The Seahawks' passing game was unexpectedly one of the most efficient in the NFL last season, and there is much anticipation of it being even better in 2023 following the addition of receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in this year's draft.

Seattle committed what many saw as daylight robbery by landing Smith-Njigba with their second first-round selection (20th overall).

Smith-Njigba was deservedly regarded as the premier receiver in 2023 class despite missing most of his final season with Ohio State through injury.

His lack of time on the field last year has done nothing to quell expectations around Smith-Njigba for his first year in a formidable wide receiver triumvirate that also features D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Indeed, Smith-Njigba was picked as the Seahawks' breakout player for 2023 by CBS Sports' Jared Dubin, who wrote:

It was tough to come up with an answer for the Seahawks. Geno Smith broke out last year. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are already stars. Kenneth Walker III rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie. Tariq Woolen finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. So we're going with JSN, who should settle in immediately as the slot threat this offense needs to take things to the next level. His ability to work short and intermediate areas of the field and snap off routes at a moment's notice makes him an excellent complement to the two incumbent wideouts, and he should be an immediate success.

Predicting Smith-Njigba to be an "immediate success" places him under substantial pressure. However, given he will almost certainly play the majority of his snaps in the slot, it is not too hard to envision him rising to the challenge and providing Seattle with an instant uptick in production from that spot.

Though he enjoyed a Comeback Player of the Year season, Geno Smith ranked 26th among quarterbacks who targeted the slot at least 100 times in total Expected Points Added on those throws, according to Sports Info Solutions. His EPA per attempt was barely in positive figures at an average of 0.04.

Smith-Njigba undoubtedly has the skill set to improve Smith's efficiency throwing to the slot. He is an intricate and well-refined route-runner who uses his outstanding lower-body flexibility, footwork and headfakes to create separation. On top of that, his agility helps him win consistently after the catch, Smith-Njigba frequently displaying tremendous elusiveness in the open field.

You don't need elite speed to be a YAC threat when you have JSN's contact balance and change of direction ability. pic.twitter.com/tQkgOeSJLh

— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) March 20, 2023

Those skills should translate excellently to production from the slot, while his impressive ball-tracking and ability to win at the catch point will make him a weapon downfield on slot fades for a quarterback who was remarkably accurate pushing the ball deep last season.

Smith's on target percentage of 66.3 on throws of at least 15 air yards was the best in the NFL in 2022 (min. 10 attempts).

Ridiculously good ball tracking. pic.twitter.com/MAYeaJnSmZ

— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) March 20, 2023

The challenge for Smith-Njigba as training camp gets going this week will be to build a rapport with Smith. 

It is not always easy for rookie receivers to develop an understanding with their quarterback, but in recent years the college game has sent a succession of pass-catchers who have hit the ground running and quickly turned into stars. Ja'Marr Chase's success as a rookie in 2021 despite a training camp defined by his drops was evidence of how such talents can quickly overcome adversity.

Smith-Njigba will look to avoid any such struggles. With Smith at quarterback and Metcalf and Lockett each meriting the attention of opposing defenses, he is in an excellent spot to add another dimension to the Seattle offense by thriving as an inside receiver.

Seahawks head to camp with two of top three 2023 draft picks unsigned

They need to resolve this situation soon.

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