Receiver Jeremiah Smith Next in Line at Ohio State

Since I jumped back into the evaluation arena in 2021, I’ve evaluated all of the big-name receivers that have come out of Ohio State, and now there’s Jeremiah Smith.

Where would I rank him on that list based on his 2025 game film?

1. Carnell Tate

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

3. Emeka Egbuka

4. Smith

5. Garrett Wilson

6. Marvin Harrison Jr.

7. Chris Olave

Think of Smith like this⎯

He’s a mix of Smith-Njigba, Egbuka, and Harrison. His short-to-intermediate routes (10-19 yards) have elements of Smith-Njigba and Egbuka, and at times he becomes too complacent, like Harrison.

But Smith is unique in his own right.

In what way?

Smith is more physical than any of them.

And, for the record, there is no reported relation between Smith-Njigba and Smith. However, longtime NFL quarterback Geno Smith is his cousin.

NFL college scouting departments pay attention to NFL bloodlines.

What’s it like watching Smith on film?

The first thing that pops⎯

Is when he’s coming downhill off the snap; he’s A LOT to deal with for cornerbacks in the short-to-intermediate route level (0-19 yards). Cornerbacks show him respect, which serves him well on comeback routes.

What’s another thing that stands out?

His hands.

Smith catches almost everything thrown in his direction at the short-to-intermediate route level.

Overall⎯

He caught 87 passes on 109 targets (79.8%).

Anything else?

Yeah, his versatility is noticeable. Smith has a little bit of that “jack-of-all-trades” feel to him. He lines up out wide and in the slot and on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He gets motioned frequently pre-snap and sometimes even post-snap; he actually takes a pitch with minimal results (2025: 3 carries for 21 yards).

How about his deep game? Tell me about his deep game, tell me, tell me…

Calm down.

Calm down.

His deep game was the most inconsistent part of what he does.

How come?

Smith has above-average straight-line football speed. But he’s not a burner.

The other issue is he doesn’t do a great job of positioning himself on deep contested passes. If the ball is out in front of him, great. However, if it’s a 50/50 ball, not so great; Smith has a bad habit of positioning himself behind cornerbacks when the ball is falling from the sky. He gives up too much route leverage in these situations.

Crystal ball

Smith’s valuation is somewhere between picks 10-20 at this point in my process. I am also not a fan of how Smith puts it on cruise control on routes when he’s not the intended receiver. It’s a tell for opposing defenses. It tells them the ball isn’t coming to him.

Smith projects as a big-time No. 2 receiver on an NFL roster. He’s more of a possession receiver than a home-run hitter. I get some people may be higher on him.

I also get what he put on tape.

#4 Jeremiah Smith 6-foot-3, 223 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2026 Fall Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First-Round prospect as of September 5, 2026

2025 game film evaluated: Texas, Grambling, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Michigan, Indiana, and Miami (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Note: Somewhat consistent game-by-game catch production throughout the season

Note: Two punt returns in 2025

2027 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Alpha who can lull corners to sleep. Loaded with God-given natural ability. Capable of taking over. Gets bored at times. Toned long arms. Nimble. Good natural strength. Can explode into routes. Inconsistent at creating separation. Nice bubble screen outlet with YAC upside. Wins the majority of intermediate routes by outmuscling corners, boxing out with his frame, bending the top of route stems, and by attacking the ball. Decent change of direction. Knows how to set up corners. Accelerates into the catch point. Noticeable synergy when his quarterback is on the move. Clears out areas for intended receivers. Solid blocker.

What to watch for during the 2026 college football season?

1. Showing complacency?

2. Is he getting route leverage on deep passes (+20 air yards)?

3. Running routes at full speed when he isn’t the intended receiver?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as appearing as a guest on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, and Fearless with Jason Whitlock. Featured in USA Today. For more information, visit whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.