The betting favorite to be the first wide receiver drafted in 2023 is the Ohio State product Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN). In a relatively weak wide receiver class, teams might look to grab JSN earlier than he would be taken in a stronger draft class. We will be going over his college career, as well as Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s fantasy implications.

Don’t let this shallow batch of wide receivers steer you away from just how talented JSN actually is. Ohio State is nothing short of an elite WR factory, and JSN is no different. In 2021, JSN went on to set an Ohio State single-season record of 1,606 receiving yards. He also holds the single-game receiving record at 347 yards in the 2022 Rose Bowl. His best praise might have come from Brian Hartline, his old WR coach at OSU. Hartline said that JSN was the second best receiver he’s ever coached. He then went on to confirm that he has JSN in front of both Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

Brian Hartline ranked his top WRs he’s coached at Ohio State

His ranks:

1. Marvin Harrison Jr
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 👀
3. Garrett Wilson
4. Terry McLaurin
5. Chris Olave

pic.twitter.com/jgXpECjpb6

— Dalton Kates (@Dalton_Kates) April 3, 2023

Houston Texans (+430)

The Houston Texans are tied with the Packers to land the 21-year-old wideout, according to Oddschecker.com. The Texans own the number two pick, as well as number 12 overall. It doesn’t look like the Texans will take JSN with that number two overall. In fact, there’s very little insight into what the Texans are going to do in that slot. Rumors are swirling that the Texans are Bryce Young or bust at number two. With Young being heavily favored to go to Carolina, Houston might trade back and skip out on the QB class this year.

This leads to two very different scenarios for JSN’s fantasy value. If the Texans roll with Davis Mills or another washed-up QB in 2023, JSN will be lucky to be a WR2 in PPR leagues. It’s no secret that Davis Mills struggled last year. Pro Football Reference has him finishing 31st in Quarterback Rating, above only Kenny Pickett and Zach Wilson. JSN will have to rely on volume, and game script to hopefully inflate his fantasy numbers.

A near-perfect scenario would be the Texans getting either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud at number two. Most likely Stroud, this is glorious for JSN’s fantasy value. Having chemistry with his college QB, while leaning on each other to grow in this league would make the sky the limit. With Stroud at the helm, JSN could be a league-winning pick in the middling rounds of the fantasy draft. I’m predicting a top-20 positional finish for JSN with either Stroud or Young under center.

Green Bay Packers (+430)

It’s officially the Jordan Love show in Green Bay, and Love could have the perfect supporting cast in Christian Watson and JSN. According to Oddschecker.com, the Packers are tied with the Houston Texans as favorites for JSN’s services. This is easily my favorite landing spot for the young receiver, as it has the most upside. There are a few factors that make this the premier landing spot for hopeful fantasy owners.

Of the three favored teams, Green Bay has the best offensive roster on paper at every key position. With a budding star in Christian Watson and the small, but positive sample size of Jordan Love, all the pressure will be off JSN. He will be able to learn from Watson, as well as be tutored by a great offensive-minded head coach. With the Packers in a somewhat rebuild, JSN should have plenty of positive game script to work with in a tough division.

Although JSN would slot in as the WR2 on the depth chart, he will still have the most upside in Green Bay. Watson should draw the best DB, leaving JSN to work against weaker corners and slot coverage. He can attack all three levels of the defense and can use his elite route running to get open all over the field. There’s a lot of Amari Cooper in his game, and it’s exciting to watch. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s fantasy implications in Green Bay are high, and could even flirt with WR1 status.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has some Amari Cooper in his game. Both are route running technicians who can still beat you deep if they need to. pic.twitter.com/m3RKAMrFGO

— Ernie (@es3_09) March 5, 2023

New England Patriots (+630)

The Patriots finish out the list of potential destinations for JSN. Last is certainly least in this scenario, as this would be a nightmare situation for the young wideout. First-round receivers have struggled in New England, and the same could fall upon JSN. Having Bill O’Brien as the new Offensive Coordinator is promising, but the QB situation leaves a lot to be desired. Mac Jones has been painfully average in his short career. Jones ended the year 26th in Quarterback Rating, below guys like Jacoby Brissett, and Marcus Mariota. Add that to a run-heavy offense, tough division, and defensive-minded head coach, there’s not a lot going for Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s fantasy implications.

There are some positives to look at with a potential career in New England. Bill O’Brien is certainly the best OC since Josh McDaniels and a potential saving grace for Mac Jones. O’Brien commanded two top six offenses during his short tenure with Alabama. Bama also posted an 85-15 TD/INT ratio. O’Brien will play a huge role in unlocking JSN’s talents at the NFL level.

Pairing JSN alongside Juju Smith-Schuster is not ideal, but not horrible. Juju, although a journeyman lately, has had success in this league. He is a team player and would have no problem taking the young prospect under his wing. Although great for JSN professionally, fantasy managers can not expect this to translate to league wins. With JSN landing in New England, he is nothing more than a matchup-based FLEX play for 2023.

Promising Career Still Ahead

There is little doubt that Jaxon Smith-Njigba will have a productive NFL career. The talent is through the roof with this young man, and any NFL team will be lucky to have him. Rebuilds are very quick in this league, and JSN is a key piece for future success. It will be very exciting to watch this kid play football, regardless of where he lands.

About the Author

Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan, and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on Youtube and has recently began writing for Belly Up Sports. He specializes in both redraft and dynasty, as well as snake and auction draft leagues. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.