Jaxon Smith-Njigba has one trait that makes him an 'off the charts' wide receiver talent
Seattle may have walked away with the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
When the Seattle Seahawks selected Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the franchise knew it was getting a would-be difference maker and legitimate third wide receiver to the duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider gushed about the dexterity Smith-Njigba offers as a slot receiver next to the other two star receivers. The good news is that Smith-Njigba also believes that he can be a difference-maker alongside Metcalf and Lockett.
"I’m super excited, super excited," Smith-Njigba said after the draft. "I’m a big fan of those guys and for me to be in that room, I know how I am and that is just going to push me to compete harder and find my way amongst those guys. I am looking forward to lining up next to them.”
Recently Smith-Njigba's college head coach Ryan Day went on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Tuesday and discussed the traits that validate exactly why the Seahawks selected a star in the making late in the first round.
“I think that’s the thing you look for in a receiver is what are their extraordinary traits? His short-area quickness is off the charts,” Day said. “His ability to get open, I say it all the time, I still haven’t seen him ever get covered because he’s always getting open. He can stop and start and change direction.”
Smith-Njigba had more than 1,600 yards for the Buckeyes in 2021. In 2022, he didn't get a chance to showcase the talent he had due to a hamstring injury. His most outstanding game came in the 2022 Rose Bowl with 347 receiving yards in a 48-45 victory over Utah.
What makes Smith-Njigba an elite threat is his ability to create separation. Day likened his skillset to a point guard who can change pace and keep a defender off balance.
“It’s like a point guard who can dribble the length of the court, crossover, make a guy miss but never really slow down. That’s Jaxon,” he said. “… He can really change direction, has strong hands, he’s powerful, he’ll block. He can play on the outside as well, but he’s got great spatial awareness and he’s going to be very difficult to cover in the slot.”
As things stand, Smith-Njigba has the sixth-highest odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. With the talent in the Seahawks' receiver room, it is possible that Smith-Njigba sets the NFL world on fire with his skillset and pass-catching ability.
