Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Friday, April 28— about your Seattle Seahawks.
High Praise For Seattle's First Two Picks
With their first two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seahawks selected Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon (pick No. 5) and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba (pick No. 20). While not going the route many in the media had predicted with their first-round picks, the Seahawks were the recipients of high praise for their Day 1 choices.
Draft Analyst Chad Reuter of Around the NFL rewarded Seattle an A+ grade for selecting Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba, the only team to earn a perfect mark.
Draft picks
○ Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon (No. 5 overall)
○ Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 20)
Analysis: Seattle's trade of Russell Wilson appears to have been the right move, at least after one season. They used the fifth overall pick gained from the Broncos on Witherspoon, which was not a surprise, though he is not as big as some of the corners Seattle has selected recently. He plays larger than his size might suggest. Grabbing the top receiver in the draft in Smith-Njigba will pay dividends. He will slice and dice defenses over the middle and sneak downfield for big plays. These were two very good picks at positions of need.
Draft expert Rob Rang weighed in on Seattle’s selectionsafter sharing his pre-draft insight over recent weeks.
5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Rang: Witherspoon probably ranks as one of the favorite players in this class for a lot of scouts, as few can match his ferocity as a competitor. I'll put it as simply as I can — Witherspoon was the best player on the best defense in football last year — an Illinois squad that allowed just 12.77 points per game. Man or zone, press or off, he's a Day 1 tone-setter, and for the Seahawks, he's an immediate upgrade over veteran Mike Jackson opposite last year's rookie star, Tariq Woolen.
Grade: A
20) Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Rang: JSN is a bit of an enigma in that his relative lack of production at the college level would suggest he's underdeveloped. After all, 35% of his career receiving yards and four of his 10 touchdowns came in just two games (at Nebraska, and in the Rose Bowl win over Utah to cap the 2021 season). In terms of speed and style, Smith-Njigba couldn't be more different than his speedy Ohio State predecessors Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but his surprisingly pro-ready game projects very well, nevertheless. One of the greatest challenges college receivers typically have in making the jump to the NFL is the sudden closer proximity and physicality of defenders. JSN is at his best in traffic, showing the poise and skill set to quickly emerge as a legitimate security blanket for some lucky quarterback. He should star in the slot between DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett
Grade: A-
The Seahawks received enough A-grades from national media to make the honor roll, as Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports broke down Seattle’s selections.
- Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois — Witherspoon isn't the biggest cornerback, but he has all the skills to be a top-flight cornerback for the Seahawks. Tariq Woolen and Witherspoon is an uber-talented young pairing and now the Seahawks have a loaded cornerbacks room, which is never a bad thing. His swagger, physicality and ball skills will instantly make the Seahawks tough to beat through the air. Grade: A+
- Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State — Great pick for the Seahawks at this point. In the present, they have arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and now Smith-Njigba. The pick of Smith-Njigba will keep their receivers room strong even after Lockett moves on from the Seahawks in the coming years. Grade: A
Some current Seattle players chimed in on social media as well in support of the pair of selections.
Social Post Of The Day
Senior Bowl Director of Operations Jim Nagy declares the Seahawks co-winners of Day One of the 2023 NFL Draft with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here's what Pacific Northwest and national media had to say following Day One of the 2023 NFL Draft:
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Seahawks get high marks for first-round draft picks Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Draft WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Seattle's Next Rookie Star?
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Draft Reaction: Why Seahawks picked WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba at 20.
Mike Salk of Seattle Sports 710AM: Salk: Why Seahawks did smartest thing possible with 2 1st-rounders.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: Seahawks go for premium talent over positional need during a ceiling-raising Round 1.
Dave Boling of The Spokesman-Review: Seahawks continue to defy NFL draft experts, pick players that fit John Schneider and Pete Carroll’s needs.
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks Draft Reaction: Huard, Wyman on CB Devon Witherspoon.
Brady Henderson of ESPN's NFL Nation: Seattle Seahawks NFL draft picks 2023: Analysis for every selection.
From the red carpet to center stage and beyond, take a look at photos from throughout cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's draft day in Kansas City.
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses on stage during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba arrives prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba arrives prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud and Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba arrive prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon arrives prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon arrives prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon arrives prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon arrives prior to the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Texas running back Bijan Robinson, Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, and Texas running back Bijan Robinson pose together back stage during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba applauds during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon takes the stage during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Illinois Cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses with Seattle Seahawks fans after being selected as the fifth overall pick at the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, in Kansas City, MO. (AP Images for NFL/Tyler Kaufman)
Illinois Cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses with Seattle Seahawks fans after being selected as the fifth overall pick at the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, in Kansas City, MO. (AP Images for NFL/Tyler Kaufman)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon celebrates after being selected during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon celebrates after being selected during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
A graphic featuring Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is displayed during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon left, and Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, hold a team jersey after Witherspoon was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 5 pick at the 2023 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is interviewed during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
TCU Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses with Seattle Seahawks fans after being selected as the 20th pick at the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, in Kansas City, MO. (AP Images for NFL/Tyler Kaufman)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba reacts after being selected during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
A graphic featuring Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is displayed during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba reacts after being selected during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba puts on a hat after being chosen by the Seattle Seahawks with the 20th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell embrace during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba walks onto the stage after he was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 20 pick at the 2023 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pose for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, left, and Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, hold a team jersey after Smith-Njigba was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 20 pick at the 2023 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses with his jersey during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
NFL Network's Stacey Dales interviews Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is interviewed during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo during the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
