Jaxon Smith-Njigba Scouting Report: This Year’s Most Reliable Slot Receiver

Coming into the 2022 season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was looking like a sure-fire top-ten pick. But now because of a hamstring injury and lack of reps in the 2022 season, he might not even go in the top 20. However, after the combine, he proved his shiftiness and burst were top-notch. His combine might get him drafted in the mid-teens of the draft. Nonetheless, he’ll be a great day-one slot and can potentially develop into a high-end number-two. He doesn’t have the required traits to become a true X-receiver, but that doesn’t mean he can’t achieve great production in the right role. There are a wide array of things he does well that you wouldn’t expect out of a slot. He got overshadowed by the insane talent Ohio State has had at receiver so he never became the focal point of an offense. How his career pans out will largely depend on how he’s used, but regardless he is a safe pick in the mid-late first.

Four games were evaluated and clips from his film are broken down here. All relevant traits were graded based on his film. Stats and analytics such as PFF grades were also factored into his scouting report. Thank you to both TFG and PFF for inspiring this draft content. Please leave your feedback on Twitter, @FBIntellect.

Receiving Stats

2022 (through WK 3):

2021:

Clip Analysis

In this clip above, Smith-Njigba shows fantastic RAC ability as multiple defenders were in a position to tackle him. He uses his quickness and stellar vision to elude the tacklers.

This is a remarkable play by JSN. He first runs a terrific route and blows by the slot defender, then makes an incredible play after the catch.

In this one, he simply makes a very impressive difficult catch – this is great ball-tracking ability.

Grades

Traits/ Skills (see bottom of the page for scale)

Each trait/attribute is graded 1-7.

Player Notes

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Bio

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an uber-reliable slot with a multitude of plus traits. He currently ranks 18th on the FBI 2023 Big Board.

Pros

• He has an elite burst paired with very light and agile feet.
• He stuck out among a loaded receiving group.
• Has impressive ball-tracking ability and body control for only being a slot.
• Was consistently getting separation in the short-intermediate area; understands leverage very well when running routes.
• Runs crisp and smooth routes with very good footwork against press.
• Does a great job of selling routes with head fakes and misdirection.
• Has ultra-reliable hands and can come down with catches preceding contact.
• He had great chemistry and connection with QB C.J. Stroud and was able to identify coverages and attack them with ease.
• Has good consistent run blocking.
• Has an effective juke move and knows how to elude contact; runs with good vision.
• Play strength and contact balance are a plus.

Cons

• He lacks the frame and jumping ability to be a dominant possession receiver.
• His lack of high-end speed will limit his upside and possibly his role in the NFL.
• Didn’t face a lot of press throughout college, will be a big learning curve if he’s asked to play outside.
• His vertical route tree has a long way to go.
• Benefited greatly from his scheme and QB play.
• Arm length and hand size are on the smaller end.
• He didn’t run at the combine – speed is a huge question mark considering he’s viewed as a top-tier prospect.

Final Conclusion

Following the combine, despite him not running, I am thoroughly impressed with his numbers and think he can be a dominant slot player. His shuttle and three-cone are on par with Julian Edelman who he’s very reminiscent of. If he plays the right role, expect him to be a star at the pro level. Just accept he’ll never be a true number-one guy.

Combine

40 yd:

10 yd:

Shuttle: 3.93

3 cone: 6.57

Broad: 10’5″

Vertical: 35″

Bench:

Arm Length: 30 1/2″

Hand Size: 9″

Grading Scale

Pot=Potential: players’ highest upside

Imp=Impact: player’s immediate impact