Washington Commanders receiver and Ohio State alum Terry McLaurin says Buckeyes star Jeremiah Smith has a shot to be the top pick in the NFL Draft. In an interview with Jordan Schultz, McLaurin called Smith a potential generational talent, as first reported by ClutchPoints.
McLaurin’s story goes back to Ohio State strength coach Mickey Marotti, who told him Smith would be “the best one.” McLaurin said what stands out now is the work: “No matter the type of success that JJ has had, he continues to work hard.” He added, “He just cares about winning. He demands the ball. He can be the top pick.”
The IAHHM Take
When a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver from the same program talks like that, it carries weight. And Smith’s numbers make the case on their own. Through five games this season, he has 44 catches for 617 yards and nine touchdowns. In Ohio State’s 31-14 win over Iowa, he caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two scores.
The part of McLaurin’s quote we like most isn’t about talent, though. “He continues to improve the guys around him” is the kind of thing coaches say about leaders, not just playmakers. Ohio State is 4-1, and Smith is the reason defenses have to game-plan around the Buckeyes every week.
The question for NFL scouts isn’t whether Smith is good. It’s whether a wide receiver can go No. 1 overall in a league that usually saves that pick for quarterbacks and pass rushers. If anybody can force that conversation, it’s him. For more college football storylines, check out how Northwestern ran over Penn State.
Your call: Should a receiver ever go No. 1 overall? Is Jeremiah Smith the one to break that rule?
Source: ClutchPoints
