2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger
12. player. 812. . Wide Receiver. Buckeyes . Jaxon Smith-Njigba
On the clock: Pick No. 12: Houston Texans – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Texans really only have Brandin Cooks as a viable receiver, and even then, he’s been very public about wanting out of Houston. Even if he stays, the team absolutely needs to find its franchise quarterback of the future a viable receiver in front of him.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the third receiver behind first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2021, and he was still able to record 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. Injuries killed his 2022 season, but he still remains one of the top prospects in this NFL Draft.
Read More: Breaking down complete Round 1 order of 2023 NFL Draft
What stands out is his speed. Smith-Njigba stretches the field at all levels and his pace is beyond almost every NFL cornerback.
Speed isn’t the only weapon he has, however, as Ohio State does an exceptional job of coaching its wideouts for the NFL. He runs excellent routes that nab him extra room, and those routes combined with his speed are often enough to net him more yards after the catch than you would expect.
A dynamic receiver who looks set to be the next big Buckeye talent to hit an NFL offense, he’s an obvious match for a Texans team that needs to build around a new quarterback.