Chicago Bears: 5 possible early draft targets at WR
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears WR Draft Prospect: Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State
2021 stats: 95 catches | 1,606 yards | 9 touchdowns
What he brings to the table
Before an injury-ridden 2022 season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was believed to be the next great receiver prospect. In a wide receiver room that featured future first-round picks Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, Smith-Njigba was, at times, the Buckeyes’ most potent offensive threat. Smith-Njigba is technically savvy and makes up for his middling speed with footwork, body control, and spatial awareness. He is incredibly smooth and fluid from his release to the point of the catch.
How he fits with the Bears
Smith-Njigba finds himself in a similar situation as Justin Jefferson was in the 2020 draft. He’s excelled playing in the slot, but due to the surplus of talent on his team, didn’t get many opportunities on the outside. Stylistically, Smith-Njigba has exactly what the Bears have been missing. A technically refined receiver with elite instincts and feel. However, Smith-Njigba’s potential hinges on his development on the outside. If he can be even close to what he is in the slot as an outside receiver, he will be a pro bowl caliber wide receiver.
Smith Njigba’s draft stock seems to be steadily dropping. Additionally, his athletic testing numbers are unlikely to do him any favors. He could be a great value pick, considering he was projected to go top five this time last year. Still, the Bears would have to go out of their way to make this pairing happen, as Smith-Njigba almost certainly won’t fall to the Bears’ second-round spot.