Top draft fits for Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The 2023 draft class is certainly deep at wide receiver, and most draft experts believe Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the top prospect among the group.

Though he played just three games in 2022, Smith-Njigba had an impressive season the year before, totaling 95 receptions, 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns while splitting time with first-round wideouts Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

Although he missed Ohio State’s final 10 games, Smith-Njigba had a strong showing at the NFL Combine and OSU’s pro day. Draft position aside, here are the three best fits for Smith-Njigba as he makes the jump to the NFL.

Houston Texans

Brandin Cooks is in Dallas and the Texans are without a No. 1 receiver. While Robert Woods and Nico Collins are fine players, neither worry opposing defensive coordinators much. It makes all the sense in the world, especially if the Texans take a quarterback in the top 10, to give him a No. 1 weapon like Smith-Njigba, who could thrive in a system like Houston’s, which emphasizes receivers making plays and gaining yards after the catch.

Smith-Njigba would give Houston options. He could rotate out wide with Collins and allow Woods to work from the slot, or he could rotate into the slot and allow others to focus on quick, out-breaking routes that move the chains. 

Green Bay Packers

The Packers were certainly happy with the totality of Christian Watson’s rookie season, but the bulk of his numbers come during a four-week stretch from Nov. 13 through Dec. 4. And while 41 receptions, 611 yards and seven touchdowns is fine production for a rookie, it doesn’t exactly scream No. 1 wideout.

Enter Smith-Njigba, who’s one of the smoothest route runners in the draft. The Packers could maximize his ability to create separation and manipulate defensive backs in coverage, giving them a balanced group of WRs with explosiveness (Watson) and all-around ability (Smith-Njigba).

Tennessee Titans

Aside from the obvious Ohio State connection with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Smith-Njigba checks a lot of boxes for Tennessee. Last year’s first-round pick Treylon Burks needs a running mate after the team released Woods, its leading receiver from a year ago.

Burks is an explosive playmaker and offers big-play potential with every route he runs. Smith-Njigba brings a well-rounded skillset and underrated ability to win contested catches that would certainly help bring the 30th-ranked Titans passing game out of the doldrums. With Burks in tow, there wouldn’t be much pressure on Smith-Njigba to be “the guy” from Day 1.