The Falcons are going to draft the best player available when they’re on the clock, and though top 30 visits don’t signify anything concrete, they are notable because teams only get 30 of them. Atlanta is hosting the top receiver in this cycle in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, according to Adam Schefter.
#OSU WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a consensus first-rounder, has already had a Top 30 visit with the #Falcons, source said. Among the many he's scheduled to visit are the #Ravens, #Texans, #Bills and #Cowboys.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2023
JSN is the top receiver in this class, despite some people voicing different opinions. It reminds me a bit of the Ja’Marr Chase situation, but not because they’re similar players; the situations are similar.
During the 2019 campaign that resulted in LSU’s National Championship, Chase was the best receiver on the team, despite Justin Jefferson entering the league a year earlier and setting it on fire during his rookie season. Some seemingly forgot how great Ja’Marr Chase was. It resembles Smith-Njigba at Ohio State with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.
The pair of former Buckeyes had impressive rookie seasons in 2022, but Smith-Njigba was the best receiver on that 2021 Ohio State team, logging over 1,600 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s my WR1 for this class, despite many considering Quentin Johnston the top receiver entering the draft. The TCU product is a physical specimen, but JSN brings an extraordinary skill set that complements what the Falcons already have at the position.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s routes look like an artist painting a masterpiece. He does things you just can’t coach and has elite ball skills, both of which will always have a role in the NFL. Another pass catcher in the top ten isn’t exactly the blueprint for building a Super Bowl winner, but it would provide Desmond Ridder with arguably the best skill position group in the league, giving him no excuse for any shortcomings.
I’m not sure he will be the best player available at #8, but it’s in the realm of possibilities. If the Falcons thought Drake London was the top player last year at the same place, it’s not impossible for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to be at the top of Atlanta’s big board.
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