ESPN Draft analyst Matt Miller explains where Jaxon Smith-Njigba stacks up with 2022 class

Jaxson Smith-Njigba could have be a first round selection in last April’s NFL Draft if it weren’t for age restrictions, according to ESPN Draft analyst Matt Miller, who believes the incoming junior is poised to have another breakout season at Ohio State in 2022.

“He’s up there, definitely,” ESPN’s Matt Miller said. “As you know, last year’s top receivers – guys like Jameson Williams, Drake London – got hurt so that bumped their stock down a little bit. But I think we can even compare [Smith-Njigba] to the guys that were just at Ohio State who were first draft picks in Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson.

“I think he might actually be a better prospect and both of those players – who were great in their own right – because he’s a little more advanced as a route runner. He has a little better size-to-speed ratio, even though he’s not the biggest guy.”

Former teammates Wilson and Olave, drafted No. 10 and No. 11 overall, respectively, combined for 1,994 yards last season for the Buckeyes and were the second and third wideouts off the board, while London was selected No. 8 and Williams at No. 12.

Standing at 6-feet and just under 200 pounds, Smith-Njigba was put under a national microscope thanks to his record-breaking Rose Bowl performance that saw him haul in 15 passes, including three touchdowns, from superstar quarterback C.J. Stroud for 347 yards in the Buckeyes’ 48-45 shootout over Utah with no Olave or Wilson in the lineup.

Smith-Njigba will now look to build on his resume before likely heading to the 2023 NFL Draft, where he’s expected to be a first round selection, per multiple outlets. If his 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore are anything to predicate his junior season on – Smith-Njigba, Stroud and the Buckeyes might combine to have the most explosive offensive in college football next season.

“No one can stop Jaxson Smith-Njigba,” Miller said. “We’ll see if anybody in the Big 10 can this year, but it doesn’t look good for Big 10 defenses.”

Regardless if 2022 is Smith-Njigba’s last year in a Buckeye uniform or not, being considered on par with first round NFL talent is high praise considering the Texas native only has one complete season of college football under his belt.