Jaxon Smith-Njigba Seahawks' X-Factor? Why Rookie Provides 'Easy Answers'
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a season that saw them post a 9-8 record and make an unlikely playoff appearance. The driving force behind this was Geno Smith's form and his two 1,000-yard receivers, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Running back Kenneth Walker also announced himself to the rest of the NFL and became somewhat of an X-Factor for Shane Waldron's offense. Well, now, there could be a new sheriff in town.
Seattle's No. 20 pick in the draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, comes to the Seahawks boasting some impressive form for Ohio State. While he only managed three games last season for the Buckeyes due to a hamstring injury, he posted a 1,606-yard, nine-touchdown season the year prior.
Such is his ability, Smith-Njigba has been named by CBS Sports as Seattle's potential X-Factor next season.
"The Seahawks have been lacking that true slot threat to diversify the offense, though, and that's where JSN fits in," CBS Sports writes. "He has ridiculous agility, and his feel for finding the soft spots of underneath coverage is elite.
Now with a genuine three-headed monster on offense, defensive coordinators have to try and curtail two Pro Bowl receivers and one of the best receivers in the draft class. With much of the defensive focus set to remain on Lockett and Metcalf, JSN could give Smith an "easier" solution to overcome the defense's challenges.
"Geno has shown he can fire the ball down the field and into tight windows; giving him easier answers on the occasions where those throws are not there should help the Seahawks' offense function at as high a level as possible throughout the year," CBS Sports writes.
A bonafide slot receiver, Smith-Njigba has already hit the ground running at OTAs and minicamp for Seattle, but training camp presents another opportunity to showcase his ability.
Seattle already boasts several "X-Factor-type" players in Metcalf, Lockett, and Walker III, but we can add another in Smith-Njigba, who could be key in making the Seahawks' offense go up a level next season.
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