Calvin Johnson is on a very short list when it comes to the best wide receivers in NFL history.
If he had stuck around a few more years instead of retiring at 30, he likely would have been in the top five in just about every statistical category.
His peak is comparable to any of the all-time greats, and athletically, he might be in a league all by himself, which is what makes him perhaps the ultimate comparison when it comes to being an up-and-coming prospect.
Mike Francesa recently said on an episode of The Mike Francesa Podcast that Ohio State freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith “is the best player in the country” before saying, “If he were in this draft, I believe he would be drafted first. That’s how good he is. He’s that good. He’s a better version of Calvin Johnson.”
Mike Francesa: Ohio State freshman WR Jeremiah Smith is “a better version of Calvin Johnson.”
No pressure, kid. pic.twitter.com/t53xmZ8qYM
— Funhouse (@BackAftaThis) January 8, 2025
Francesa paused briefly before uttering that last line because even he had to know how aggressive of a comparison that is for a 19-year-old who caught just one pass for three yards in his last game.
Smith’s Buckeyes advanced to the National Championship and defeated Texas 28-14, thanks to a late-game fumble recovery that resulted in a touchdown.
This iced the game and set up a matchup with Notre Dame for the title.
Smith had an extraordinary freshman year with 71 catches for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns and quickly put himself on the map among the best receivers in the nation.
That said, Megatron still had about two inches and 30 pounds on Smith and profiled as a much different player.
We love Francesa, but Megatron comparisons should be reserved for very special occasions.
NEXT: Michael Lombardi Reveals What Really Matters To Bill Belichick
