2023 mock NFL Draft 3.0: Final 11th-hour edition (with trades)
Buckeyes . Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 12. player. 812. . Wide Receiver
On the clock: Pick No. 12: Houston Texans – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Mock Draft 1.0: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Mock Draft 2.0: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The media drastically overhyped how good the receiver class was this season, with only Jaxon Smith-Njigba seen as a true first-round prospect by teams. Even if Houston doesn’t come out of the draft with a quarterback, they definitely need multiple upgrades at receiver.
Smith-Njigba had 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021 despite being the third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave at Ohio State. He’s been a bit under the radar as injuries derailed his 2022 season, but he’s still seen as the best receiver in the class.
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
Ohio State knows how to develop receives and make them NFL-ready, and Smith-Njigba is no exception. He runs a good route tree from his time at the Buckeyes, has a good size (6-foot-1, 196 pounds) and excellent hands for plucking out passes.
Smith-Njigba might not have the blazing speed to be a true separation threat in the NFL, but he has the functional athleticism and excellent route running that will see him make a lot of big plays as a pro.