2023 NFL Draft: Are Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Hamstring Issues Truly Behind Him?

Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the most interesting figures in the draft. The best wideout for the Buckeyes in 2021 (over Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave) hardly played last season due to lingering hamstring issues.

The NFL Draft Combine will be scouts’ first chance to see if he’s put those issues behind him through months of stretching and flexibility work, according to the Pro Football Docs. It remains to be seen if he has done the work to limit future hamstring strains.

If he doesn’t score well on his flexibility examination, it could signal that his hamstring issues are likely to reemerge during training camp or the regular season, according to the Pro Football Docs.

The 21-year-old’s talent is undeniable and many draft experts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., have him ranked as the No. 1 WR in the class over Quentin Johnson, Jordan Addison and Zay Flowers.

However – as the saying goes – the best ability is availability and he did not prove that last season at Ohio State.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Injury History

His hamstring troubles began Sept. 3 against Notre Dame on his first catch of the game. He took a big hit and his left leg stretched at an awkward angle on the tackle. He left the game and used the exercise bike before a brief return, but was held to 2 catches for 3 yards.

His next appearance came Sept. 17 against Toledo. He logged 2 catches for 33 yards in that contest, but left after his second catch on a deep out route. 

That reaggravation required a month's absence and he made his final appearance on Oct. 22 against Iowa State.

Smith-Njigba appeared to suffer a reaggravation on a deep incompletion and did not return for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

After setting the Big Ten receiving record in 2021 with 1,606 yards, Smith-Njigba finished 2022 with 5 catches for 43 yards in 3 games.

Wide receiver drills are scheduled to take place on Saturday March 4, then Ohio State’s Pro Day is on March 22.

Needless to say, there’s a lot riding on his performance at both of those.