Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
Draft Team: Seattle Seahawks, Round 1, 20th pick
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the consensus top-rated wide receiver in the draft, and the NFL agreed as he was the first wide receiver off the board. That being said, the timing and the landing spot were a bit of a surprise. For one, he slid a bit to the 20th overall pick with teams like the Saints and Packers passing over the wide receiver position for other needs. And the landing spot, the Seahawks, already has one of the better pass-catching duos with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But, you can never have too many weapons in the NFL, and outside of Cincinnati, Seattle now has the best wide receiver room in the league.
Smith-Njigba knows the sky is the limit and plans to learn from his teammates to continue to improve. “I can improve on my whole skillset,” Smith-Njigba told the media following his selection. “I know I’m not even close to where I want to be in the near future. I’m sure the coaches will have some points for me to work on. For me to be in that room and steal some stuff from DK and all those guys, I’m looking forward to it.”
With regard to his fantasy value, Seattle is an intriguing landing position with a lot of variables to unpack. Smith-Njigba will immediately slot into the third wide receiver role in Seattle, where he could still see consistent single coverage with teams keying on Metcalf and Lockett. But the Seahawks are also very committed to the run with Kenneth Walker (and now Zach Charbonnet;) they ran 12 personnel more than any other team in the league on first down last year, meaning fewer opportunities for Smith-Njigba to get on the field. Will that change with the influx of talent? Tough to say.
Even with some initial volume concerns in year one, both Lockett and Metcalf have big cap hits coming in short order, and it’s highly unlikely Seattle keeps them both around with Smith-Njigba waiting in the wings. And Geno Smith was one of the best QBs in the league last year, a year that Seattle rewarded by not drafting a QB in 2023, showing their faith in the somehow only 32-year-old quarterback. Even with the initial volume concerns, Smith-Njigba should be the first wide receiver off your board and a top 5 pick in your dynasty draft.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba NFL Draft Preview
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is both the consensus number-one receiver in this class and one that has numerous questions shrouding him heading into the draft. Somehow both of these things are true. JSN burst onto the scene his sophomore season, outgaining both Chris Olave and Garret Wilson during the regular season. Those guys have done decent in the NFL so far.
That being said, the real statement of the 2021 season was a ridiculous 15-catch, 347-yard, 3-touchdown performance to almost single-handedly win Ohio State the Rose Bowl. Primed for a massive junior year, a hamstring injury ended up robbing him of the majority of the season and created questions about his durability. That, and it left him with only 13 games of tape in college. Still, those 13-game tapes are plenty for me to peg him as the number 1 wide receiver in this class and someone that should be heavily considered for the second overall pick in non-superflex dynasty leagues.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 15 receptions, 346 yards, 3 TDs
The 346 receiving yards is the most for any bowl game in history. Wow.
pic.twitter.com/Euf1bThfWw— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) January 2, 2022
Measurables
- 6’1″ 196 lbs
- 40-yard dash – N/A
- Vertical Jump – 35″
- Broad Jump – 10′ 5″
Stats at Ohio State
- 2022: 5 catches, 43 yards, 0 TDs – hamstring injury limited to one game
- 2021: 95 catches, 1606 yards, 9 TDs
- 2020: 10 catches, 49 yards, 1 TDs
Positives
Premier slot wide receiver who has all the skills needed to excel in the NFL. Deceptive speed and excellent subtly in route running to create separation. Great hands and catches away from his body. Fearless on routes and has terrific focus and contested catch.
Negatives
Could be viewed as limited to the slot due to size/speed concerns. Long speed is only average. Is mediocre in the open field at gaining YAC. Smaller sample size and durability concerns.
Grade: A
Personally, I find the sample size and durability concerns overblown. Smith-Njigba didn’t want to damage his draft stock or re-injure himself last year and therefore didn’t risk coming back early or hurting himself in a late-season game. If you fault him for that feel free, but that looked like a sound financial decision to me. What is clear is his ability, and even if he is “limited” to the slot, he has the ability to put up monster numbers in the NFL. He’s my number one wide receiver, draft with confidence.
Patrick Whelan is a 34-year-old fantasy football writer, dynasty league enthusiast, and DFS player based out of Chicago. When he’s not watching his Detroit Lions disappoint on Sundays, he’s crafting brand strategy for Gatorade, rooting on his Michigan Wolverines, or cooking elaborate meals. You can follow him on Twitter @PdiddyWay
