Boston College. However, there is another name that is up there with both of these guys and that is Jaxson Smith-Njiba.

Smith's draft stock is mainly based off of his sole healthy season at Ohio State University where he recorded over 1,000 yards on 95 receptions. A columnist from Back Sports Page believes he should be the number one option for LA this year.

"The player whom many view as the number one receiver in this year’s class, Jaxson Smith-Njigba’s performance against Utah in the Rose Bowl two years ago solidified his status as the best receiver going into last year’s collegiate season. However good he might be running routes and tracking the football mid-air, it’s difficult to deny how limited his use may be in the NFL. An excellent pickup for the Chargers at 21, he’d make an immediate impact from the slot but again, it’s difficult to project how he’d fair if asked to be the focal point of a passing game as he was never the primary target throughout his time in Columbus."

(Via Back Sports Page)

The big question here, much like with many other top prospects, is whether or not twenty other teams will pass on Smith so that way the Chargers even have the chance to think about taking him.

If this were to be the case thought, it is a no-brainer. He would fit in nicely taking pressure off of LA's primary receivers and grow along them.