{"id":139078,"date":"2023-03-03T16:33:56","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T21:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=139078"},"modified":"2023-03-03T16:36:06","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T21:36:06","slug":"justin-fields-packers-draft-jaxon-smith-njigba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/03\/03\/justin-fields-packers-draft-jaxon-smith-njigba\/","title":{"rendered":"Justin Fields’ Top Choice for Bears Draft Pops Up on Rival Packers’ Radar"},"content":{"rendered":"

How far would Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles<\/a> go to prevent the rival Green Bay Packers from a draft target?<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are definitely looking for a receiver,\u201d Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba<\/a> said of his meeting with the Bears\u2019 most-hated rival, per Gery Woelfel of Woelfel\u2019s Press Box<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bears quarterback Justin Fields made it clear who he would like to see his general manager, Ryan Poles, select in the 2023 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going my man Jaxon Smith-Njigba,\u201d Fields told the \u2018Pardon My Take<\/a>\u2019 crew from the Super Bowl on February 15. \u201cI\u2019ve seen him in action. I\u2019ve seen how he can separate himself like that (snaps fingers). His body control is crazy. He didn\u2019t get to play this past year. He didn\u2019t get to show what he could do. So I\u2019m hoping he falls to us somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fields was speaking from the standpoint that the Bears had traded down from No. 1 overall. The specific scenario presented by host Barstool Big Cat gave them multiple shots at nabbing blue-chip prospects. The former 11th-overall pick did note that the team needs help in the trenches. But just how far can the Bears afford to fall back and still have a shot at a player their (presumed) franchise quarterback has mentioned by name?<\/p>\n

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pops Up on Hated Bears Rival’s Radar<\/h2>\n

Should Bears Pair Jaxon Smith-Njigba with Justin Fields?<\/h3>\n

Second-year wideout Velus Jones Jr<\/a>. had an established relationship<\/a> with Fields before the Bears selected him in the third round last year. And Poles reportedly upped his offer to the Pittsburgh Steelers to land Chase Claypool<\/a>, whom the Packefs were also said to be targeting last season.<\/p>\n

Smith-Njigba does not figure to be around nearly as long as Jones despite not putting up big numbers in his final collegiate season. He also offers a very different dynamic than the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Claypool.<\/p>\n

Smith-Njigba caught just five passes for 43 yards in an injury-marred season for Ohio State. But, in 2021, he racked up 1606 yards on 95 receptions. This includes setting the NCAA record<\/a> for receiving yards in a bowl game with 347 yards on 15 receptions with three touchdowns against Utah in the 2021 Rose Bowl.<\/p>\n

He battled with a hamstring injury<\/a> this season that he admits he regrets rushing his return from. Listed at six feet and 197 pounds, injuries could be a theme around his stock. Of course, he can always point to DeVonta Smith<\/a> of the Philadelphia Eagles as an example of a slight frame succeeding in the NFL.<\/p>\n

Likewise, pairing Smith-Njigba with Fields elicits visions of Smith and former Alabama teammate Jalen Hurts<\/a> doing well for the Eagles. Or of Cincinnati Bengals duo Joe Burrow<\/a> and Ja\u2019Marr Chase<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have always talked about him being like a big brother to me,\u201d Smith-Njigba said via CHGO Bears<\/a>. \u201cI definitely appreciate it coming from a guy like that. \u2026\u201cWe definitely had a little connection back in the day. Hopefully, we can do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith-Njigba also came to his former teammate’s defense over criticism about his passing.<\/p>\n

\n

Jaxon Smith -Njigba on critics saying Justin Fields is just a running back. <\/p>\n

\u201cI would say they are not very smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can do whatever you need.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/tcR1a9xVLB<\/a><\/p>\n

— Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) March 3, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n