5 prospects no longer on the Vikings radar in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR (Ohio State)
This is a case of a prospect who has risen through the pre-draft process to the point that the chances of him being available when the Vikings go on the clock are basically nil.
Back in January, Smith-Njigba was a fairly popular pick for Minnesota in mock drafts. He had just one year of production and had substandard speed. He was also entering the draft after being injured, so there were some health concerns as well.
Smith-Njigba turned the tables on his draft stock at the combine. He set records in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle, showing unreal short-area quickness. This, combined with his hands and route-running ability, made his stock skyrocket.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is assumed to now be the first wide receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, with the Houston Texans being a popular landing spot. Minnesota might as well just take him off their radar, unless they plan on moving up and trading away a bunch of picks to go and get him.