Scarlet Sunrise: ESPN NFL Draft analyst ranks Jaxon Smith-Njigba top wideout in class

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ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller ranks Jaxon Smith-Njigba top wideout in class

When Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba — who missed all but three games this season with a hamstring injury — opted out of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 5 and declared for the NFL Draft, he received a good bit of criticism, and not just from fans. Most notably, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay said that, according to NFL scouts he had talked to, Smith-Njigba was “healthy enough to play” and that he was “protecting himself for the draft.”

Smith-Njigba’s father and brother came to his defense on Twitter, refuting McShay’s report about Smith-Njigba’s health. Former and current Buckeyes players also backed Smith-Njigba, noting his attempts to play against Toledo and Iowa when he could have just started planning for the league.

Unsurprisingly, McShay doesn’t have Smith-Njigba as his top receiver in this year’s draft class — he’s third in McShay’s latest position rankings — but another ESPN NFL Draft analyst does see JSN as the best wideout prospect.

Matt Miller released a list of his top-10 receiver prospects, complete with NFL player comparisons and team fits. Here’s what Miller had to say about Smith-Njigba:

“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. 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.”

Miller’s NFL comparison for Smith-Njigba? Dallas Cowboys star wideout CeeDee Lamb. As for teams Miller sees as a fit for JSN, he put down the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and New York Giants.

Ohio State signees dazzle in All-American Bowl

Seven Ohio State newcomers participated in the All-American Bowl — a high school football postseason all-star game — in San Antonio, Texas.

Lettermen Row took stock of the performances of each of the Buckeyes signees that were part of a 55-10 victory by Team East: wide receiver Brandon Inniss, wide receiver Carnell Tate, offensive tackle Luke Montgomery, safety Malik Hartford, cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt, defensive end Joshua Mickens and quarterback Lincoln Kienholz.

Kienholz tossed a pair of touchdowns, and the wideout pairing of Inniss and Tate had reservations for six. Go here to learn more about Ohio State’s representation in the Lone Star State Saturday.

Interested in more All-American Bowl coverage?

Lettermen Row recruiting analyst Matt Parker was in San Antonio this week providing around-the-clock coverage of the seven Ohio State participants in the All-American Bowl.

You can check out some of his work below:

• Luke Montgomery prepared for Ohio State journey
• Ohio State EDGE signee Joshua Mickens wins with speed, length
• Ohio State quarterback signee Lincoln Kienholz ready for next steps
• Ohio State wide receiver signee Brandon Inniss speaks about Brian Hartline, Michigan
• Top Ohio State performers after second day of All-American Bowl practices concludes
• Top Ohio State performers after first day of All-American practice concludes

Malik Hartford (@MalikHartford) jumps it perfectly but can’t come up with the interception against his own quarterback, Lincoln Kienholz (@LincolnKienholz) pic.twitter.com/iLlIRlKJwg

— Matt Parker (@MattParkerLR) January 4, 2023

Good 🌰 on 🌰 rep between @carnelltate_ and @CSimpsonHunt pic.twitter.com/L5GDhYXmOm

— Matt Parker (@MattParkerLR) January 4, 2023

It’s just too easy @brandon5star2 pic.twitter.com/RMPEaJVebF

— Matt Parker (@MattParkerLR) January 4, 2023

Ohio State hoops plays at Maryland Sunday at 1 p.m.

Ohio State looks to get back on track Sunday at 1 p.m. against a Maryland team that has lost five of its last seven games after starting the season 8-0. The Terrapins are coming off back-to-back double-digit losses to Rutgers and Michigan. In fact, the Wolverines — who have their own fair share of issues this year — beat Maryland, 81-46.

The No. 24 Buckeyes (10-4, 2-1 Big Ten), on the other hand, let a 12-point first-half lead slip against top-ranked Purdue Thursday night at home. Ohio State even led by three points with 40 seconds remaining yet faltered down the stretch of a 71-69 defeat. More importantly, however, center Zed Key left the game less than four minutes in with a left shoulder sprain. There’s still no update on his availability right now.

Sunday afternoon’s game between Ohio State and Maryland will be broadcast on ESPN.

READ: Back from concussion, Eugene Brown III trying to find his place in Buckeyes rotation

READ: Notebook: Late-game Ohio State issues flare up against Boilermakers

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 237 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 321 days

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