'So Impressive!' Seahawks QB Geno Smith Praises WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seattle Seahawks are still in the early stages of summer workouts with OTAs just kicking off, but first impressions can go a long way - and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has already made a positive one.
Smith-Njigba, the No. 20 overall pick in April's draft, wasn't heavily involved at rookie minicamp but joined in walkthroughs and position drills during the first of 10 OTA practice sessions on Monday.
And while, of course, it remains very early, Smith-Njigba showed plenty of good things ... just ask Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, who figures to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Seattle's decision to draft the former Ohio State star.
"He’s so impressive," Smith said. "Very smooth route runner, natural hands. Also, the game is not too big for him. You can see he’s got that self-confidence that you look for. He’s learning - he’s picking up his assignments like all the other rookies and new guys. Jaxon’s been tremendous so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing him grow."
Smith-Njigba, who broke Buckeyes program records with 95 catches and 1,606 receiving yards in 2021 while playing alongside first-round wideouts Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, arrived with high expectations and has seemingly delivered thus far.
Better yet, the 21-year-old is already developing a quality relationship with Smith; the two met for the first time before rookie minicamp, with Smith-Njigba dubbing it "awesome" while delivering some praise towards his new signal caller.
"Hopefully I can make his life a little easier," Smith-Njigba said at minicamp. "He’s a great quarterback, can sling it, and I’ll be excited to be out there with him when that day comes."
In a way, "that day" has come ... but really, it's merely all a part of the process to ensuring the two are on the same page come this fall.
And by all accounts, the early returns on that process have been promising.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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