As the 2021 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the performances of the league’s newest crop of rookies. Among these rookies, two wide receivers have emerged as early favorites to lead the pack in receiving yards: Jordan Addison and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Jordan Addison, a 6’0″ receiver out of the University of Pittsburgh, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his speed and agility, Addison was a standout performer in college, racking up 666 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in just 9 games during the 2020 season. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC Second Team and put him on the radar of NFL scouts.
Since joining the Ravens, Addison has continued to impress with his athleticism and work ethic. He has been praised by coaches and teammates for his ability to quickly learn plays and make adjustments on the field. With a strong arm quarterback like Lamar Jackson throwing him the ball, Addison is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, on the other hand, is a 6’0″ receiver out of Ohio State University who was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the draft. Like Addison, Smith-Njigba is known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to make contested catches. During his time at Ohio State, he amassed 1,178 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in just 22 games.
Despite being drafted later than Addison, Smith-Njigba has already made a strong impression on the Cowboys coaching staff. He has been praised for his work ethic and attention to detail, as well as his ability to create separation from defenders. With quarterback Dak Prescott back from injury and looking to make a statement in the upcoming season, Smith-Njigba could be a key piece in the Cowboys’ offensive arsenal.
While both Addison and Smith-Njigba have shown promise in their respective training camps, it remains to be seen who will ultimately come out on top in the race for most rookie receiving yards. Other rookies, such as Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals and DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles, are also expected to make an impact in their first NFL seasons.
Regardless of who ultimately leads the pack, one thing is clear: the 2021 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one for fans of the passing game. With talented rookies like Jordan Addison and Jaxon Smith-Njigba joining the league, there’s no telling what kind of records could be broken and what kind of highlights could be made. Football fans everywhere will be watching closely to see how these young receivers fare in their first taste of NFL action.