This Ohio State Buckeyes star is seeing his NFL Draft stock increase for an unexpected reason.

This Ohio State Buckeyes Star is Seeing His NFL Draft Stock Increase for an Unexpected Reason

As college football continues to generate excitement and fervor every season, players routinely rise to the occasion, showcasing their talents on national stages, and preparing for their eventual journey to the NFL. While some players earn notoriety for their explosive performances or sheer physical prowess, others make their mark in unexpected ways. One such player at Ohio State University is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whose NFL Draft stock has been steadily rising for a reason that may surprise many.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a star wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is gaining attention from NFL scouts not just for his on-field talent, but for a unique set of reasons that go beyond his typical highlight-reel moments. While many players build their NFL Draft profiles through the usual measures—record-breaking seasons, athletic combines, and standout individual games—Smith-Njigba’s rise is due to something entirely different. His ability to adjust his game to multiple offensive schemes, his leadership qualities, and the way he’s handled adversity, especially after his injury in 2022, has caught the eye of NFL evaluators.

In this article, we will explore how Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s NFL Draft stock has been affected by a combination of unexpected factors, including his versatility, leadership, and resilience in overcoming injury setbacks, making him a standout prospect as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches.

Early Career and the Rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s journey to becoming a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft didn’t happen overnight. He arrived at Ohio State in 2020 as a highly touted recruit from Rockwall, Texas, ranked as one of the top wide receivers in the country. During his freshman year, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates through his work ethic and attention to detail. Although he didn’t start immediately, it was clear that Smith-Njigba had a natural ability to make plays, and it didn’t take long for him to showcase his skills.

It was in the 2021 season that Smith-Njigba truly made a name for himself. As a sophomore, he broke out in a major way, compiling 1,606 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors. His performance was highlighted by an unforgettable showing in the Rose Bowl against Utah, where he set an Ohio State single-game record for receiving yards with 347. His chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud was evident, and he quickly became one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country.

That 2021 season positioned Smith-Njigba as one of the top receivers in college football heading into the 2022 campaign. However, the road ahead would not be as smooth as expected.

The Setback: Injury and Resilience

Unfortunately for Smith-Njigba, the 2022 season was marred by injury. Despite being a top contender for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best wide receiver, he struggled with a nagging hamstring injury that kept him out for a significant portion of the season. Although he showed flashes of his elite talent, including a highlight reel performance against Notre Dame in Week 1, his injuries limited his ability to contribute at a consistent level.

Many college football analysts and NFL scouts were concerned about Smith-Njigba’s injury and how it would affect his draft stock. There were fears that he might not be able to showcase the skills that had made him such a coveted prospect just a year earlier. However, this adversity ultimately proved to be one of the defining moments of his career. Instead of allowing the injury to derail his future, Smith-Njigba worked tirelessly behind the scenes to rehab and get back on the field, demonstrating the same resilience and work ethic that had been a hallmark of his success.

This willingness to fight through adversity and prove that he could overcome physical setbacks had a profound impact on his stock in the eyes of NFL evaluators. Although Smith-Njigba wasn’t able to deliver another standout season in 2022, his determination and commitment to his recovery were noted as key qualities that make him a valuable prospect.

The Unexpected Factor: Leadership and Versatility

While Smith-Njigba’s 2022 season didn’t showcase the same jaw-dropping stats as his previous year, one of the unexpected factors that is contributing to his rise in the NFL Draft rankings is his leadership and versatility. As an NFL prospect, these qualities are often overlooked in favor of raw athleticism or production. However, Smith-Njigba’s impact on Ohio State’s offense extends far beyond his ability to catch passes.

Ohio State’s offense in 2022 was incredibly dynamic, with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. emerging as one of the top players in the nation. Despite the attention that Harrison received, Smith-Njigba played a key role in keeping the unit cohesive and operating at a high level. His leadership skills, both on and off the field, were critical in helping Ohio State’s young players adapt and step up when needed. Whether it was offering advice to teammates or helping younger receivers learn the nuances of the offense, Smith-Njigba played a crucial mentoring role.

In fact, Smith-Njigba’s selflessness in embracing his leadership role has caught the attention of NFL scouts, who value players with high character and the ability to contribute to a team dynamic. The impact of leadership in a team sport like football cannot be overstated, and NFL teams looking to add a player with maturity and mental toughness have taken note of Smith-Njigba’s commitment to his teammates and the game.

Moreover, his versatility within Ohio State’s offense also played a major role in increasing his draft stock. Smith-Njigba’s ability to operate in a variety of roles has been impressive. Though primarily a wide receiver, Smith-Njigba is known for his ability to play in multiple spots along the formation. Whether he is lining up in the slot or out wide, he has proven his capability to run a full route tree and perform at a high level in each position.

His versatility in adapting to different offensive schemes and understanding how to contribute no matter where he lines up has impressed scouts. This is a particularly valuable trait in the modern NFL, where offenses are often built around multiple receiving threats and the ability to create mismatches through alignment and motion. Smith-Njigba’s ability to operate both inside and outside gives him an advantage, as he can be utilized in a variety of ways by an NFL team.

The NFL Combine: Performance Under Pressure

While the 2022 season didn’t provide the massive numbers that some fans expected, Smith-Njigba’s NFL Combine performance in 2023 helped solidify his position as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite not participating in all aspects of the combine due to lingering injury concerns, his ability to perform in individual drills stood out.

Smith-Njigba’s route running and hands were widely praised during his workouts, with scouts noting his precise movements and ability to get open against tight coverage. He demonstrated quick, sharp cuts in his routes, a testament to his skill in creating separation from defenders. These performances at the combine further validated what many had seen on tape: Smith-Njigba possesses the technical expertise and football IQ to succeed at the next level.

Additionally, Smith-Njigba’s ability to show resilience despite past injuries and perform in a high-pressure situation like the NFL Combine cemented his status as a prospect teams could count on. His recovery, physical condition, and professional demeanor served as an unexpected but powerful part of his draft narrative.

The Rise in NFL Draft Stock

The combination of Smith-Njigba’s leadership, resilience, versatility, and NFL Combine performance has made him one of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. While the injury-plagued 2022 season might have dimmed his spotlight for a time, it is the way he responded to adversity that has allowed him to stand out from the pack.

NFL scouts are beginning to view him as not just a receiver, but as an all-around athlete and leader with the tools to succeed in the professional ranks. His leadership qualities, ability to adapt, and the lessons he has learned from overcoming setbacks have contributed significantly to his rising stock. Many analysts believe that Smith-Njigba’s best football is still ahead of him, and his maturation as both a player and leader in the Ohio State program makes him a prime candidate to make an impact at the next level.

In a wide receiver class that includes top talents like Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee and Jordan Addison from USC, Smith-Njigba has managed to rise above the competition. His work ethic, adaptability, and leadership on and off the field could very well make him a standout player at the next level, and it has made him an even more attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking a reliable and dynamic wide receiver.