Fantasy Insider Report: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is a Perfect Fit for Seahawks

Rookie receivers develop slowly, but Seattle’s top pick could be dangerous.

The Athlon Sports 2023 Fantasy Football Annual magazine reached out to team insiders at all 32 NFL clubs to ask them three key fantasy questions heading into the season. As we count down to training camp, Sports Illustrated will publish their answers here. Today’s team: Seattle Seahawks 

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How does Jaxon Smith-Njigba fit into the receiver rotation with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett?
Smith-Njigba should factor into the offense as a fringe WR2 and solid WR3/flex play fairly quickly. Geno Smith loves to throw the ball around the yard as much as he can, and while he has two Pro Bowl targets on the outside in Metcalf and Lockett, the rookie wide receiver is going to be a matchup nightmare in the slot for opposing defenses. Widely considered to be the best receiver in the 2023 draft, Smith-Njigba is a perfect fit for the Seattle offense, and while he might start the season a little slow as most Seahawk receivers do, he could be a league-winner down the stretch.

• 2023 Team Outlook: Seattle Seahawks

Does the team want to use Kenneth Walker III as a workhorse back?
It still feels like head coach Pete Carroll is set on using Walker as the workhorse back, but rookies Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh will certainly have a role. Charbonnet is an excellent spell guy who possesses great hands, and he should become the primary third-down back by the end of training camp. He can also be a reliable lead back if Walker gets banged up again. McIntosh’s role is still unclear, but Carroll loves to use a large rotation of guys, which seems to be the reasoning behind the pick.

What will the roles be for Noah Fant and Will Dissly?
The two tight ends present contrasting skill sets. Fant is an exciting, athletic guy who’s great with the ball in his hands, while Dissly is the more reliable run blocker and red zone threat. If only one of the two were to have a role, the edge might lean in Dissly’s direction.

—Roman Tomashoff, FanNation

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