Players skipping bowl games to boost their draft stock is a hot topic in college football, but it’s less of an issue for postseason teams. If a player is healthy and on the roster for a national championship game, they are expected to play.
However, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay believes Jaxon Smith-Njigba is preserving his future by sitting out the playoffs with a hamstring issue rather than playing for the Buckeyes.
Smith-Njigba remarked on Monday, as reported by ESPN, More than anything, I long to be on the field with my brothers. After being sidelined for extended stretches throughout the season and being told by physicians that I wouldn’t be able to play in the playoffs, I finally decided to turn pro.
https://twitter.com/MNjigba/status/1600530541480009728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1600530541480009728%7Ctwgr%5E48cc83f52fbf64e9d5a08955893d3b27b94fabb9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportingnews.com%2Fus%2Fncaa-football%2Fnews%2Fosu-receiver-jaxon-smith-njigba-family-todd-mcshay-comments%2Fnand34ie0jtnrqgkp7wr58wb
McShay, on the other hand, does not believe it. A critical response to Smith-remarks Njigba’s was forthcoming from him (though he couched it as NFL scouts saying it).
“NFL scouts would want to see him play,” he stated on ESPN. “Many NFL scouts I’ve talked to have stated, ‘He’s healthy enough to play, and he’s protecting himself for the draft.'”
McShay elaborated with advice for all aspiring NFL players.
He delivered some bad news to all the hopefuls: “NFL teams know.” “What you ate for lunch last Thursday is no secret to them. They will have the ability to determine your general state of health. You should be playing with your team if You are in an acceptable physical condition to do so.
He then returned to Smith-Njigba, suggesting that he shouldn’t sit out since it would affect his draft stock.
McShay compared Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a late first or early second-round pick. “He excelled as a college slot receiver and a major contributor to his team. But he has flaws, isn’t very big or fast, and has some issues. Even after the fantastic season he had, some scouts said, “I don’t think he’s a lock to go top-15, top-20.” Now, those chances aren’t improved because he’s sitting this one out.”
If he was healthy he would be playing.. like what?? We not protecting our “Draft stock” they know who JSN is when healthy. You sorry @McShay13 and so wrong to be on tv making these false claims. 🤡 https://t.co/og0Rg5nj3t
— Canaan Smith-Njigba (@CanaanSmith_) December 7, 2022
When Smith-brother Njigba’s Canaan, a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, heard McShay’s remarks, he was the first member of the family to express displeasure.
The scrutiny of players who skip bowl games will continue as long as the playoffs are limited to eight teams, and it will increase if the field expands to twelve. Smith-stock Njigba can rise if he does well at the NFL Combine, but he already has an advantage as a receiver for Ohio State because of his reputation.
Ahead of the NFL Draft and the end of the college football season approaches, it will be interesting to observe how this topic of discussion evolves. There will be questions about Smith-decision Njigba to sit out of the Peach Bowl matchup with Georgia, but he and his loved ones appear to be okay with the idea.
