Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba To Skip 40-Yard Dash At NFL Combine
Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the do-it-all weapon NFL teams covet at the wide receiver position. He will not be doing it all, however, in Indianapolis.
The former Ohio State receiver told reporters Friday that while he intends to work drills with the other receivers, he will not run the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. As of now, he plans to run the 40 at the Buckeyes' Pro Day on March 22.
In a sense, fans shouldn't be shocked at the decision to miss the 40. Smith-Njigba suffered a hamstring injury during Ohio State's season-opening win over Notre Dame. He's been running back at near-100 percent in the last several weeks, but the timing wasn't right for a potential setback.
“I'm 100%. I feel good. I’m ready to go out here and attack and show my skill set,” Smith-Njigba said during his media session at the Indianapolis Convention Center. “I would say that I was 100% maybe like two weeks ago, just trying to take things very slowly, so I can close this book on this nagging hamstring. Just wanting to take it slow, you know, so we can close the book, which I feel like I have. But just haven't had enough reps in the 40 just yet."
In terms of talent, Smith-Njigba might not just be the best receiver in the class, but also potentially the top Buckeye. Last season while sharing reps with future top-15 selections Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, the then-sophomore, posted a team-high 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. JSN also led Ohio State in yards per reception at 16.9.
Even at 90 percent health-wise, Smith-Njigba considers himself to be a top-five talent among all prospects. Known for his route-running and tracking skills downfield, JSN said that he's tried to master his game after receivers like Buffalo Bills Stefon Diggs, taking little things from the All-Pro's game to add it to his belt.
“I always think that I’m one of one, I’m myself, but I definitely watch film of receivers,” he said. “I think (Diggs is) always over-exaggerating his routes. He’s always looking and his spacial awareness is great. Just his over-exaggeration on routes is what I like to watch.”
One aspect that Smith-Njigba hopes to convey to teams is his versatility. A slot receiver by trade in college, the junior said he could line up anywhere on the field and make plays. Smith-Njigba even said he could find ways to make plays out of the backfield like former Buckeyes receiver/running back Curtis Samuel in the right formation.
“I just think my playmaking ability is second to none in this draft,” he said. “From playing basketball (as a kid), I feel like my creativity is what sets me apart also. Just being able to create and react to the defender is the strong point in my game, and taking advantage of that. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done.”
Smith-Njigba, along with quarterback C.J. Stroud, will work drills Saturday afternoon starting at 1 p.m. ET
Be sure to stay locked into BuckeyesNow all the time!
Join the BuckeyesNow community!
Subscribe to the BuckeyesNow YouTube channel
Follow BuckeyesNow on Twitter: @BuckeyesNow_FN
Follow BuckeyesNow on Instagram: @BuckeyesNow_FN
