Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Monday, May 8— about your Seattle Seahawks.
Seahawks First-Round Picks Set Up For Success In Seattle
With pick No. 20 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seahawks selected wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Both national and local media raved about the selection, as the 6-foot-1 Ohio State alum will look to complement wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. NFL Analyst Marc Ross ranks the top 10 rookies in the best position to succeed to kick off the week, with Smith-Njigba coming in at No. 2.
While hamstring issues hampered Smith-Njigba's 2022 campaign, his 2021 season provided plenty of tape to study. On his way to 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns, Smith-Njigba showed the versatility to line up across the line of scrimmage and make plays. But the majority of his snaps were spent lined up inside in the slot, close to 80 percent of plays according to Pro Football Focus. Ross breaks down why Smith-Njigba comes in at No. 2 on the list and what he brings to the table for Seattle's offense.
DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 20 overall
Smith-Njigba is a pro-ready receiver who should enjoy immediate success in the slot withDK MetcalfandTyler Lockettmanning the perimeters. This is the role in which JSN excelled at Ohio State in 2021, primarily working the middle of the field withChris OlaveandGarrett Wilsonon the outside. Seattle employs a run-first offense with a healthy amount of play-action shots downfield, so we should see a healthy dose of big plays from the rookie wideout.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, meanwhile, rounded out Ross' Top 10 list.
DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 5 overall
Witherspoon was CB1 in this draft class and joins a Seattle team looking for the second coming of the Legion of Boom, with last year's rookie sensation, Tariq Woolen, manning the other CB spot. Witherspoon has great instincts, plays the ball well and is an aggressive tackler -- all traits Pete Carroll loves.
Seattle's 10 draft selections prepare to head to rookie minicamp on May 12-14, as they get their first taste of life in the NFL.
Social Post Of The Day
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner gets a formal welcome back from the Mariners after throwing out the first pitch for Saturday's contest against the Houston Astros.
More From Around The Web
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Mailbag: Will the Seahawks sign a veteran QB? What’s going on at receiver?
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Why Seahawks GM Schneider made draft day trade with Broncos.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Why 49ers GM can see Seattle Seahawks are coming for SF.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks 'Tough-Minded' Derick Hall Brings Tenacity, Leadership to EDGE Group.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Seattle Mariners taking on the Houston Astros on April 6, 2023 at T-Mobile Park.