Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith can rearrange NFL Draft history eight months from now. Many draft experts believe the Buckeyes star can become the first WR to go No. 1 overall since Keyshawn Johnson.
Smith presents an explosive ceiling and an already decorated resume. Fans witnessed firsthand the game-changing nature of the 6-foot-3, 215-pound target during his true freshman year in 2024. Ending with a national championship ring thanks to his dynamic play.
But as the college football season draws close, mock drafts continue to sprout. And Smith’s name rises near the top of the first five selections.
Now one analyst envisions Smith forming a deadly combination with a past NFL Rookie of the Year winner.
Where Jeremiah Smith Lands in new Mock Draft
NFL analyst for Sports Illustrated Gilberto Manzano plugs Smith landing at No. 4.
The Washington Commanders rise as the lucky team adding Smith. Meaning Manzano has Smith forming a new, intriguing pairing with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“If Smith declares after his junior season, he likely will be viewed as the best prospect regardless of position,” Manzano began. “He’s a menace downfield with rare size and speed and has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones and A.J. Green.”
Washington lands a fierce 1,000-yard threat here for the more healthier Daniels.
“The 6’3″, 223-pound wideout made 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. The Commanders would be more than thrilled if they can pair quarterback Jayden Daniels with Smith,” Manzano said.
Such a move increases new intrigue for a franchise not that far removed from nearly playing for a Super Bowl title. And adds needed youth for a much older wideout room.
Jeremiah Smith can Lean Into Another Buckeyes Great Here
This blockbuster mock draft move benefits more than Daniels, though.
Smith can lean into and absorb NFL knowledge from another revered star from the Buckeyes: Terry McLaurin.
“Scary Terry” delivered five straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2020 to 2024. Though he’s fresh off enduring a disappointing 2025 that bottled him to 10 games: Catching only 38 passes for 582 yards.
But McLaurin established chemistry with Daniels out the gate in 2024. He surpassed the double-digit touchdown mark with 13 scores playing with the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. McLaurin also produced his second 80-catch season with Daniels behind center.
Smith coming here earns him a great chance to learn the NFL game from one of the franchise greats. Plus even aim to lean into Stefon Diggs, assuming if the free agent acquisition from the New England Patriots sticks around for the 2027 season in Washington D.C.
Expectations High for Jeremiah Smith
So OSU sparked the “WRU” case in recent years. And Columbus indeed has pumped quite the high number of NFL-caliber wideouts.
Smith got to team with Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate the last two seasons, winning the national title with both. He even interacted with OSU’s more recent top four NFL Draft pick at WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Smith catapults into the conversation of becoming the best one out of all of the aforementioned OSU stars. All the more reason his junior season dictates what direction his draft stock goes in.
Jeremiah Smith Forms Deadly Combo With Past Rookie of the Year Winner in New Mock Draft