The old saying goes, “Offense wins games, defense wins championships.” In Seattle, though, a young star — one who’s shining brighter with every game — is trying to disprove that claim.
Twenty-three-year-old Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) has become a reliable deep threat since stepping into the Seahawks’ facility.
Smith-Njigba surpassed his rookie-year yardage total in just six games this season. He has 50 receptions for 819 yards and has the most receiving yards in football by almost 200.
He isn’t the biggest receiver on the field, but he’s among the quickest and most agile, and he’s been the best one in the league this season.
Yet Another Ohio State Phenom
At Ohio State, Smith-Njigba totaled 1,698 receiving yards in 23 games, with more than 1,600 coming in his breakout 2021 sophomore season. His 2022 campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury, but his talent made him a clear first-round pick.
The Seahawks selected him 23rd overall, making him the first wide receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Blooming Into An NFL Star
Smith-Njigba’s productivity has climbed sharply since entering the NFL. He followed up a 600-yard rookie season with a Pro Bowl-worthy 1,100-yard performance in his second year, all while playing in the shadow of veteran star D.K. Metcalf.
Metcalf was long considered a top-10 receiver during his seven seasons in Seattle. He topped 1,000 yards three times and led the team in its playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. Still, inconsistency and lack of postseason success clouded his legacy.
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That changed when general manager John Schneider traded Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Seattle received only draft capital in return, but the move opened the door for Smith-Njigba to step up as the Seahawks’ No. 1 receiver.
What Makes JSN The Best Receiver in Football?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best receiver in football right now because he’s combined his elite skillset with a golden opportunity.
Smith-Njigba’s footwork and route running are among the league’s best. While his youth may still show at times, injuries across the NFL have helped highlight his consistency.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua has put up elite numbers but is sidelined with a foot injury. San Francisco’s Ricky Pearsall is battling a UCL injury, and Washington’s Terry McLaurin has missed four straight games with a quad issue.
Quarterback play also plays a major role in production. Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase has struggled without Joe Burrow, Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson has faced similar issues, and Baltimore’s Zay Flowers has missed Lamar Jackson’s presence. Darnold, meanwhile, is tied for the league lead in yards per attempt and has continued his 2024 resurgence.
Seattle’s offense is also balanced under coordinator Klint Kubiak, which helps Smith-Njigba thrive. The Seahawks use a strong run game with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to open up opportunities for quarterback Sam Darnold to attack through the air.
The NFL is so often about timing and situation; look no further than a player like Daniel Jones to see how talent can be shrouded and unmasked in a flash.
Thanks to the continual good play of Darnold, an effective run game, and a lack of in-team competition, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has taken hold of a perfect situation and made the absolute most of it. All that’s left for him to do is keep it up.
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