Dan Orlovsky praises Jaxon Smith-Njigba, says Ohio State WR possesses 'very elite' skill set for NFL

Dan Orlovsky remains high on Jaxon Smith-Njigba despite his injury-plagued season in 2022. In fact, Orlovsky sees Smith-Njigba as a total package at the wide receiver position in the NFL.

During a recent segment for ESPN, Orlovsky described Smith-Njigba as “a smoother (Detroit Lions WR) Amon-Ra St. Brown.” Orlovsky also sees Smith-Njigba as a player that knows what it takes to get open and make plays, regardless of size.

“He’s not a physical freak but he can get open,” said Orlovsky in describing what Smith-Njigba brings to the table. “Body leverage and lean, he understands that part of route-running. The ability to change tempos… that helps him get open. Separation at the top… He catches everything thrown his way, and then he does something with the ball in his hands.

“What else do we want? Outside of being 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, those guys are once-in-a-generation type of players. Everything that is needed to play WR at a high, high-level at the NFL, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has at a very elite level.”

NFL teams could be getting an elite talent in Jaxon Smith-Njigba 😤

“Everything that is needed to play WR at a high, high-level at the NFL, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has at a very elite level.” — @danorlovsky7 pic.twitter.com/R3bKeyJsrY

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 22, 2023

Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR1 in the draft?

On Wednesday, Smith-Njigba officially ran his 40-yard dash for NFL teams at Ohio State’s Pro Day. That time came in at 4.48 seconds per Ohio State’s numbers.

While that time is not going to be in the running as fastest for a WR in this year’s draft, it should not deter teams at all from Smith-Njigba’s status as arguably the top receiver in the class.