{"id":283499,"date":"2026-05-18T15:15:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T19:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=283499"},"modified":"2026-05-18T15:16:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T19:16:06","slug":"jeremiah-smith-early-scouting-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/05\/18\/jeremiah-smith-early-scouting-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeremiah Smith Early Scouting Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jeremiah Smith early scouting report, ahead of the 2026 season. A detailed study of the talented Ohio State<\/a> wide receiver. Smith is finally draft-eligible in the 2027 NFL draft, does the tape match the consensus opinion that he’s an elite prospect?<\/p>\n

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Jeremiah Smith Early Scouting Report<\/h2>\n

When Emeka Egbuka<\/a> (first round, 2025 Draft) and Carnell Tate<\/a> (fourth overall pick, 2026 Draft) were scouted, it was clear they weren’t the number one receiver for the Buckeyes.\u00a0 Jeremiah Smith was the standout even as a true freshman in 2024, and that continued in 2025.\u00a0 With two 1,000+ yard seasons to his name and multiple highlight reel catches, he will be draft eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

Measureables<\/h3>\n

Height: 6’3″<\/p>\n

Weight: 223 lbs<\/p>\n

Statistics<\/h3>\n

2024 (true freshman): 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

2025 (true sophomore): 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

The Tape<\/h3>\n

Games Watched: at Washington<\/a>, vs Penn State<\/a>, and vs Miami<\/a> (CFB Playoff Quarterfinal)<\/p>\n

Strengths<\/h3>\n

The first thing that stands out with Smith is his solid frame.\u00a0 He\u2019s very well built.\u00a0 Put that together with his outstanding speed, and he jumps off the tape.\u00a0 The size\/speed combination is rare.\u00a0 He\u2019s an explosive athlete, but he is also a smooth and fluid mover.<\/p>\n

Smith lines up all over the formation and looks equally comfortable at \u201cX\u201d, \u201cZ\u201d, and in the slot.\u00a0 He\u2019s a matchup nightmare for defenses.<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s route tree is wide, and his route running is excellent.\u00a0 He\u2019s a genuine deep threat, but can also separate on comeback routes and is very dangerous on crossing routes.\u00a0 His ability to cut sharply at full speed makes him very difficult to cover. \u00a0He also has an excellent stop-go move in his bag of tricks.<\/p>\n

On crossing routes, he\u2019ll get inside his man at the line, but will then make a second, more subtle cut at full speed, which gives him separation.\u00a0 Then the speed after the catch can take over.<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s hands are soft, yet strong.\u00a0 He catches the ball away from his frame.\u00a0 Many receivers will slow in order to secure a catch and transition to running after the catch, but with Smith, it\u2019s all in one smooth motion.<\/p>\n

On the odd occasion where he doesn\u2019t separate or is in a crowd, he\u2019s a master of the contested catch.\u00a0 His strength is also evident after the catch, where he can break tackles.\u00a0 Even on all-22 tape, you can see the positive energy he brings to his team.<\/p>\n

Smith is very difficult to cover.\u00a0 He eats up off coverage with sharp out and comeback routes.\u00a0 If you try to press him at the line, he uses his elite quickness and strength to win and stack his man.\u00a0 A double team is the only answer, but even that doesn\u2019t mean you can keep him quiet.<\/p>\n

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Single coverage not working for you against Jeremiah Smith? Time to double team him. Bottom of the screen – out ran the safety who needed greater depth. #NFLDraft<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/5JDJCRCS3J<\/a><\/p>\n

— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) May 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n