Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2023 Outlook
Being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft brings accompanying and understandable pressure. But Smith-Njigba, an Ohio State product, is eager to face it -- along with NFL defenses -- after being chosen with the 20th overall pick. Seahawks brass is hopeful Smith-Njigba can complement the franchise’s longstanding wideout duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who again proved dependable targets for quarterback Geno Smith as Seattle earned a playoff berth last season. The 6-1, 197-pound rookie has since drawn comparisons to the similarly-sized Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams. Despite a hamstring injury that sidelined him for most of the 2022 season, he contributed a school-record 95 catches and 1,606 yards as a Buckeye in 2021 while flanking soon-to-be first-round wideouts in teammates Garrett Wilson (New York Jets) and Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints). Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 43 yards in his final college season and is primed and healthy for his debut in the pros with a franchise excited about his potential and prospects.