5 wide receiver prospects who would be perfect for Steelers QB Kenny Pickett
By Cory Rogers
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
In my opinion, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the cream of the crop in this year's wide receiver class. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this guy reminds me of former Steeler Hines Ward. The 6-1, 196-pound former Buckeye didn't play most of last season due to a lingering hamstring injury, but his 2021 campaign (95 receptions, 1,606 yards, 9 TDs) was amazing. And he did that with a pair of first-round draft picks, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, as his running mates.
Some question JSN's ability to stay healthy, and even his speed. But according to the New York Post, he ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in late March. George Pickens ran a 4.47 and Diontae Johnson ran a 4.53 at their combines.
Perhaps even more impressive are his quickness and change of direction skills, which are important for a slot receiver. His 6.57 time in the 3-Cone Drill at the combine was the best time I could find for the 2023 prospects on NFL.com, and was better than the times posted by Johnson (7.09) and Calvin Austin III (6.65) on their respective testing days.
Prediction: First-Round selection. The Steelers may have to trade up to get him, but if he's there at 17 they should definitely take him and address the offensive line and cornerback at picks 32 and 49.