Texans Scouting: Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the best player in college football and is a dream prospect for the Houston Texans in the 2027 NFL Draft. His uncanny combination of size, speed, and technique helps him terrorize opposing defenders. He’s a bona fide star and would instantly elevate a struggling Texans offense.

Before the season, Smith to the Texans seemed like an impossible outcome. He’s a consensus top-five pick, which is well outside of Houston’s range. However, anything’s possible after a disappointing 0-4, now 1-4 start. They are likely to rebound, but it’s still worth discussing him as a perfect consolation to a disappointing season if nothing changes.

Smith, the six-foot-four, 222-pound junior, is having an illustrious collegiate career. He’s already Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Beyond this, he’s on pace for the 2026 triple crown with 44 receptions for 823 yards and nine touchdowns through five games.

Smith is a matchup nightmare for cornerbacks. He uses his elite frame to dominate contested catches and his superhuman athleticism, which ranked number one on Feldman’s 2025 Freaks List, to glide past them. He’s nearly unstoppable one-on-one, boxing out his defender and expertly high-pointing the ball, using his sound hands to corral it.

 A receiver of Smith’s frame shouldn't be a good route runner, yet he’s among the best nationally. He thrives at stemming a defender and using their leverage against them to create separation. Then, he’s efficient through his routes and sinks his hips, stopping on a dime. He dissects zone coverage and frequently finds soft spots, throttles down, and becomes an option for the quarterback. 

It’s hard to find flaws in Smith’s game. This is nitpicking, but his run-blocking consistency needs improvement. He clearly has the willingness and strength, but his technique is flawed. As a result, he can occasionally allow his defender to reach the carrier on outside runs or screen plays. Improving at this is the final piece in an otherwise complete prospect.

The Texans have a talented receiver room, but that’s meaningless if they can’t stay healthy. Nico Collins' career has been plagued by injuries, Tank Dell hasn’t played in nearly two years, and Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending torn ACL before the season. Because of this, the front office must give CJ Stroud a reliable and explosive weapon. That’s still true even if Marvin Harrison Jr. has a resurgence in Houston. 

It’s still early, but I can confidently say that Jeremiah Smith is the premier player in the 2027 NFL Draft. He would be the perfect consolation prize if the Texans don’t turn around a disastrous start.