Jaxon Smith-Njigba has an opportunity to make history
The Seattle Seahawks’ first-rounder has a shot at history in 2023.
It will be hard for the Seattle Seahawks to try and not get ahead of themselves with the late first-round selection of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the No. 20 overall pick Thursday night.
The selection of Smith-Njigba was the highest coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have taken a wide receiver in 14 drafts together. Meaning, the two of them have big plans for the 6-foot-1 slot receiver out of Ohio State.
Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf finally have help. And with Geno Smith tossing Smith-Njigba the ball, he will have countless opportunities to prove himself at the NFL level. He will also have a realistic shot at claiming a record that has stood since the 1995 season: The total rookie receiving yard record of 1,039 yards that was set by Joey Galloway.
The same traits that attracted Seattle to Tyler Lockett in the 2015 draft are present in Smith-Njigba. He is a swift and shifty slot receiver who, in the 2021 Rose Bow,l put up 347 yards on Utah, showcasing elite ball tracking, spatial awareness, body control, and speed.
He also fits in seamlessly with the Seahawks' wide receiver room. Between Metcalf and Lockett playing 1A and 1B, Smith-Njigba is going to be operating in an immense amount of space.
“I’m super excited, super excited. 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," he said. "I am looking forward to lining up next to them.”
Adding to the possibility that Smith-Njigba breaks the rookie receiving yard record is that he will come in and compete immediately. Unlike many rookies, he won't be buried in the depth chart because his arrival fills an immediate need for the Seahawks.
If the jury is still out on if Smith-Njigba will be a difference-maker in Seattle's offense, all you have to do is take his word for it.
"I get open,” he said. "I can improve on my whole skillset. I know I’m not even close to where I want to be in the near future. I’m sure the coaches will have some points for me to work on. For me to be in that room and steal some stuff from DK (Metcalf) and all those guys, I’m looking forward to it.”
Safe to say the Seahawks are as well.
