Seahawks’ Second-Year WR Expected To Be a ‘Massive’ Part of 2024 Offense: Here’s Why
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the first wide receiver selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, hasn’t been viewed in a similar light as either Flowers, Nacua, Rashee Rice or Jordan Addison, who all had a much less stacked receiving corps to navigate once arriving in the league. Behind the Seattle Seahawks’ dynamic duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, “JSN” still posted 628 receiving yards.
Even in a limited capacity, his talent shined through. And with greater opportunity in offseason practices, Smith-Njigba is tearing his defense up at a greater rate.
According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, he “was downright dominant” in OTAs. New head coach Mike Macdonald anticipates the same sort of showing from Smith-Njigba in the regular season, where the second-year receiver should have a bigger role than he did in 2023.
Metcalf and Lockett still inhabit the Pacific Northwest, which could cause fans to take Macdonald’s words with a grain of salt. However, the circumstances around Smith-Njigba are much more optimal this season than last and should allow him to break out in a major way.
Metcalf and Lockett still inhabit the Pacific Northwest, which could cause fans to take Macdonald’s words with a grain of salt. However, the circumstances around Smith-Njigba are much more optimal this season than last and should allow him to break out in a major way.
JSN also went through the typical improvements in the off-field aspects of his game, building better “practice and study habits” that helped him raise his level of play in the latter stages of the year. With professional seasoning and given his immense ability, Smith-Njigba is ready to experience a second-year leap.
