Jeremiah Smith’s Draft Prospects: How High Will He Go in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Jeremiah Smith, the standout wide receiver from Ohio State University, has been a player who has captured the attention of NFL scouts, analysts, and fans alike. As a top-tier prospect, Smith is expected to be one of the most coveted players in the 2025 NFL Draft, a wide receiver whose combination of physical tools, skill set, and production could see him go near the top of the first round. But how high could Smith go in the draft? What makes him a top-tier draft prospect? And what factors could impact his selection?

In this analysis, we will dive deep into Jeremiah Smith’s journey, his skill set, and what the NFL community is saying about his potential to go high in the draft. We will explore how NFL teams value wide receivers, the competitive landscape of the 2025 NFL Draft, and Smith’s specific attributes that make him an intriguing prospect.

1. Background and College Career

Jeremiah Smith arrived at Ohio State with significant fanfare. The highly touted wide receiver out of the Miami, Florida area was regarded as one of the top recruits in his class. Smith has consistently shown out in big games, often outshining some of the top cornerbacks in the nation during his time at Ohio State. His career trajectory has been meteoric, with many experts predicting him to be one of the top players in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ohio State has long been a hotbed for producing top-tier wide receivers, and Smith is part of that tradition, following in the footsteps of players like Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson, who have all gone on to have immediate impacts in the NFL. Smith’s development under the tutelage of Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, has played a significant role in shaping his game. Hartline, known for his ability to develop elite wide receivers, has been instrumental in refining Smith’s skills, making him an even more compelling NFL prospect.

2. What Makes Jeremiah Smith Special?

2.1 Physical Attributes

One of the first things that stands out about Jeremiah Smith is his size and athleticism. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 215 pounds, Smith has the ideal build for a modern NFL wide receiver. His size allows him to dominate against smaller cornerbacks and provide a red zone threat for any team willing to take a chance on him. His physical tools are similar to those of some of the top wide receivers in the NFL, like DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Evans.

But it’s not just his size that has NFL teams excited. Smith possesses elite speed and explosiveness. He has the ability to create separation from defenders with quickness and agility that belies his size. His long strides and smooth acceleration make him a deep threat capable of taking the top off a defense. Smith’s explosiveness allows him to separate quickly at the line of scrimmage, giving quarterbacks plenty of room to target him downfield.

2.2 Hands and Route Running

Another of Smith’s strengths is his ability to catch passes in all types of situations. He has a strong set of hands that allow him to secure passes in difficult conditions, whether it be through contact, in tight windows, or with defenders closing in. His catch radius is impressive, and his hands are consistent, which is essential for a wide receiver looking to become a dominant force in the NFL.

Smith’s route running is also refined for his age. While not yet as polished as some top-tier receivers, Smith’s ability to run crisp, sharp routes has improved with each season at Ohio State. His quickness off the line and ability to change direction without losing speed make him a difficult cover for cornerbacks. Whether running a simple slant route or an intricate fade down the sideline, Smith displays the versatility to handle a full array of route concepts at the next level.

2.3 Football IQ

Perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of Smith’s game is his football IQ. He has demonstrated the ability to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. Whether it’s understanding defensive coverages or adjusting his route based on the quarterback’s position, Smith shows a maturity that is rarely seen in young prospects. His awareness and understanding of the game suggest that he can make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially in high-pressure situations.

3. NFL Draft Landscape: Where Does Jeremiah Smith Fit?

3.1 Top Wide Receiver Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a particularly deep class for wide receivers. There are a number of talented players, each with different skill sets and abilities. However, Jeremiah Smith is generally viewed as one of the top wide receivers in the draft class, alongside others like Malik Nabers from LSU and Rome Odunze from Washington. The competition will be fierce, but Smith has the tools to stand out.

In an era where passing games are becoming increasingly vital in the NFL, wide receivers have become invaluable assets to teams. Teams that need a top receiver may be willing to trade up to select a player like Smith, whose combination of size, athleticism, and hands makes him an ideal fit in today’s NFL offenses. His ability to play inside or outside, in any system, gives him a versatile appeal for many NFL teams.

3.2 Team Needs and Fits

Several teams in the NFL are in desperate need of an elite wide receiver to elevate their offense. For instance, teams like the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants are searching for a true No. 1 receiver to complement their quarterbacks and build around. Teams that are in rebuild mode or looking to make a splash with a dynamic young weapon on the outside could look to draft Smith early.

Additionally, established teams with veteran quarterbacks could see Smith as a player who could help them compete for championships right away. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Cincinnati Bengals, who have dynamic quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, respectively, could be among those looking to add a weapon like Smith to their receiving corps.

3.3 Projected Draft Range

As of now, the most likely scenario is that Smith could be drafted within the top 10 picks, potentially in the top 5. His blend of size, speed, and hands, along with his growing reputation as one of the most polished wide receiver prospects, puts him in line to be one of the first players off the board. His projection may ultimately depend on team needs, the quarterback class, and how the rest of the draft plays out. However, his talent alone makes him a near lock for a top 10 selection.

4. Potential Concerns and Areas for Improvement

4.1 Consistency

While Smith’s raw talent is undeniable, there are areas of his game that need refinement to be considered a true game-breaker at the next level. One concern among scouts is his consistency, particularly in terms of his performance against elite cornerbacks. At Ohio State, he often found success against average-to-good competition, but in key games, there were moments where he was less impactful.

4.2 Further Development in Route Running

Though Smith is already a good route runner, improving his route tree and mastering more advanced techniques will be essential for him to thrive in the NFL. Against elite defensive backs, especially in the more sophisticated coverages of the NFL, his ability to separate will be tested. He will need to sharpen his cuts, timing, and ability to read defenses if he wants to reach his full potential as a top-tier wide receiver.

5. How High Will He Go?

Jeremiah Smith has all the tools necessary to become a top 5 draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and hands, coupled with his versatility, makes him one of the most promising wide receiver prospects in recent memory. While there are still some areas of his game to refine, there’s no denying that Smith has the potential to become a dominant force in the NFL. If he continues to develop and shows out in the 2024 season, he could very well be one of the first players selected when the draft rolls around.

NFL teams in need of a game-changing wide receiver won’t hesitate to take Smith early, especially considering the value placed on wide receivers in today’s pass-heavy NFL offenses. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, the question is no longer whether Smith will go high—it’s simply a matter of how high he’ll go.