Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Monday, August 7 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Rookie Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba a Preseason Player to Watch
It took 23 career games at Ohio State University to make wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba a first-round selection. CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards is the latest national supporter awaiting Smith-Njigba’s rookie campaign, as he names the Buckeyes alum to his “must-see” 2023 NFL Preseason player watchlist.
Smith-Njigba propelled himself into the national spotlight in 2021, catching 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns over 13 games.
But it was Smith-Njigba’s record-breaking performance in the Buckeyes’ 48-45 Rose Bowl victory over the Utah Utes that etched his name in the history books. On 15 receptions, Smith-Njigba caught three touchdowns and gained a bowl-game record 357 yards. In addition to setting a school-record for receptions (tying his own career-high), Smith-Njigba's 357-yard outing was the fifth-highest in FBS history.
In April, Seattle selected the dynamic wideout with the No. 20 pick, the second of two first-round selections. But it wasn’t just Seattle’s front office whose interest was piqued by Smith-Njigba’s college tape - quarterback Geno Smith declared the Seahawks needed him after watching highlights.
"I was actually training with one of my boys and I was watching his highlights," Smith told the NFL Network's Bridget Condon. "And I texted Pete (Carroll), 'Man we've got to draft this guy.' And we ended up getting him. I was so happy."
Smith-Njigba has been in the Pacific Northwest for just an offseason, but the potential of being paired with Smith and two 1,000-yard receivers (DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett) has plenty across the league anticipating his debut after playing just three games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury.
Edwards breaks down what Smith-Njigba brings to the table for Seattle.
Smith-Njigba has not played in a game since October of 2022 while dealing with a hamstring injury. The buzz surrounding the Texas native diminished because he was out of sight, out of mind, but the talent remains the same. Smith-Njigba is capable of putting defenders in a blender, and that opportunity should only be magnified alongside DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. His skillset perfectly compliments what Seattle already has on the roster. While he may not be the flashiest pass-catcher, Smith-Njigba is capable of high-volume production.
In July, fellow CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso named Smith-Njigba along with center Olu Oluwatimi and defensive end Derick Hall to his 2023 Preseason All-Rookie team. While he’s shown no signs of rust throughout early training camp, many will be anticipating his first-official play in pads this preseason after rehabilitating since last October.
Social Post Of The Day
The Seahawks offense tied for No. 2 overall in fourth-quarter scoring in 2022. The sky's the limit for 2023.
More From Around The Web
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: What we’ve learned about the Seahawks: Geno Smith playing free, CB depth on display.
Gregg Bell of The News Tribune: Why Seahawks’ Uchenna Nwosu re-signed: ‘Why would I want to chance going somewhere else?’
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Riq Woolen back on field for Seahawks, Dre’Mont Jones injured in practice.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: For now, Seahawks appear to have decided on a starter at center.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks WR Jake Bobo Impressing Geno Smith: 'Confidence & Swag!'
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Why Ray Roberts is so high on Seahawks rookie C Olu Oluwatimi.
The Seahawks got back to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center for their ninth practice of Training Camp on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Coby Bryant (8) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and tight end Tyler Mabry (85) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back SaRodorick Thompson (29) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson (84) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7), tackle Charles Cross (67), and the Seahawks offense participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Defensive Coordinator Clint Hurtt and Seahawks legend Michael Bennett at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (89) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Benjie Franklin (34) and Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Joey Blount (35) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and linebacker Patrick O'Connell (57) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Tyreke Smith (92) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks center Evan Brown (63) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody Thompson (13) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and safety Ty Okada (39) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and the offensive line at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas (31) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54), Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10), Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53), and Seahawks legends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (70) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks defensive end Jarran Reed (90) and Seahawks legends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) and Seahawks legends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody Thompson (13) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participated at practice on August 6, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
