2023 mock NFL Draft 2.0: Fallout from free agency wave and NFL Combine
812. . Wide Receiver. Buckeyes . Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 12. player
On the clock: NFL Draft Pick No. 12: Houston Texans – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Mock Draft 1.0 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Incredibly it’s taken until Pick No. 12 to replicate a pick from the first mock draft, which gives an indication on the ever changing dynamic we’re seeing this season. In this case wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an even better fit for the Texans, as they would be reuniting him with his quarterback C.J. Stroud in this scenario.
The Texans traded Brandin Cooks, so they’ll be looking for a true No. 1 receiver. 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 derailed his 2022 season, but he still remains one of the top receiving prospects in the Draft.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba proved himself to be the most agile receiver at the combine, is taller than Chris Olave, and just ran a 4.5 at his pro day.
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) March 22, 2023
He’s looking like WR1✅ @jaxon_smith1 pic.twitter.com/hq1iv9HE6T
Smith-Nijgba is a fast receiver with a good route tree from his time at Ohio State. He doesn’t just rely on speed, though, his excellent route running allows him to gain separation and make big plays.
Houston is in the midst of a big rebuild, so they’ve the luxury of being able to take the best players available to help their rookie quarterback. In this scenario, reuniting quarterback and No. 1 receiver would be an excellent day for the team.