Urban Meyer, the former coach of Ohio State, reveals a huge NFL draft selection.

Urban Meyer, the Former Coach of Ohio State, Reveals a Huge NFL Draft Selection

Introduction

Urban Meyer, a name synonymous with college football greatness, has left an indelible mark on the sport. With a successful coaching tenure at some of the biggest programs in the country, most notably at Florida and Ohio State, Meyer has produced countless NFL-caliber players, while also guiding his teams to national championships. While Meyer has transitioned from coaching to other ventures, his influence on college football and the NFL draft is far from over. Recently, Meyer made headlines again, this time not with a new coaching role but by revealing a huge NFL draft selection that has sent shockwaves through the sports world.

In a move that has caught the attention of NFL executives, scouts, and college football fans, Meyer’s comments regarding a future NFL draft selection provide insight into the recruiting process and what makes a player truly stand out. Meyer’s analysis of this selection not only sheds light on the future of one player but also serves as a reflection of the ever-evolving relationship between college football and the NFL. As a former coach who has witnessed firsthand the preparation and development of elite athletes, Meyer’s words carry significant weight.

In this article, we’ll break down the significance of Meyer’s revelation, who the player in question is, the potential impact of this selection, and how Meyer’s own philosophy on player development shapes the current landscape of the NFL draft.

Urban Meyer’s Background: A Legacy of Success

To understand the gravity of Meyer’s NFL draft revelation, it’s important to first look at his background. Urban Meyer has enjoyed a remarkable career in college football, primarily known for his roles as head coach at the University of Florida and Ohio State University.

Meyer’s coaching career began in the early 2000s, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the brightest offensive minds in the game. His time at Utah (2003-2004) was marked by a stunning undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl victory, which put him on the map as one of the most promising young coaches in the country. However, it was his tenure at Florida (2005-2010) that solidified him as one of the greatest coaches of his era. Meyer’s Florida Gators won two national championships in just four years, producing numerous NFL draft picks, including standout players such as Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and Aaron Hernandez.

After his time at Florida, Meyer moved to Ohio State in 2012, where he continued to build upon his legacy. His time with the Buckeyes was highlighted by a National Championship victory in 2014, the first year of the College Football Playoff system, as well as several Big Ten championships. Under Meyer’s guidance, Ohio State produced a variety of NFL talent, including players like Zeke Elliott, Joey Bosa, and Dwayne Haskins. Meyer’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent, coupled with his strategic genius, made him a feared figure in college football.

Meyer retired from coaching after the 2018 season, citing health concerns, but his impact on the game has continued through his work as a commentator and analyst. He briefly returned to the NFL in 2021 as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, though his stint was short-lived, lasting just one season.

Despite his departure from the field, Meyer’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest coaches remains intact, and his insights into the NFL draft and player development continue to carry weight.

Meyer’s NFL Draft Revelation: A Huge Selection

Recently, Urban Meyer was asked about the upcoming NFL draft, and his answer has become a focal point of discussion in the football world. Meyer, known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to evaluate players on both the physical and mental levels, made an intriguing statement about a particular player he has worked with extensively. While the name may not be immediately recognizable to casual fans, Meyer’s words suggest that this player is primed to make a huge impact in the NFL, perhaps sooner rather than later.

Meyer revealed that he is particularly high on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State University, claiming that he is one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Smith-Njigba, who has been one of the most consistent and dominant wide receivers in college football over the past few seasons, is seen by many as one of the premier offensive talents in the draft.

Who Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. A native of Rockwall, Texas, Smith-Njigba joined Ohio State as part of a loaded wide receiver class that included future NFL stars like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. While Wilson and Olave may have garnered more attention early in their college careers, Smith-Njigba’s performance in his sophomore season in 2021 catapulted him to national recognition.

During the 2021 season, Smith-Njigba had an outstanding year, totaling over 1,600 yards and 9 touchdowns. His breakout performance came in the Rose Bowl, where he set an Ohio State bowl record with 347 receiving yards, an effort that left NFL scouts salivating. His ability to make quick cuts, his separation speed, and his ability to track the ball in the air are just a few of the qualities that have made him one of the most highly coveted wide receiver prospects in recent memory.

Although Smith-Njigba battled injury concerns in 2022, his 2021 season has cemented him as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Meyer’s endorsement of Smith-Njigba only adds to the hype surrounding the talented pass-catcher, who many believe will be one of the first wide receivers off the board.

Meyer’s Analysis of Smith-Njigba

Urban Meyer has always been known for his attention to detail, both on and off the field. His ability to break down a player’s strengths and weaknesses is unmatched, and when he speaks highly of a player, the football world takes notice. Meyer’s comments about Jaxon Smith-Njigba offer several important insights into what makes him so special and why Meyer believes he has a bright future in the NFL.

1. Football IQ and Mental Toughness

Meyer has long emphasized the importance of mental toughness and football IQ in his players. According to Meyer, Smith-Njigba’s ability to read defenses, adjust his routes, and make quick decisions in the heat of the moment sets him apart from other wide receiver prospects.

“Jaxon has an incredible understanding of the game,” Meyer said. “His ability to anticipate what’s coming, to find soft spots in zone coverage, and his understanding of timing in the passing game is elite. He’s not just a great athlete, but a great football player. His mind is what makes him a complete receiver.”

2. Separation and Route Running

Meyer also highlighted Smith-Njigba’s exceptional route-running ability and his knack for creating separation from defenders. A player’s ability to separate from defenders is often the determining factor in how effective they will be at the next level, and Meyer believes that Smith-Njigba’s ability to do so at an elite level is one of his strongest attributes.

“Jaxon is as polished a route runner as you’ll see at the college level,” Meyer added. “He knows how to use his body, his speed, and his hands to create separation. He’s a nightmare for defensive backs because he’s so difficult to predict. He can win in any route tree, and that versatility will be huge in the NFL.”

3. Explosiveness and After-Catch Ability

Meyer also emphasized Smith-Njigba’s ability to make plays after the catch. His combination of speed and vision allows him to break off big plays, and his agility in the open field makes him a dangerous weapon in the NFL.

“Once Jaxon has the ball in his hands, he becomes a different player,” Meyer said. “His explosiveness and his ability to make people miss in space is rare. He’s going to give NFL teams a weapon they can move around the field, whether it’s on quick screens, deep shots, or intermediate routes.”

The NFL Draft Outlook for Jaxon Smith-Njigba

As Meyer’s endorsement of Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to make waves, NFL teams are likely taking a hard look at the talented receiver. It’s clear that Smith-Njigba has the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level. With his football IQ, route-running ability, and playmaking after the catch, he could step into an NFL offense and make an immediate impact.

While it’s still early in the draft process, many analysts expect Smith-Njigba to be one of the top wide receivers selected in the 2025 draft. Some projections even have him going in the top 10 overall, and if his performance at the NFL Combine and other pre-draft events matches the expectations set by Meyer and others, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith-Njigba selected as one of the first receivers off the board.