Jaxon Smith-Njigba was one of the top defensive prospects going into the 2023 NFL Draft. The wide receiver’s numbers during his high school and college career speak a ton about his abilities. Hence there was no doubt that the Seattle Seahawks wasted no opportunity to grab the young gun. The Seahawks drafted Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
This year’s draft boasted of some exciting quarterback prospectus but even among them, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was a stand-out name. He was a Third-team All-American in 2021. Additionally, he was also named in the Third-team All-Big Ten in the same year. We take a look in this piece at his college numbers and what makes him one to look out for.
The #Seahawks are selecting Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20!
â Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) April 28, 2023
I LOVE IT!!!! pic.twitter.com/8ofNpJGvln
Jaxon Smith played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. While he had a relatively quiet first year with just the 1 touchdown and 49 receiving yards with 10 receptions, he burst onto the scene the following season as he recorded 9 touchdowns with 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards. He was mighty impressive in the Rose Bowl victory as he recorded 347 receiving yards as they recorded a 48-45 win over Utah.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba gets drafted in the first round by the Seahawks as the 20th overall pick
With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett already in the Seattle Seahawks locker room, it would be safe to say they have a pretty solid defensive line. However JSN seems to be a good backup option and is expected to bolster the squad depth. Furthermore having DK and Tyler will definitely help him gain experience and make him read y to face the big guns.
Jake Bobo đ€ Geno Smith.
â Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SeattleONTap) September 27, 2023
Just wait til this Seahawks offense has Bobo, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett AND Jaxon Smith-Njigba going. đ„ pic.twitter.com/WPuscM6EUw
It might not be known to a lot of people, but Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was the driving force behind drafting in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith had watched him play and was extremely impressed. Upon seeing the youngster’s highlights he decided to text head coach Pete Carroll and wanted him to be a part of their wide receiver group.
âI was actually training with one of my boys, and I was watching his highlights. And I texted Pete [Carroll], âMan, we gotta draft this guy,’â Smith said. âJust having him as part of that wide receiver group with DK and Tyler and being part of that offense, you can tell how special he is as a player. Heâs really gonna bring that added dimension to our offense. Iâm just happy that we got him.â
Although it is true that Jason Smith-Njigba missed a majority of last season due to a hamstring injury, it doesn’t dampen his talents. Given time he can surely repay the trust shown in him by the Seahawks management.
