Geno Smith featuring in an NFL survey ranking the best quarterbacks in the league would have been unthinkable this time last year.

The Seahawks signal-caller was not included in a list of top 10 quarterbacks put together by ESPN following a poll of league executives, coaches, scouts and players.

He was not among the honorable mentions, but he was listed among others receiving votes.

That in itself is an achievement for a quarterback who last year was competing for a starting job with Drew Lock and viewed by many as nothing more than a stopgap for a Seahawks team rebuilding following the Russell Wilson trade.

As it turned out, Smith's Comeback Player of the Year season turned a rebuild into a reset as the Seahawks made the playoffs as a Wild Card team. He went from draft bust and stopgap to the Seahawks' long-term starter at the position. Seattle rewarded him for a remarkable campaign with a three-year, $75 million contract this offseason.

That was richly deserved after Smith threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns with 11 interceptions and led the NFL in completion percentage over expectation.

Though that stellar season was not enough to catapult him into the top 10 in the eyes of those inside the NFL, he is well-positioned to potentially make it on to next year's list with another strong campaign.

The Seahawks added to Smith's weaponry by drafting Jaxon Smith-Njigba 20th overall this year, giving him the premier receiver in the class and one who should immediately thrive in the slot having excelled in that role for Ohio State.

With Smith-Njigba joining D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in the Seahawks' receiver room, Seattle has arguably the best trio of wideouts in the NFL. Guarding all three will be a substantial challenge for opposing defenses, meaning Smith's number of throws to open receivers should theoretically increase.

And with Seattle's two young offensive tackles, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, enjoying impressive rookie seasons, Smith has the benefit of two bookends on the offensive line to buy him time to connect with his fearsome weapons downfield more regularly. 

Seattle's 50 pass plays of 20 yards or more were only good enough for a tie for 14th in the NFL, though their 13 passing touchdowns of at least 20 yards were the third-most.

Doubts around the interior of the Seattle offensive line could temper expectations of a significant jump in production. However, the majority of signs point to Smith's unexpected turnaround extending into 2023. Such a continuation would at least merit Smith a place in the honorable mentions in 2024.

Coby Bryant expects more aggressive Seahawks defense to take step forward

The starting nickel has high hopes.

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