Tag: Seahawks wide receivers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has flashed second-year growth this season. The former Ohio State standout currently ranks first on the team in receptions (50) by a sizable margin, with DK Metcalf, who missed two games due to injury, trailing him by 15 catches (35). Smith-Njigba also ranks in targets (75) and receiving yards (568, tied with Metcalf).

One of Smith-Njigba’s best pre-draft assets was his versatility. A technically advanced prospect, Smith-Njigba was described as being capable of playing all three wide receiver positions (X, Z, slot). It turns out he’s been especially dominant at one of those positions for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this season.

Smith-Njigba has recorded 43 receptions from the slot position, according to Pro Football Focus. He leads all receivers in catches from the slot. Smith-Njigba also leads all wideouts from the slot in receiving yards (514), first downs (25), and catches of 15-plus (13).

Grubb would be wise to continue moving Smith-Njigba around the offensive formation in search of advantageous matchups. PFF’s charting data indicates JSN has played 434 snaps from the slot and just 96 out wide as a boundary receiver. That indicates Grubb understands how to properly utilize Smith-Njigba’s skill set.

Seahawks: Ranking the 4 deepest positions on their roster going into 2022

From our perspective, here are the four most competitive positions on the roster heading into the summer.

The Seattle Seahawks threw a curveball in the 2022 NFL draft by playing it straight for a change. While their decision to pass on the quarterback class will and should be scrutinized for the next few years, overall the team did an excellent job of selecting above-average athletes at the positions that matter most for the modern game. With any class of rookies the results always vary, but that represents a much healthier process and approach to the draft than what we’ve seen since 2013.

From our perspective, here are the four most competitive positions on the roster heading into the summer.