Cooper Kupp 2.0? ESPN Analysts Have Lofty Comparison for Buckeyes Jaxon Smith-Njigba

According to former NFL GM Louis Riddick, Jaxon Smith-Njigba compares closely to one of the league's best wideouts, Cooper Kupp

Author:
Matt Galatzan
Publish date:
Mar 24, 2023 1:46 PM EDT

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Ohio State Buckeyes

Former Ohio State Buckeyes star Jaxon Smith-Njigba might be the most desired wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft.

And while his recent NFL comparisons have been nothing the sneer at, with names like Adam Theilen, Robert Woods, Jarvis Landry and (slower?) CeeDee Lamb all coming from various scouts.

However, one former NFL GM, ESPN's Louis Riddick, has much loftier expectations for Smith-Njigba, recently comparing him to Super Bowl LVI MVP and 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Cooper Kupp.

“Think about Cooper Kupp," Riddick said. "Think about how Cooper Kupp is used in LA. And think of bigger, maybe slightly bigger, just as fast if not faster and maybe more pliable, more athletic, more fluid player who will block just as well. That may be what you’re getting in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which I think 32 teams would take if they could get their hands on him.”

Not only was Riddick bullish on Smith-Njigba, but ESPN's resident NFL Draft Expert, Mel Kiper Jr. was as well.

In fact, before the injury that cost him his season, Kiper had Smith-Njigba ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect in the entire draft.

“I think [he was] the sixth overall player on the big board back in August," Kiper said. and then he had the hamstring. He had only a handful of catches after having 95 the previous season. Everybody talks about that Utah game in the Rose Bowl, that Utah game where he had 15 catches and the three touchdowns and all that greatness. They’re like ‘oh he was a one-game wonder.’ He’s not.

"Now he did get free releases, they did have [Chris] Olave, they did have Garrett Wilson. I get all that. But his hand-eye coordination is spectacular, he’s silky smooth, he’s deceptively quick and fast. Olave and Wilson raved about this kid"

So how high will Smith-Njigba ultimately go? That remains to be seen.

With other strong wide receiver candidates like Jordan Addison and Quentin Johnston on the board, it is frankly anyone's guess.

But if Riddick and Kiper are right about Smith-Njigba and his upside, anyone who passes on the former Ohio State star could end up regretting it in a big way.