Seahawks select Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks selected Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 20th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. JSN turned in one of the most impressive sophomore seasons we’ve ever seen back in 2021. He racked up 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine TDs, out-producing both Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave while also beating those eventual first-round picks in yards per route run and Pro Football Focus receiving grade. A lingering hamstring injury limited Smith-Njigba to 60 total snaps this past year. But he was healthy enough to work out in the pre-draft process, where he posted elite marks in the 3-cone and short shuttle. That agility shows up on tape: JSN is impossible to stick with one-on-one and regularly adds yardage after the catch. Smith-Njibga has just-ok size (6’1, 196 lbs.) and speed (4.52-second 40 time), which puts a cap on his big-play upside. But he looks capable of quickly emerging as a high-volume target. Think Amon-Ra St. Brown. With the Seahawks, JSN will fit in as a day-one slot. Note that D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are signed through the 2025 season.

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in all 4 of his targets for 48 yards and scored the eventual game-winning TD in Week 15 vs. the Eagles. The rookie has started to heat up over the past three weeks, leading the team in receptions (15) and ranking second in target share (21.8%) and PPR points per game (11.5). Season-long managers should still treat JSN as a deeper league flex option at best, especially as long as QB Geno Smith continues to miss time due to a groin injury. Still, this late-season trend in which he’s pacing teammate Tyler Lockett in usage is an encouraging sign for Smith-Njigba’s dynasty prospects. We'll see if he can maintain this success in a prime Week 16 spot vs. the Titans (fifth-best WR matchup per our adjusted fantasy points allowed).

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team and set a season-high with 11 targets in Thursday night's loss to the Cowboys. He parlayed the volume into seven catches and 62 yards. It looked like he'd have a much bigger night when he hauled in a 30-yard TD late in the first half -- but it was (questionably) ruled incomplete on review. It was still an encouraging game for JSN from a volume perspective, although it was likely at least partly matchup-induced against a Dallas defense tougher against outside WRs than slots. Smith-Njigba will likely remain behind WRs D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in the pecking order going forward. But the rookie is trending up, with four games of 12+ PPR points over his last seven outings. He'll be a shaky Week 14 fantasy play against a tough 49ers defense that just held him to a 2-41-0 line on Thanksgiving. But Smith-Njigba gets plus matchups the following two weeks against the Eagles and Titans.

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (hip) is not listed on the final injury report for this weekend’s game vs. the Commanders. He was a full participant in Thursday and Friday’s practices after being sidelined on Wednesday. JSN will be ready for his usual role this weekend.

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (hip) returned to a full practice on Thursday. He'll be ready to rock for this weekend's game vs. the Commanders' league-worst WR defense.

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. We don't have any other details on the injury or Smith-Njigba's chances of playing vs. the Commanders this weekend. Check back tomorrow for another update on his status.