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Jaxon Smith-Njigba selected in first round of 2023 NFL Draft

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was sidelined for much of the 2022 season at Ohio State, but that did not wind up having a major impact on his stock for the NFL Draft.

With the No. 20 overall pick, the Seattle Seahawks selected Smith-Njigba in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He joins former teammates Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson as Buckeye receivers to become first-round picks in the past two NFL Drafts.

Coming out of a record-breaking 2021 season, expectations were high for Smith-Njigba playing alongside CJ Stroud once again in 2022. Unfortunately, an injury in the season opener against Notre Dame would limit Smith-Njigba to 5 catches for 43 yards in just 3 games played.

The good news for Smith-Njigba is he put enough of his game on tape during the 2021 season when he set Ohio State’s single-season records in catches (95) and receiving yards (1,606).

In the process, Smith-Njigba set the highest grade for an OSU WR during the PFF era.

One concern for Smith-Njigba in the draft process remained his overall health, particularly after his lower-body injury last season and opting not to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He did ease those concerns with solid numbers in other testing categories and eventually posted a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.

Smith-Njigba will best be remembered for his Rose Bowl performance when he posted 15 catches for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns in a thrilling win over Utah.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.