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NFL Draft Expert Makes Bold Claim About Ohio State Star Jeremiah Smith

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Ohio State Buckeyes star Jeremiah Smith will not be eligible to enter the NFL until the 2027 draft.

But, given the nature of his performances in his freshman season, there's already discussion about where the wide receiver might be selected if he was part of what many consider to be an underwhelming class.

Smith broke the freshman receiving record, racking up 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, to help inspire the Buckeyes to national championship glory in 2024.

As a result of sparkling first season at the collegiate level, Smith is already one of the most highly regarded 2027 prospects.

But one NFL Draft expert made a bold claim about where Smith would be taken if he were available to be selected this year.

Asked on Wednesday how high Smith would go in that scenario, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson simply held up a finger to signify 'number one'.

Wilson added: "I asked some folks in the league about 'who would be the first wide receiver in this draft class if Jeremiah Smith were available?', and the answer was Jeremiah Smith.

.@ryanwilsonCBS says if Jeremiah Smith was eligible, he would go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/kdoBhr0ZXZ
— CBS Sports College Football (@CBSSportsCFB) March 26, 2025

"I said 'what about Travis Hunter [the likely top WR in this year's draft]?' and the answer remained Jeremiah Smith."

It may not be a vintage draft class this year, but the fact Smith is already viewed so highly within the NFL speaks to how impressive his freshman season was.

With the 2027 draft also set to feature Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and South Carolina Gamecocks edge rusher Dylan Stewart, Smith will have to maintain his remarkable trajectory to have a chance of going first overall in two years' time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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