Seahawks score big with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, their second pick of the 2023 draft

The Seahawks needed to double up on the success of their first selection of the draft, cornerback Devon Witherspoon. They nailed it with their selection of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Nijgba of Ohio State with the 20th pick overall of the 2023 draft. JSN was the first receiver taken, and he'll pay huge dividends for Seattle.

The Seahawks hit a titanic home run with Devon Witherspoon, their first pick of the draft. I ran 50 mock drafts and didn't pick a corner at that spot once. Believe me, I'm thrilled that I was wrong. I fared much better with the second pick, the 20th overall of the draft. Yeah, that's a lie. I didn't have Smith-Njigba in a single draft. That's okay, I'd rather the Hawks make the smart move. Pete Carroll and John Schneider are definitely smart.

Order Jaxon Smith-Njigba jerseys, shirts and memorabilia now at Fanatics

See, the only issue I have is that the stinking Buccaneers took my pick at 20, Calijah Kancey. Actually managed to grab him 19 times in my mock drafts. Ah well - I'm not exactly crying about the Seahawks selection. Seattle definitely needs a reliable third wide receiver with the departure of Marquise Goodwin. I liked Goodwin a lot, but I have no doubt that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an upgrade at the position.

Seahawks add a terrific third target with Smith-Njigba

Smith-Njigba only played in three games last season as he battled a hamstring injury, but there's no doubting his production when healthy. In 2021 he averaged 16.9 yards per reception, totaling 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. As nfl.com helpfully points out in their draft profile, JSN averaged 192 yards per game in 2021's final five contests. At 6'1" and 196 pounds, his size slots him perfectly between Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. He doesn't have a remarkable top end with a 4.52 40 time. However, he did run 6.57 in the three-cone drill, and 3.93 in the shuttle. He might not be as fast as Metcalf, but he's extremely quick. That translates to getting open., and getting open a lot.

JSN isn't the pick I expected for the Seahawks, but I love the selection. He can contribute immediately. Besides, as much as it hurts to think about it, Tyler Lockett is going to retire to his real estate empire someday. Seattle is off to a fantastic start in this draft. It's early, but after day one, I have to think that the Seahawks could have an even better draft this year than they did in 2022. We all know how great that draft was, right 12s? Look forward to more great picks on Friday!