Jaxon Smith-Njibga (Ohio State)
Ohio State’s track record of sending wide receivers to the NFL is absolutely phenomenal. Coming into the season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was widely considered a top-10 prospect in the draft and perhaps the top wide receiver in the nation.
An early-season hamstring injury shut the star down for a majority of the Buckeyes’ games up to this point and his stock is trending down just a tad. Still, Smith-Njigba is a surefire first-round player that the Vikings should covet.
He may not be the best overall athlete in the class – although he is a very good one – but Smith-Njigba is the most fluid and talented natural receiver in this class. He makes an impact by being a sensational route runner, flashing strong hands, and creating after the catch.
If the Vikings are looking for someone to threaten defenses all over the field, this is their guy. I’ll go out on a limb and say that Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be the best creator after the catch since Percy Harvin if he winds up with the Vikings.
He can dominate from the middle of the field and make defenders miss in space to get up the field with ease. When he lines up on the perimeter, Smith-Njigba does a great job of setting up defenders at the line and beating them down the sideline.
Several teams traded up last season to go get their wide receivers in the first round. I would strongly urge the Vikings to do that this time around for a player of his caliber.