Seahawks rookie WR continues to draw rave reviews

During a Wednesday news conference, Seattle WR DK Metcalf complimented the maturity of the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

"I mean, he's come in and treated it like a vet already," Metcalf said in a Wednesday news conference. "So it's really just teaching him the playbook — and he's already ahead of the learning curve of the technique that [receivers coach] Sanjay [Lal is] teaching."

Smith-Njigba also impressed WR Tyler Lockett. During a Tuesday news conference, Lockett said he believes Smith-Njigba will be "phenomenal."

The Seahawks offense was solid last season, finishing 12th in yards and ninth in scoring. Yet a 41-23 playoff loss to the 49ers in the wildcard round proved they need more playmakers. San Francisco gained 505 yards, while Seattle gained 332.

Could Smith-Njigba give Seattle the boost it needs?

Even though Smith-Njigba missed nine games with a hamstring injury during his final season at Ohio State, there were points throughout his career where he looked like the best WR in college football. In 2021, he caught 95 receptions for 1,606 yards, both Ohio State records.

At 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds Smith-Njigba possesses the ideal size for a dynamic slot receiver who's a game-changer.

If Smith-Njigba continues to improve,  Seattle could have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Lockett and Metcalf are former Pro Bowlers. Both crossed the 1,000-receiving yard mark last season. A strong WR trio could also help the Seahawks vault over the 49ers and win the NFC West.

Smith-Njigba's development is imperative for Seattle, so it's a great sign that he's on the right path so far.