The Seattle Seahawks have returned to the couch for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, which is an all-too-familiar feeling for the veterans. However, for the rookies, it's their first taste of true disappointment as professionals.
The Seahawks had one of the better rookie classes in the NFL, led by their two first-round picks in cornerback Devon Witherspoon and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Those two, along with the rest of the class, landed the Seahawks at No. 7 in ESPN's rookie class rankings.
"The Seahawks' two first-round picks were their two most valuable rookies in 2023. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon ranked as the No. 2 defensive rookie in Total Points behind Branch of the Lions," ESPN writes. "He had a better than average minus-12% DVOA in coverage plus three sacks and a pick-six on his way to the Pro Bowl. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 63 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns, though he graded out as slightly below average in receiving DVOA."
On top of that, the Seahawks got some production from players like running back Zach Charbonnet and receiver Jake Bobo. The offensive line brought two starters in right guard Anthony Bradford and center Olu Oluwatimi. However, the rookies weren't all shiny.
"One disappointment was second-round edge rusher Derick Hall, who had no sacks and only five pressures while playing roughly 25% of Seattle's defensive snaps. But this was the second straight strong rookie class for the Seahawks, who were the top-ranked team in this piece a year ago," ESPN writes.
If this rookie class can continue to develop, perhaps they can be playing meaningful football well into mid-January a year from now.
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