Ohio State Football: Jaxon Smith-Njigba drafted to Seattle

The Ohio State football program had a good night on Thursday during the first night of the NFL Draft. C.J. Stroud went second overall to the Houston Texans, then Paris Johnson Jr. went sixth overall to the Arizona Cardinals. Those two weren’t the only first-round picks from Ohio State.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was drafted 20th overall by the Seattle Seahawks. He was taken as the first receiver off the board this year. Had he not hurt his hamstring last season, he very well could have been a top-five pick. He’s that talented of a player.

No one questions his abilities. He’s the best route runner in the draft and has some of the best hands. He also is really good in yards after the catch. Two years ago, he was the best receiver the Buckeyes had on a team that also had Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

My issues with him sitting out for the majority of the season are well-documented. He could have come back to help the Buckeyes try to win a national championship, but decided to sit out to help his draft stock. That certainly rubbed me and a lot of other Ohio State football fans the wrong way.

But if JSN can stay healthy, he could be the steal of the draft. He is a playmaker that instantly makes the Seahawks a much more dangerous offense. He goes to a stable organization that is well-respected around the NFL as well. It’s a good place for him to go.

Smith-Njigba could end up being one of the best receivers the Buckeyes have had go into the draft in several years. He’s that good of a player. Hopefully, he can have a long and successful career.