The NFL’s preseason rankings for players are pouring in. Coaches and executives have been ranking the top players at each position group, and one of the latest rankings, written by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN, involves the wide receiver position. The usual suspects, such as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, comprised the top spots. However, one Seahawks wide receiver is bubbling under the surface of the list, poised to find his way in next season.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the wide receivers who was under consideration by voters for the list. Smith-Njigba was in the “also receiving votes” category along with standout receivers such as Devonta Smith, Jameson Williams, and Ladd McConkey. Smith-Njigba had a career year in 2024, and he is poised for an even more impactful one in 2025.
The Number One Guy
Smith-Njigba, entering his third season in the NFL, will get his chance to be the number one receiver for the Seahawks this year, following the departure of DK Metcalf. Smith-Njigba is no stranger to being a number one receiver. He was a third-team All-American at Ohio State in 2021. Despite only playing in three games in 2022, Smith-Njigba was the first receiver selected in the 2023 draft.
Entering this season, Smith-Njigba will have the confidence from his Pro Bowl 2024 season, which has shown that he can play at a high level in the NFL. Now his next step is to lead his team. In an interview with KING 5’s Paul Silvi, Smith-Njigba said he’s ready to embrace his new leadership role on the Seahawks.
“It’s a role that you know I work every day, Smith-Njigba said. “You know to be a leader and for you know guys to follow, I want the team to know that I’m gonna be ready when those moments and moments that they need me.”
Smith-Njibga will be stepping into this upcoming season with a new leadership role and a new quarterback throwing him the ball.
Sam Darnold Connection
Sam Darnold will be throwing to Jaxon Smith-Njigba this season. If Darnold can continue the resurgence he had with the Vikings on his new team, the Seahawks, Smith-Njigba should see plenty of opportunities. Darnold, on the Vikings, threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns.
As Darnold’s number one receiver, Justin Jefferson had 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jefferson finished second in the NFL in receiving yards and tied his career high in touchdowns.
Smith-Njigba, as Darnold’s top receiving target next season, should see an increase in his production as well. During OTAs, Smith-Njigba came away impressed by how Darnold commanded the Seahawks offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
In May, speaking to John Boyle, writing for the Seahawks website, Smith-Njigba said about Darnold, “He’s really smart, he’s in his playbook and can tell everybody what to do. He’s a general out there.”
The connection between Darnold and Smith-Njigba should only grow stronger as the training camp approaches and the season begins.
Cooper Kupp Mentorship
One of the new developments for Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the addition of former Rams wide receiver and Offensive Player of the Year, Cooper Kupp. Smith-Njba got to learn under the tree of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in his first few seasons, and now Kupp provides him with another accomplished veteran resource. Seahawks Wire writer Justin Melo transcribed Kupp’s June 23 appearance on Good Morning Football. In the interview, Kupp was complimentary of Smith-Njigba and compared him to former teammate Puka Nacua.
“I think the first thing that struck me [about JSN], he plays a lot stronger than he gets credit for,” Kupp said. “His decisiveness and belief in himself and what he can do. He’s incredibly competitive. He knows he’s not going to lose. It’s similar to what Puka [Nacua] was coming in as well. Their competitiveness and play strength are very similar.”
Kupp recognizes that Smith-Njigba also possesses the same qualities present in Nacua. The 2025 season has all the makings of a breakout one for Smith-Njigba. If he continues his upward trajectory, he will be more than just under consideration for a top 10 wide receiver slot next year.
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