The New York Giants have once again been linked to a former Ohio State Buckeye.

The New York Giants, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, have a long history of success, filled with multiple Super Bowl victories, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. However, in recent seasons, the team has struggled to regain its former dominance. As they continue to rebuild and strengthen their roster, the Giants are always looking for ways to improve, particularly through the draft and free agency. Recently, the team has been linked to a former Ohio State Buckeye, sparking interest among fans, analysts, and the media.

Ohio State has been a consistent producer of NFL talent, with many of the Buckeyes’ former players thriving in the league. The Giants have had success in selecting players from Ohio State in the past, and it seems that history may be repeating itself. The potential acquisition of this player has brought excitement and speculation as to what his addition could mean for the team moving forward.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the New York Giants’ connection to the former Ohio State Buckeye, exploring the player’s background, his strengths, how he fits into the Giants’ roster, and what it would mean for the team’s future.

The New York Giants’ Current Situation

Before examining the potential addition of this former Ohio State player, it is important to first understand the current situation of the New York Giants. While the team has shown flashes of promise, especially under head coach Brian Daboll, they are still in the process of rebuilding. The Giants had a surprising run to the playoffs in the 2022 season, but their performance in 2023 revealed that they have plenty of room for improvement.

In 2023, the Giants struggled in several key areas. Offensively, they had difficulty establishing consistency at quarterback, with Daniel Jones showing signs of improvement but still lacking the stability needed to carry the offense week in and week out. The Giants’ receiving corps was often criticized for its lack of explosiveness and playmaking ability, with some of their top pass catchers failing to step up when needed.

Defensively, the Giants have a solid foundation, particularly in the trenches with players like Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. However, the team was inconsistent in stopping the run, and their secondary, though promising, lacked a true game-changer. With the right additions, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, the Giants could become a much more complete team.

This context makes it clear that the Giants are focused on bolstering their roster to compete in a highly competitive NFC East division. The team’s front office and coaching staff are looking for talent that can make an immediate impact, and the link to a former Ohio State Buckeye is a reflection of that strategy.

The Former Ohio State Buckeye: A Player to Watch

The former Ohio State Buckeye in question is none other than Jaxon Smith-Njigba, one of the top wide receivers from the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith-Njigba was widely regarded as one of the most talented wideouts in college football during his time at Ohio State, and his connection to the New York Giants is one that has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts.

Smith-Njigba played three seasons at Ohio State, and during his tenure, he became one of the most productive and explosive receivers in the nation. He was part of an outstanding receiving corps that also included Garrett Wilson (now with the New York Jets) and Chris Olave (now with the New Orleans Saints), both of whom were selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite the immense talent surrounding him, Smith-Njigba stood out as a playmaker in his own right.

In the 2021 season, Smith-Njigba had a breakout year, recording 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His performance in the Rose Bowl that year—where he racked up 347 yards and three touchdowns—cemented his status as one of the most talented wide receivers in the country. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he was widely projected to be a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, Smith-Njigba’s 2022 season was marred by injuries, limiting his production and causing some to question whether he would still be able to perform at the level he had shown in 2021. Despite these setbacks, Smith-Njigba’s potential remained undeniable, and he was still viewed as a top prospect by many NFL teams.

What Jaxon Smith-Njigba Brings to the Giants

For the New York Giants, the prospect of adding Jaxon Smith-Njigba to their roster would be a game-changer. The Giants have struggled to find consistency at the wide receiver position for years, and Smith-Njigba could be the answer to their offensive woes. Let’s break down what Smith-Njigba would bring to the table and how he fits into the Giants’ offense.

Elite Route Running and Hands

One of Smith-Njigba’s most defining characteristics is his ability to run precise and crisp routes. Whether working out of the slot or on the perimeter, he has an innate ability to separate from defenders using a combination of quickness, body control, and sharp cuts. His ability to change direction at full speed allows him to create separation from cornerbacks, making him a dangerous weapon in the passing game.

Additionally, Smith-Njigba has excellent hands. He is known for his ability to make tough catches in traffic and track deep balls with precision. For a Giants offense that has often struggled to make big plays downfield, his ability to consistently make contested catches would be invaluable.

Versatility and Playmaking Ability

Smith-Njigba’s versatility is another major asset. He can line up both outside and inside, giving offensive coordinators the flexibility to move him around the formation. His agility and quickness make him a dangerous player after the catch, and his vision and ability to make defenders miss could provide the Giants with a much-needed playmaking spark.

Having a player like Smith-Njigba would allow the Giants to open up their offense in ways they haven’t been able to in recent seasons. His ability to create mismatches against opposing secondaries would give Daniel Jones another dynamic weapon to work with, opening up the field for the rest of the offense.

Helping Daniel Jones’ Development

One of the primary reasons for the Giants’ offensive struggles in recent years has been the inconsistency at the quarterback position. Daniel Jones has shown flashes of potential but has also struggled with turnovers and decision-making. A player like Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the perfect complement to Jones, giving him a reliable target who can create separation and make difficult catches.

Jones has a solid arm and the ability to throw the deep ball, but his best work comes when he can rely on his wide receivers to get open quickly and give him options in short and intermediate routes. Smith-Njigba’s ability to create separation quickly and his reliable hands would give Jones the confidence to make quicker decisions and execute more precise throws. With a weapon like Smith-Njigba in the lineup, Jones would have a clear target who can help elevate his game.

Fit with the Giants’ Offensive Scheme

The Giants’ offense under Brian Daboll has featured a balanced approach, with an emphasis on a strong running game and a play-action passing attack. While the team has had success with Saquon Barkley in the backfield, they have struggled to find consistency in the passing game. Adding a player like Smith-Njigba would allow the Giants to incorporate more dynamic passing plays into their scheme.

Smith-Njigba’s ability to work the middle of the field and attack defenses horizontally would give the Giants more options in their passing attack, particularly when running play-action passes. His ability to work the slot and separate from defenders would make him a perfect fit for Daboll’s offense, which relies on creating mismatches in the passing game.

The Giants’ Need for a Playmaker

The New York Giants are in a position where they must add more playmakers to their offense. With the team’s success relying heavily on the performance of the defense and the running game, the lack of a reliable pass-catching option outside of tight end Darren Waller has been a glaring weakness. While players like Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins have shown flashes, neither has consistently been a game-changer.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba would immediately fill that role, becoming a top target for the Giants and providing them with the kind of explosive playmaker they’ve been missing. His ability to stretch the field, make plays after the catch, and create separation would dramatically improve the Giants’ passing attack.