(Photo: Pro Football Network)
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: After today, only two names will remain, and another edition of Best In The Business will be history. The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of those programs that never tear it down to rebuild. Instead, they reload by adding more talent to remain competitive. When I think of that, my mind immediately goes to their 2021 roster, which was loaded with future NFL stars such as C.J. Stroud, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson. Today, C.J. is a Houston Texan, Chris is a member of the New Orleans Saints, and Garrett is a New York Jet. However, one player from that roster flew under the radar, yet I always believed he was the purest wide receiver of the group. I’m referring to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and he makes his debut on Best In The Business. He claims the No. 3 spot and is my top-ranked wide receiver.
One thing Ohio State consistently does is teach its wide receivers the fundamentals of the position, and those lessons have clearly carried over into the NFL for Jaxon. He has developed into one of the league’s elite receivers thanks to his combination of elite route running, reliable hands, and a rare understanding of spacing and leverage. Jaxon isn’t the biggest or the fastest receiver in the league, but he consistently beats defenders with his instincts and his ability to create separation, which has translated into sustained production. I believe he’s the best route runner in football today. He’s incredibly polished, selling vertical stems before breaking sharply, and he’s outstanding at manipulating defensive backs with his tempo and body language. What impresses me most is how effortlessly he creates separation without relying solely on speed. His football IQ also stands out. He has an exceptional feel for zone coverage, finds soft spots in the defense, and adjusts his routes based on leverage. While he isn’t the tallest receiver, he positions himself extremely well to make contested catches, even if he isn’t known as a jump-ball specialist. I also appreciate how consistently he gives his quarterback a clean throwing window. His body control allows him to make catches from every angle, and he’s as reliable as they come with his hands. He tracks the football naturally and rarely lets opportunities slip away. Another area where he excels is after the catch. Jaxon is more elusive than explosive, using his vision and quick cuts instead of pure speed. Time and time again, he turns short completions into first downs.
Last season was a true breakout year for the young receiver. He led the NFL with 119 receptions, 1,793 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns, earning the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award. He was also a key piece of Seattle’s run to the Super Bowl, becoming Sam Darnold’s security blanket. Whenever Darnold needed a big play, he looked No. 11’s way, and Jaxon consistently answered the call. If he stays healthy, there’s every reason to believe he’ll remain among the NFL’s elite for years to come because his game is built on technique, intelligence, and consistency rather than physical traits that typically decline with age.
