A pure separator who can win in multiple different ways
Has all the nuances to manipulate defenders.
Can sell his routes and fakes really well
Has incredible technique and is wise above his years.
He is a space finder both during the route and after the catch
After the catch is tricky and elusive.
Footwork is extremely quick.
A smooth athlete who glides across the field
Has great stop-start ability. can change pace easily.
He is really difficult to tackle. Extremely slippery and squirmy
Plays with great body control and balance
Has high football IQ
Has incredible awareness and anticipation
He can read the field really well. Diagnoses coverages and exploits them. He knows what the defenders are going to do before they do
Incredibly productive
WEAKNESSES
He isn’t overly explosive and lacks a bit of suddenness
He also lacks some top-end speed. He is more crafty than speedy
He has operated mainly over the middle and needs to develop his ability to compete on the outside.
Isn’t going to be a #1 WR and projects best as a slot or #2 guy.
HAd hamstring injuries in 2022 which saw him only play in 5 games
SUMMARY
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a crafty, savvy receiver who seems to do everything right. His best traits come in his route running where he can use his great football IQ to separate. He is a fantastic route runner who has the nuances to manipulate defenders and the awareness to pop up in space. Smith-Njigba makes the right decisions and reads the field, reacting to coverages and finding space. While he does lack top-end speed and he isn’t overly explosive as an athlete, He wins as a devious, cunning runner who is consistent and reliable. There should be no question that Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be a go-to weapon at the next level, who will continue to be productive
