Buckeyes WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 'It Would Be Awesome' to Play with C.J. Stroud
Now less than a week from the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans are set to introduce the newest members of their team.
Who will get the call is still up in the air, but it seems that one such combination of players could relieve all stress surrounding the draft and the future ... at least for the athletes themselves.
"It would be awesome [to play with C.J. Stroud]," Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said on The Voncast. "Stress would definitely leave my body playing beside him. He's a good friend of mine. I know what he likes and dislikes, and he knows the same."
Stroud and Smith-Njigba spent three years rostered together, though last season, Smith-Njigba was injured for the majority of the year. Even still, he quickly became one of Stroud's top targets, tallying nearly 1,700 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Buckeyes.
The pair's chemistry would make them a dangerous threat for any defense, but unlike any other teammate duo in the league, both would have the chance to grow at the same rate and translate their talents to the next level.
"They've worked really hard," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said of Stroud and Smith-Njigba. "The last couple of months, they've gotten themselves in great shape, and it's showed."
Smith-Njigba commended his quarterback's leadership as well, emphasizing his high awareness and ability to take control of a locker room.
"It's hard not to follow him," Smith-Njigba said. "He makes it easy on a lot of guys. He's a great leader. People want to follow good people, and that's what he is."
Either way, NFL teams have already made clear the high level of respect they have for both Stroud and Smith-Njigba. Next season, barring any setbacks, both should be instant contributors on offense and breakout candidates in the league.
The Texans have a unique opportunity, however, with the ability to add both next seasons. And Smith-Njigba is all for it.
"[Stroud] is a crazy talented player," he said. "Wherever he goes, he's gonna ball out. Maybe [that's] in Houston. That'd be cool. ... It would be awesome to have the opportunity to be on the same team."
The first round of the NFL Draft will begin on April 27 in Kansas City at 7:00 p.m.
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