Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft Target: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
If the Bears are looking to get a future star wide receiver in the NFL, Jaxon Smith-Njigba needs to be on top of their draft boards. The Ohio State wide receiver is currently about to enter his third year and is primed for another incredible season.
As a freshman, with Justin Fields as his quarterback, Smith-Njigba didn’t see much action as he only had 10 receptions on the season. However, in 2021, Smith-Njigba took off and became the alpha of an already loaded wide receiver room including Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who both were first-round selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith-Njiba led the Buckeyes in receptions, yards, and yards per catch. He tallied a total of 95 receptions, 1,606 receiving yards (16.9 average), and nine touchdowns. He finished his sophomore season with a stat line of 15 catches, 347 yards, and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl.
Smith-Njigba truly has nearly no flaws in his game. He has high-end separation, flexibility to play from the slot or outside, great yard-after-catch ability, and he catches nearly every ball thrown his way. He does need to work on his ability on the outside as he played in the slot for the majority, but with Olave and Wilson now gone, he will have all the opportunity in the world to do that.
Smith-Njigba truly has the route-running and separation to be an elite wide receiver for the next decade. Getting him to continue his development of chemistry with Justin Fields would be a home run for the future. Pair his reliable ability to get open and be a true number one wide receiver with Darnell Mooney and the Bears would have one of the best duos for the future.