The Case for Jaxon Smith-Njigba With Packers’ First-Round Pick

In this series, we’ll introduce you to players who could be drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Part 2: Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about a variety of topics ranging from Aaron Rodgers to Patrick Mahomes to beer. Among Aikman’s noteworthy comments: A quarterback is only as good as his third receiver.

The Packers have one receiver with Christian Watson. They might have two with Romeo Doubs. Who’s No. 3?

Perhaps it’s Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Packers, of course, haven’t drafted a receiver in the first round in two decades. That’s the second-longest drought in the NFL.

That doesn’t mean it’s against franchise bylaws to draft a receiver. There have been other needs. There’s been the team’s rich history of finding star receivers in the second round. There’s the belief that Aaron Rodgers can make average receivers good and good receivers great.

Could this be the year when the Packers, picking 15th, take the plunge?

Don’t laugh.

At the Scouting Combine, which wrapped up on Sunday in Indianapolis, the Packers held formal interviews with two receivers who could be on the board at their spot in the first round: TCU’s Quentin Johnston and Smith-Njigba. It’s Smith-Njigba who checks the boxes of being a potential best player available at a position of need.

With Watson and Doubs on the perimeter, the Packers could use a slot receiver after swinging and missing on Amari Rodgers in the third round in 2021.

Smith-Njigba dominated from the slot in 2021. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith-Njigba from the slot ranked fifth with 87 receptions, third with 1,367 yards and seventh with eight touchdowns. He was second in yards per route.

Remember, 2022 first-round picks and rookie standouts Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were part of that offense and commanding targets, as well.

“I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft,” Smith-Njigba said when asked why he should be the first receiver off the board. “I see myself as a top-five player, not just receiver. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft, just being able to make plays and given the opportunities. You know, you throw me the ball seven to nine times, I can win you the game. And I think that speaks for itself.”

In 2021, Smith-Njigba beat Wilson and Olave in receptions (95 compared to 70 for Wilson and 65 for Olave) and yards (1,606 vs. 1,058 for Wilson and 936 for Olave). However, he missed most of the 2022 season with a hamstring injury.

“Very frustrating last year,” he said. “Never really had an injury that set me out for games or even practices or stuff like that. But I feel like I'm going to come out a better person, better man, better player. So, I'm definitely thankful. Just looking at it as a positive.”

Smith-Njigba said he’s been 100 percent healthy for the past couple weeks. Wanting to take it slow to “close this book” on the injury, he chose not to run a 40 at the Scouting Combine.

That’s OK because the 6-foot-1, 196-pounder aced the agility drills with a 3.93 in the 20-yard shuttle and a 6.57 in the three-cone drill.

The Packers covet players with swift shuttles. According to Pro Football Reference, only three receiver prospects beat that mark over the previous 15 Combines. Brandin Cooks led the way with a 3.81.

The three-cone is of far less importance. Over that same span, only 10 receivers beat Smith-Njigba’s three-cone. Just three of those players were even drafted – including J’Mon Moore by the Packers in 2018.

“I think it's a little disrespectful,” he said of people who question his speed. “But I'm ready to showcase that, definitely. Wish I could do it here and get it over with but, you know, it's fine. We'll take more time and surprise a lot of people at pro day.”

Heading into their 2021 seasons, Wilson called Smith-Njigba “probably the best I’ve ever seen.” At the Super Bowl last month, Wilson called Smith-Njigba “cold-blooded.”

Smith-Njigba, who said Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs are among the receivers he likes to watch, appreciates the praise but knows it’s up to him to prove that he’s as good as – if not better than – Wilson and Olave.

“Honestly, I mean, in my eyes, I think they're the best,” he said. “They're doing it right now, they're showing out in the league, so I definitely appreciate them saying that. It means a lot but, as me being a younger guy, I feel like just me being able to watch how they work and take things from their game, I think just gives me maybe an upper hand, an advantage. But without those guys, definitely wouldn't be where I am today.”

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The #Packers could have a major need at tight end. In a rarity, a deep draft class awaits. That group lived up to the hype at the Scouting Combine.https://t.co/CfDfIVaojL

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) March 5, 2023

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