Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be with the Vikings major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have four picks before compensatory selections are awarded and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Height-6’1″
- Weight-200 lbs
- 5-Star recruit
- Stats: 110 receptions, 1,698 yards, 10 touchdowns
- Games watched: Indiana 2021, Penn State 2021, Utah 2021, Notre Dame 2022
Strengths
Smith-Njigba is a natural at the receiver position. He has a savvy that will easily translate to the next level. He didn’t face a lot of man coverage in college, but he runs through zone coverage and has a knack for finding the open hole in the coverage.
When catching the football, Smith-Njigba has natural hands and knows how to flash them late. Route running is a net positive for him as he utilizes different moves at the top of the route. Head and shoulder fakes come naturally to him as is tracking the ball in the air
While his speed isn’t a plus attribute, Smith-Njigba gets to top speed quickly. His fluid hips also help him create separation quickly.
Weaknesses
There isn’t anything overly impressive about Smith-Njigba’s athleticism. He looks to be above average but what is special? He doesn’t have any breakaway speed. In fact, he only has one gear. That’s a good thing in terms of acceleration, but he struggles to break away from defenders in the open field.
Smith-Njigba also hasn’t faced press coverage much at all. How will that translate to the next level? He doesn’t have a tremendous release package at his disposal and his size will likely limit his effectiveness outside of the slot and condensed formations.
Overview
| Hands | 8.8/10 |
| Release | 8/10 |
| Route Running | 13.2/15 |
| Separation | 12.4/15 |
| Contested Catches | 8/10 |
| Tracking | 8.9/10 |
| Body Control | 8.4/10 |
| YAC Ability | 7.2/10 |
| Agility | 8.1/10 |
| Grade | 83.0/100 Second Round |
Smith-Njigba is ultimately a very good player but there is size and athletic limitations could limit him at the next level. However, there are plenty of really good wide receivers that get drafted on day two due to athletic limitations that have gone on to have tremendous careers. Davante Adams, Keenan Allen and Michael Thomas are three who have figured out how to make things work with their technical prowess and ability to maximize their ability. Smith-Njigba fits the same mold.
For the Vikings, he would fit with the condensed formations that they utilize and in the slot. He isn’t the field stretcher that the Vikings currently need in their base 11 personnel but his ability to win over the middle and find holes in the zone would be a net positive.
