Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is making waves in college football, and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is taking notice. After an impressive performance in the Rose Bowl, where Smith caught seven passes for an astonishing 187 yards and two touchdowns against the then-undefeated Oregon Ducks, Orlovsky shared a bold prediction about the young star’s future in the NFL Draft.
Orlovsky appeared on ESPN’s Get Up and made a jaw-dropping claim: "He would easily be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft," he stated. But that’s not all; he believes teams will be actively tanking for Smith when he becomes eligible for the NFL Draft in 2027. "You will have teams in two years, for that ’27 draft, tanking for him," he added, emphasizing the level of talent Smith possesses.
What makes Smith so special? Orlovsky didn’t hold back in his praise. "Absolutely. He’s that good. He’s that talented. He’s Julio Jones," he exclaimed. He went on to describe Smith’s physical attributes, saying, "His hips look like they’re in his armpits. He looks 6-5 just from his hips down." This comparison to two of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers, Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson, highlights the high expectations surrounding Smith.
While many fans echoed Orlovsky’s sentiments about Smith’s abilities, not everyone was convinced that a wide receiver could command the top pick in the draft. Some social media users voiced skepticism, stating, "Kid is special but nobody is tanking for a WR, no matter how good he is." Another user remarked, "No WR is worth a number one pick. Ever." These comments reflect a common belief in the NFL that teams typically prioritize positions like quarterback or edge rusher over wide receivers when it comes to top draft selections.
Despite the mixed reactions, it’s undeniable that Smith is on a trajectory to be one of the first players taken in the 2027 NFL Draft. Under current league rules, he will be eligible to declare that year, and his performance thus far has solidified his status as a top prospect. In just his first 14 collegiate games, Smith has recorded 70 receptions, 1,224 yards, and 14 touchdowns. These numbers speak volumes about his potential impact at the professional level.
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl next Friday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this matchup will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship, and all eyes will be on Smith as he looks to continue his impressive run. With such a pivotal game ahead, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he performs on this grand stage.
It’s worth noting that while Smith is generating buzz, the current draft class also features standout talents like cornerback Travis Hunter, who is projected to be a top-five pick. However, unless Hunter transitions to a full-time defensive role, it seems unlikely he will be the first player off the board.
Given the historical context, it’s interesting to consider that the last wide receiver selected first overall was Keyshawn Johnson back in 1996. This fact underscores the rarity of such an occurrence, making Orlovsky’s prediction all the more intriguing.
In the world of the NFL, where every draft pick can shape the future of a franchise, the excitement surrounding Jeremiah Smith is palpable. Will he live up to the hype? Can he become the first wide receiver in nearly three decades to be drafted first overall? As we look ahead to the 2027 draft, one thing is certain: Smith’s journey is just beginning, and fans will be watching closely.
As the anticipation builds, Smith’s performance in the upcoming Cotton Bowl will be crucial. Can he deliver under pressure and further solidify his status as a top prospect? With the spotlight on him, fans are eager to see if he can continue to amaze and inspire, just as he has done throughout his freshman year.
In the end, whether or not teams will indeed tank for Smith remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he is a player to watch. With his combination of skill, size, and potential, Jeremiah Smith is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL, and the countdown to his eligibility in the draft has officially begun.
