Buckeyes Ex Jaxon Smith-Njigba Set for 'Garrett Wilson-Like' Rookie Season?
Former Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enters the NFL set to be surrounded by a slew of other NFL Buckeyes. So naturally, putting him in the same conversation with a former collegiate teammate hardly takes any effort, especially when they played the same position.
Smith-Njigba will miss the start of the season with the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a fracture in his wrist in the team's second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. It may hinder his chances of winning Offense Rookie of the Year, but ESPN thinks JSN is set for an elite season regardless.
The site thinks that Smith-Njigba won't quite be able to reach the production that JSN's former Buckeyes teammate Garrett Wilson had last year with the New York Jets en route to winning OROY. It might be unlikely, but it sure would be a sight to see Ohio State receivers go back-to-back in that award department.
"Before suffering a wrist injury that will put his Week 1 status in question, Smith-Njigba was looking more polished and ready to contribute than any Seahawks rookie since Tyler Lockett in 2015," ESPN wrote. "His route-running has been as smooth as advertised, and he's even shown the ability to get behind defensive backs more than his 40 time would suggest. Garrett Wilson-like production might be asking too much, but he'll be a difference-maker in the slot, especially on third down."
In Wilson's rookie season with the Jets, he showed out, amassing 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. Hitting the 1,000-yard mark could certainly be within Smith-Njigba's range as well. But when it comes to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, he's at a disadvantage due to the presence of elite receivers in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
On the other hand, Wilson emerged as the Jets' No. 1 receiver by season's end.
Regardless of JSN's numbers this season, it'll be fun to watch another Buckeye get his chance to tear up opposing secondaries.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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