Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba experienced a breakout season in 2024. JSN established his place in the organizational record books by recording 100 receptions (!) for 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdowns. It was an appropriate sophomore breakout season for the 2023 first-round pick.
Smith-Njigba is now entering an even more critical third season. The Seahawks traded DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, making JSN their unquestioned No. 1 receiver. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will build the passing offense around Smith-Njigba and his skill set.
Pro Football Focus recently released their top 32 wide receiver rankings ahead of the 2025 season. Sorting them by tiers, JSN clocked in at No. 27, the fifth (and second-last) tier.
“Some might argue Smith-Njigba deserves a higher spot on this list,” Trevor Sikkema admits. “And in certain areas, such as his 97.2 receiving grade against zone coverage and strong yards-after-the-catch production, the case is there. However, his 78.7 grade against single coverage falls short compared to others ranked ahead of him. That said, this isn’t a knock on his talent; he’s a highly skilled receiver with the potential for a breakout year in Seattle’s new offense.”
Smith-Njigba still has some detractors. How he performs under Kubiak with Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp among his new teammates will go a long way towards solidifying his reputation around the league. Smith-Njigba must continue showcasing personal growth in 2025.