For the last thirty years, the very first pick in the NFL draft has gone to only three types of players. It was always a quarterback, an edge rusher, or an offensive tackle. No wide receiver has ever been chosen at number one since 1996. But Ohio State junior Jeremiah Smith could be the player to finally break that long streak.
He has dominated the field with a mix of size and speed that scouts say is rare. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound star has put up huge numbers in his first three seasons. Through seven games this year, he has caught 52 passes for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those stats rank near the top of the entire FBS for any receiver.
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A Complete Package on Tape
Most big receivers lack the quick feet to run sharp routes. Smith is different because he moves like a smaller player but hits with the power of a large man. He can make big plays down the field while averaging 18.9 yards per catch. NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid told ESPN that Smith has a unique combination of traits.
“I think he’s the best receiver we’ve seen at that level, with all his ability and his talent,” former Buckeyes WR Wilson said. Reid and senior writer Jake Trotter spoke with sources to size up Smith’s potential. They believe he is ready to play in the NFL right now. “He’s been league-ready since Year 1. … He’s unbelievable,” they added.
Smith has already broken Ohio State records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. His mindset and discipline set him apart from other gifted players on the team.
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Comparison to NFL Legends
Scouts are comparing his early dominance to greats from the past. One NFC assistant general manager told ESPN that Smith reminds them of Larry Fitzgerald. “He was dominant from the moment he touched the field like Larry [Fitzgerald],” an NFC assistant general manager said of Smith.
The coach at Ohio State, Ryan Day, says Smith won the genetic lottery. “He’s won the genetic lottery — we know that,” Day said. Day notes that Smith’s mental game separates him from others who have similar physical gifts. The Buckeyes are currently ranked number two in the nation.
They are set to play at USC on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. This game will be a major test for Smith before the draft gets closer. His performance in that matchup could shift how teams view his value.
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Breaking the Quarter-Century Trend
The draft landscape has not seen a receiver go first in a long time. The New York Jets were the last to do it in 1996 when they took Keyshawn Johnson. Since then, every single number one pick has been a different position. Smith is now the leading candidate to end that run.
He is having his best season yet as a junior in 2026. His speed and sure hands make him a target no defense can stop. Teams looking for a franchise receiver will have to decide if he is worth the top spot. The 2027 NFL draft class is expected to be strong, but Smith stands out.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
