Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, showcasing his skills in a new role this season. The young standout has made a significant transition from playing primarily in the slot to becoming an outside receiver.
Historic Performance and PFF Grades
Through the first nine weeks of the current NFL season, Smith-Njigba has posted an impressive 93.4 receiving grade, ranking as the second highest among wide receivers during this span since 2006, with a minimum of 25 targets. His exceptional performance is underscored by the fact that he has recorded over 100 receiving yards in multiple games this season, cementing his status as a top contender for receiving yards.
Deep Ball Success
One of the highlights of Smith-Njigba’s season has been his success with deep passes. He has amassed 411 yards on targets of 20 or more yards downfield, making him the leading player this decade in deep ball yardage, trailing only Tyreek Hill and DeSean Jackson.
- 411 yards on deep targets (20+ yards)
- Most deep ball yards this season, excluding Tyreek Hill and DeSean Jackson
Role Shift and Offensive Strategy
This year, Smith-Njigba has adjusted to a significant shift in his role, aligning as an outside receiver 79% of the time. This marks a dramatic increase from just 16% in the previous season. His transition comes after the departure of D.K. Metcalf and has placed him as a primary deep threat for the team.
Route Running and Production
Smith-Njigba’s strong route running, combined with his new role, has resulted in outstanding production. He has made 11 receptions on deep targets, with four of them being contested catches—an NFL high. His average depth of target has also risen significantly from 9.2 yards last season to 12.8 yards this year, illustrating his dynamic capabilities.
- 11 deep receptions
- 4 contested catches (NFL-high)
- Average depth of target: 12.8 yards
Overall Impact and Future Outlook
Smith-Njigba’s ability to excel as an outside receiver reflects his versatility and talent. Despite initial skepticism about his long speed, he has proven himself capable of competing at the highest level. His phenomenal route running and newfound opportunities have unlocked the potential that many anticipated during the draft process.
As the season progresses, Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to solidify his place among the elite receivers in the NFL, demonstrating that he is not only a crucial part of the Seahawks’ offense but also a player to watch in the coming years.
