With their second pick in Thursday's first round, the Seahawks selected Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 20th overall pick. Here are three things to know about the first receiver selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
1) 2022 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP
A nagging hamstring injury limited Jaxon Smith-Njigba to just 3 games played for the Buckeyes in 2022, but he ended the 2021 season with a bang. On New Year's Day, the Buckeyes wideout nabbed 15 receptions for three touchdowns, recording 347 receiving yards—the most in bowl game history. Smith-Njigba's performance helped Ohio State secure a 48-45 Rose Bowl victory over the Utah Utes, earning the offensive Most Valuable Player honors.
In that contest, Smith-Njigba surpassed Buckeyes legend David Boston to set a single-season receiving record with 1,606 yards.
2) WR1: Climbing Pre-Draft Rankings
The lead-up to draft time is a mystery for many, as teams alter and finalize their boards after extended evaluation and meetings. Despite just 23 games played in his college career, Smith-Njigba left a lasting impression on many - including ESPN Draft Analyst Matt Miller.
Smith-Njigba remains my top-ranked wideout because of what we have seen: eight straight games of over 95 yards to close out the 2021 season and the greatest bowl game ever for a wide receiver. He has shown excellent body control at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds while showcasing the burst and agility to create separation against NFL-caliber defenders. The injury must be weighed in the evaluation, but a healthy JSN is the best receiver in the class.
WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, OHIO STATE
Was: 20 / Now: 11 / Movement: +9
Smith-Njigba's rise on the board has as much to do with his hype as a potential WR1 in this class as it does with what he was able to showcase at the combine. He led all wide receivers in both three-cone and short shuttle numbers, at 6.57 and 3.93, respectively. Both marks were above the 96th percentile for wide receivers. If you ask 10 different scouts who their top five wide receivers are in this class, you might get 10 different combinations. But it feels like Smith-Njigba is trending toward that title as the first receiver off the board.
3) 2023 NFL Combine: Showtime in Indy
After missing the majority of the 2022 season, a healthy Smith-Njigba finally got a chance to showcase his skills at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The 6-foot Dallas native recorded a 3.93-second 20-yard shuttle, ranking fourth-best for the wideout position since 2007 (Avg 4.28). Smith-Njigba's 6.57-second three-cone drill ranks No.12 in that span amongst receivers participating in the combine (Avg 6.94). The former Buckeye ranked No.1 amongst all 2023 wideout participants in both categories.
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)
