Refreshed just now
rank#1$12.2M
Big Ten→ SEA's 2023 class
Backtest: model vs. reality
The model graded Jaxon Smith-Njigba at pick #1; he was actually picked #20 by SEA. 3 NFL seasons in, he's carved out a genuine role (grading 9.2 of 20 per season), and the market has paid him — a second deal at $42.1M a year. The 4-tier model gives him a 43% chance at an elite career. NFL grades have been modest so far (5% recent-3, 14% peak across 2 seasons). Model predicted $33M/yr; actual $42M (under by $9M).
Overview
Headline grade, verdict, and the one-line scout take
Draftanomics Rank
High conviction#12nd-deal AAV at this slot$12.2M/yrWR·Ohio St.
We had him No. 1 on draft night; SEA didn't call his name until No. 20 — a 19-pick gap between our board and the league's. His career is settling that argument now.
Draftanomics's take
Draftanomics had Jaxon Smith-Njigba at #1 on draft night — a blue chip grade — and SEA took him at No. 20. The model's case leans on broad top-100 board coverage and scout consensus. Bust risk projects at 1%, below the position median — the model has a tight grade. The room had him #12 pre-draft; our board was 11 spots higher.
Written from the live model's numbers — projected to round 1, and it updates whenever the model does. See methodology for what drives the take.
Scouting report
The written report — drafted from the fact sheet, every number traceable, honest about what we can't see yet
Why this grade
Which signals drove the grade up or down — in plain English
Consensus
The analyst room, accuracy-weighted, plus where Draftanomics disagrees with it
Production2
Measurables, traits, and college play quality
Risk
Bust probability, injury history, character flags, pre-mortem
Team fit
How well this prospect fits each of the 32 team schemes
Will he be there?
Probability he's still on the board at each of your picks
Comps
Historical players this prospect resembles
Film & notes
Clips, scout notes, voice memos, written reports