NFL insider says teams low on wide receiver class, tabs Jaxon Smith-Njigba as No. 1 option
Glances of mock drafts from NFL analysts across the spectrum give the impression that the 2023 NFL Draft could have a run on wide receivers in the first round, similar to the run in 2022. Last year, after Drake London came off the board at No. 8 overall, teams also took wideouts from picks 10-12, at 16, and at 18.
However, according to long-time NFL scout Jim Nagy, teams this year aren’t aligned with the general media consensus. Whereas media scouts like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have four or five wide receivers with first-round grades, sources from the teams have told Nagy that only one receiver is consistently getting that grade – Ohio State‘s Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
“One thing has become clear on calls around league past couple weeks: NFL isn’t nearly as high on this year’s WR class as media,” Nagy tweeted. “Frequently seeing 4-5 wideouts in mocks.
“Have spoken to numerous teams that have only one first-round grade at the position. That guy is JSN.”
Although many of the top prospects at the position have been busy taking top-30 visits around the country, it doesn’t necessarily mean teams are eager to use a first-round selection on them.
Teams, media agree on Jaxon Smith-Njigba
There may not be consensus on Boston College standout Zay Flowers or Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt who are among the slighter options in this year’s draft class but teams and media seem to be in agreement on Smith-Njigba.
“This year’s class we don’t have elite top 10 receivers, but I think Smith-Njigba is the closest thing we have to a number one even though he’s going to play a lot in the slot. I just like his instincts as a player, he’s an excellent route runner, he’s got soft hands,” Todd McShay said last week. He didn’t run a great 40 (yard dash), he ran a 4.51 unofficial at the pro day, but he just knows how to get open.
Smith-Njigba only appeared in three games last season due to a lingering hamstring injury. However, he made more than enough of a statement in 2021. The young wideout delivered with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdown grabs.
More on the 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins 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 broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.