Jaxon Smith-Njigba to Forego CFP, Declare For Draft

NFL Week 13 - Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon-Smith Njigba has elected to skip the upcoming College Football Playoff, instead declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.

"I want to be out there competing with my brothers more than anything," said Smith-Njigba, via ESPN. "The decision to turn pro was made after I was unable to come back on multiple occasions during the season and the doctors determined I would be unable to participate in the playoffs."

Smith-Njigba was Ohio State's leading receiver during his 2021 sophomore season, finishing with 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 95 receptions over the course of 13 games. Smith-Njigba finished third in the nation in receiving yards and ninth in receptions in 2021. Smith-Njigba appeared in just three games in 2022, struggling with a nagging hamstring injury through the season. 

NFL Mock Draft Database's Consensus Big Board lists Smith-Njigba as their third wide receiver prospect and 19th overall prospect.