Todd McShay shares criticism he heard about Jaxon Smith-Njigba

ESPN’s Todd McShay shared criticism he heard about Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba ahead of the NFL Draft. The Buckeyes star barely played in 2022 after his breakout season the previous fall.

Despite that, Smith-Njigba was expected to be a first-round pick, but that is not the case according to McShay. Based on what the draft expert heard, Smith-Njigba could fall a bit down the draft.

McShay shared his insight on ESPN’s First Draft Podcast.

“Coming into the season prior to the injury, talking to scouts, it was like, ‘All right, his production was outstanding and what he did was amazing,’” McShay said. “But maybe it’s more system than talent, because where’s the explosive trait? Where’s the speed? Where’s the vertical ability? There’s drops on tape. So there’s all those things, but then you go back and you said he found a way. 

“So I struggle with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I really do because I see the talent there. I see the ability to create, but I do think he’s going to be a No. 3 receiver and every NFL scout I’ve talked to said you take a No. 3 early, mid-second round. That’s not a first round pick. Not No. 5 five overall. It’s fine. We can disagree on that. It’s okay, but I just think there’s something missing there. And maybe I’ll be proven wrong.”

However, Mel Kiper debuted his Mock Draft 1.0 and placed Smith-Njigba No. 13 overall to the New York Jets. That would reunite him with fellow Ohio State alum Garrett Wilson.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba could fall in NFL Draft?

But, the year did not go as anticipated for Smith-Njigba and the criticism ahead of the draft could cost him. Plus, Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff despite not having him on the field.

Smith-Njigba played just three games and had five catches for 43 yards this season. Last year, he had 95 catches, 1,606 yards, nine touchdowns and 16.9 yards per catch.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Smith-Njigba was a five-star prospect out of Rockwall (Texas) High, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 5 overall prospect in the class, the No. 3 wide receiver in the class and the No. 28 overall prospect in the class.

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The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.