Seattle Seahawks post-draft fantasy football winners and losers
By Almar Reyes
With a few weeks passing since the 2023 NFL Rookie Draft, it's time to examine how well our favorite teams (and you know I mean the Seattle Seahawks) addressed their roster gaps. The draft provided a few surprises this year, with some players falling down the draft order, and teams taking advantage of the opportunity.
The Seattle Seahawks had a wealth of draft capital at their disposal, courtesy of last year's Russell Wilson trade, which gave them two first-round picks and two second-round picks. After re-signing quarterback Geno Smith, the Seahawks were able to utilize their draft picks to address other pressing areas of need.
While the Seahawks made some phenomenal picks in real football, some of their players may be winners or losers in the world of fantasy football. This distinction is not a reflection of their actual performance on the field, but rather their projected impact on fantasy production.
Seahawks winner - QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith, who had a remarkable 2022 season, setting a few Seahawks offensive records, was rewarded with a contract extension in the offseason. Seattle's decision not to acquire a quarterback as his successor was a testament to the trust they placed in Geno. Furthermore, they opted to use their 20th overall pick to select Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver from Ohio State.
Smith-Njigba was touted as the top wide receiver in the rookie class, and his addition to an already impressive receiving corps that includes DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett should bolster Geno's fantasy production. Despite finishing the year with 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, Geno is currently ranked only 14th overall in half-ppr, which has come as a surprise to many. The arrival of Smith-Ngiba creates matchup problems for the opposition and opens up more possibilities for Geno, which could lead to an even more impressive season.
For most re-draft league drafters, Geno Smith could prove to be a great value as their quarterback. Additionally, if you are in a two-quarterback league, he could be a solid second option. The addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba to Seattle's already impressive group of receivers creates a wealth of passing options, which could result in an increase in both yardage and touchdowns for Geno. All in all, the Seahawks' decision to invest in their receiving corps could prove to be a boon for fantasy players who draft Geno.