NFL Draft
Getty
Ohio State legend Cris Carter believes Jeremiah Smith has some work to do before the 2027 NFL draft.
NFL front offices are already dreaming about seeing what Ohio State Buckeyes star receiver Jeremiah Smith can do in the pros. Yet, not everyone is convinced Smith is ready for the NFL draft.
The good news is Smith has some time to get even better as the wideout will not be eligible to turn pro until the 2027 NFL draft. Hall-of-Fame playmaker Cris Carter is one of the best receivers to have ever played at Ohio State.
During an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports thanks to SportsbookReview.com, which provides sportsbook promos, Carter emphasized that Smith is not ready to be an NFL receiver. Carter described Smith as a “special player” who still needs time to develop.
“Well, I’m glad he’s not eligible for the draft,” Carter told Heavy Sports when asked where Smith would be selected if eligible for the 2026 NFL draft. “I don’t think young players, even Jeremiah, you know, he’s still not ready for pro football. Like, regardless of what you say, watch Bo Jackson or Hershel Walker, like, they (were) still not ready for pro football.
“If you look at (Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka) Egbuka this year, he started off great, first eight games, (then) second nine games of the season he’s hurt, injured. J.J. is a special, special player. He’s going to continue to get better, continue to build up his body.”
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith Needs to Improve Route Running Ahead of NFL Draft, Says NFL Hall-of-Famer Cris Carter
Smith needed no time to adjust from being a highly-touted high school prospect to emerging as one of the top receivers in college football during his freshman season in 2024. The playmaker remained hot in 2025 posting a career-high 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Buckeyes.
During his first two seasons at Ohio State, Smith has already notched a combined 27 touchdowns. Carter admitted that Smith would have been a top-five pick over the last two NFL drafts if the playmaker was eligible to declare. The legendary wide receiver believes Smith still has room to improve when it comes to his route running.
“I’d like to see him improve on some of the more short and intermediate routes,” Carter added. “Get the ball into his hands quicker. Check out and see his run after the catch, but he’s still a prospect.
“He’s going to be a top-five pick if he came out his freshman year, his sophomore year, or his senior year, depending on who needs a wide receiver and who wants a generational type talent.”
NFL Draft: Jeremiah Smith Compared to Julio Jones
Carter may be candid about Smith’s potential growth, but few legends have the star’s resume. The Hall-of-Fame wideout is an 8-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro playing 16 NFL seasons. From 1993 to 2000, Carter made eight straight Pro Bowls.
What NFL player has a similar profile to Smith? Carter sees shades of NFL legend Julio Jones in Smith’s game.
“I would say it’s hard to be a generational talent and compare you to a lot of people because he’s a generational talent,” Carter said of Smith. “So I would say one of the people that’s similar to him is Julio Jones.
“Start at their body type, (they’re both) physical, the intermediate route running combination, I would say Julio Jones.”