2023 NFL Draft: Bears to meet with Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus were two of several high-ranking Bears officials who attended Ohio State’s pro day Wednesday. The top two participating prospects — OT Paris Johnson Jr. and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba — rank high on the team’s wish list. Either player would be a fine first-round pick.

The Bears will use a valuable top-30 visit on at least one of them: Smith-Njigba.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba said he has pre-draft visits scheduled with the Bears, Panthers and Saints.

Cam Brown had dinner with the New Saints last night and has a visit scheduled with the Bengals.

Tanner McCalister is scheduled to visit the Cowboys.

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) March 22, 2023

Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba still in play for the Chicago Bears?

Wide receiver isn’t nearly as big of a weakness for the Chicago Bears now as it was when the 2023 offseason started. The trade for DJ Moore leveled up the position group to the point that offensive tackle has moved to the top of their list of NFL Draft needs. But Smith-Njigba is in the mix to be this year’s WR1, and with so much emphasis placed on giving Justin Fields the weapons he needs to succeed this season, there’s still a chance the Ohio State pass-catcher becomes a Bear.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba helped his 2023 NFL draft stock at his pro day. He recorded a 4.48 40-yard dash, silencing any concerns about his speed. Primarily viewed as a slot receiver, his long speed wasn’t a big part of his scouting equation. But now that he’s proven he has plenty of it, he should settle in as one of the top 15 players in this year’s class.

Smith-Njigba only appeared in 5 games in 2022, contributing to a mysterious draft valuation. In 2021, he was one of the best wide receivers in the country. He registered 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns.

A wide receivers room with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool would be the most talented the Chicago Bears have had in the team’s modern era. And while it could be viewed as more of a luxury pick than a smart selection for a rebuilding team, Bears fans would welcome JSN with open arms.