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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Liz Mathews

2023 NFL draft: Scouting report for Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seattle Seahawks went offense with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, selecting wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State. This marks the first time in franchise history Seattle picked at No. 20.

Here’s a look at his scouting report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

“Smith-Njigba is a possession slot receiver who lacks the shake to separate underneath and the speed to run past defenses,” Zierlein writes. “He’s tough in the middle of the defense and has proven he can make catches in congestion. Smith-Njigba will need to fine-tune his route running to give himself his best chance to succeed at the next level.”

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Smith-Njigba was the first wide receiver off the board in this year’s draft, so clearly Seattle saw something special in the prospect.

“It is impossible to ignore his monster finish to the 2021 season, and he has starting slot potential, but the speed concerns coupled with an injury-plagued 2022 season threaten to negatively impact his draft stock,” Zierlein adds.

Unless they trade back up into the first round, the Seahawks are finished for the night one of the draft.

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