With the 2023 NFL draft just days away, former Ohio State football star, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is likely to be the first receiver off the board. He unfortunately missed most of last season with a hamstring injury, but his Big Ten record of 1,606 receiving yards in 2021 is more than enough evidence that he deserves to be a coveted prospect.
There will be plenty of OSU stars that either parade across the stage beginning Thursday night or get a phone call of a lifetime, but Smith-Njigba’s case is an interesting one with the skills he possesses and what we didn’t get to see from him last season.
Because of that, the NFL mock drafts and projections are all over the place, and we’re doing our best to sort it all out. These five teams stand out as the most likely destinations for the star wide receiver.
Chicago Bears
Who would Justin Fields take in the first round if he were GM of the Bears?
His guy, Jaxon Smith-Njigba @jaxon_smith1#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/EdQPou3diI
— AthletesInSpace (@AthletesInSpace) February 16, 2023
The Pick
No. 9 overall (First Round)
Why it Makes Sense
Reuniting Justin Fields with his former teammate would complete the Bears’ wide receiver room that also added D.J. Moore this offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Pick
No. 10 Overall (First Round)
Why it Makes Sense
With A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith on the roster wide receiver isn’t a need for the Eagles. However, the prospect of those two on the outside with Jaxon Smith-Njigba working from the slot may be too intriguing to pass up.
Houston Texans
The Pick
No. 12 Overall (First Round)
Why it Makes Sense
On an offense that currently lacks talent at receiver, the Texans could use a consistent separator like Smith-Njigba. This scenario would be especially intriguing if the Texans took C.J. Stroud second overall as well.
Green Bay Packers
The Pick
No. 13 Overall (First Round)
Why it Makes Sense
Christian Watson took off in the second half of last season for the Packers, but Jordan Love is going to need more weapons to work with next year. Smith-Njigba would give the first-year starter a security blanket.
New England Patriots
The Pick
No. 14 Overall (First Round)
Why it Makes Sense
With the Patriots’ struggles to move the ball consistently last year, adding another receiver is a priority. If Smith-Njigba is still on the board for them he should be highly considered.
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