With most college football players having only bowl games remaining on their schedules, many are beginning to declare for this spring’s draft. One notable member of that group announced on Monday that he will forego his remaining eligibility despite being a member of a playoff-bound team. 
Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba has declared for the NFL draft, citing the fact that he will not be healthy in time to play in the Buckeyes’ upcoming CFP semifinal against Georgia. The decision confirms that injuries suffered in 2022 will limit his contributions to just three games and five receptions this season.
“I want to be out there competing with my brothers more than anything,” the junior said, via ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “The decision to turn pro was made after I was unable to come back on multiple occasions during the season and the doctors determined I would be unable to participate in the playoffs.”
The 6-0, 197-pounder had a modest freshman year, recording just 10 catches. His production the following year, however, made him one of the most celebrated WR prospects in the country. He set a new Big Ten record with 1,606 receiving yards, which came off of a team-leading 95 receptions. Smith-Njigba added nine touchdowns along the way.
Of note amidst those numbers, of course, is the fact that he was able to compile them on a team which also featured eventual first-rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Their departures led to sky-high expectations this season, but a lingering hamstring injury kept Smith-Njigba sidelined for most of the campaign. While that could hurt his draft stock, the decision by the Lions last spring to trade up and select Jameson Williams in spite of his ACL tear is a recent example of an NFL team being willing to accept the risk associated with an elite talent.
For Smith-Njigba (who is aiming to recover in time to participate in the Combine), that means he is still expected to hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft, something which will once again accompany significant expectations. Ohio State, meanwhile, will need to continue leaning heavily on sophomore phenom Marvin Harrison Jr. in the passing game when they look to upset Georgia.
Ya right. Why play with no pay? It will be interesting to see how NFL evaluators view him.
Future Jaguar. Calling it.
Seems like an unlikely fit. JSN will likely be seen by most as primarily a slot option, and the Jags already spent a ton to give Kirk that treatment.
I think he has much more potential than a slot receiver even at 6 even.
He certainly could. I mean, that was the worry about Justin Jefferson, too, and it turned out to be totally wrong. But a team with such a firm commitment in the slot would definitely have to believe otherwise more than other teams.
True. I don’t see the jags taking him honestly. Ridley returning, Kirk, and Jones just signed this year is crowded.
As a Packer fan, I’d love to see him go there but then again I’d love to see any first round receiver go there haha.
A short receiver in the first round seems like a double no for the Packers. As for the Jags, I could see them going receiver in the first round (in addition to the risk, Ridley isn’t locked up), but maybe someone more like Quentin Johnston—not that I’m the first to draw that link.
They have taller guys in Watson and Doubs already though. Move on from Lazard and onto JSN.
Still, it just doesn’t sound like them. They like drafting big, athletic guys in the first round in addition to the fact that they don’t draft receivers in the first round. They also tend to go for bigger guys even in the slot, outside of Cobb. Their receivers need to be able to block, for one thing.
Great sports family. Would be fun to see him land in Pittsburgh.
Even if he was healthy it is clear Harrison Jr is the star WR on that team and Egbuka has much more upside, could JSN even beat out Fleming now?
I agree on Harrison I would like Seattle to take him. Think in 2 years him DK and Lockett. You could play all 3 in any spot on the field.
Not sure how many saw it but he was up against Peterson. Got a penalty for getting in Petersons face. Was stupid they both were jaw jacking. It was after Peterson had him wrapped up going into the and zone. Should have at least been a holding penalty.
Later DK went into motion and waved for Peterson to follow him. He didn’t but DK beat him later to score a TD. DK needs to grow up. A couple plays before he got his penalty I told my son he needs to keep himself in line or will get a stupid penalty.