ESPN draft expert reveals NFL comparison, best team fits for Jaxon Smith-Njigba

It was a quiet season marred by injuries for Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Ohio State in 2022, but the Buckeyes star remains one of the top prospects entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

Before draft season gets into full swing, Matt Miller of ESPN revealed his feelings on the Ohio State star, praising him immensely and believing he could be the first wide receiver off the board come April.

“Smith-Njigba remains my top-ranked wideout because of what we have seen: eight straight games of over 95 yards to close out the 2021 season and the greatest bowl game ever for a wide receiver,” explained Miller. “He has shown excellent body control at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds while showcasing the burst and agility to create separation against NFL-caliber defenders.

“The injury must be weighed in the evaluation, but a healthy JSN is the best receiver in the class.”

Additionally, Miller wrote that Smith-Njigba’s NFL comparison is CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys. With how quickly Lamb has become one of the league’s young star pass catchers, any team would sign up to employ him.

Among them are the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and playoff-bound New York Giants — the three teams that Miller believes are the best fit for Smith-Njigba. The Texans and Falcons both possess earlier picks than the Giants, but New York could always look to trade up or hope the Ohio State star falls to them.

Regardless, Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be one of the hottest commodities come NFL Draft time, and he’ll subsequently be a hot pick for next season’s NFL Rookie of the Year. Until then, teams and experts alike will drool over his potential.

More on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 2023 NFL Draft

Headed to the 2023 NFL Draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba will still leave a lasting legacy at Ohio State.

Smith-Njigba was a breakout star for the Buckeyes at receiver in 2021, recording 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. He had a monster showing in a thrilling 48-45 Rose Bowl win over Utah, catching 11 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

He was effusive in his praise of Buckeye Nation in his departure note.

“As a young kid from Texas, I’ve always dreamed of playing football on the biggest stage. It’s humbling to think that I eventually did play not only on the biggest stage in college football, but also surrounded by the best group of people,” Smith-Njigba wrote. “My teammates, coaches, training staff, Coach (Mickey Marotti‘s) whole team, students, professors, tutors, chefs, Buckeye Nation, of course, the best damn band in the land, everyone in the Woody along with those that always pushed me to be great. Thank you for being part of my life and turning into people I’ll call family forever.

“Most of all I want to thank God for giving me strength. Leaning on him has always been my answer, and he has not failed me yet because I know I’ll come out stronger than ever.

“I’ve always appreciated the challenge of growing mentally and physically to be the best player and teammate possible on and off the field. Being there for my brothers means everything to me. Having the opportunity to do that these past three years has been an honor and life changing. It’s something I will hold deeply in my heart forever. …

“My love for Columbus, Ohio and the Buckeyes is everlasting, and I’m excited to cheer them on as we make our run this year and in the years to come.

“Love y’all Buckeye Nation.”