Does Seahawks New Draft Haul Put Performance Pressure on QB Geno Smith?

The Seattle Seahawks gave Geno Smith more offensive weapons after taking Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Zach Charbonnet in the NFL Draft. But could the presence of the rookies put pressure on Smith to produce next season?

The Seattle Seahawks surprised everyone last season. After trading away Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, Geno Smith was thrust into the starting role.

The longtime backup quarterback was thrown in the deep end and didn't flounder. He flourished. He led Seattle to the playoffs with a 9-8 record, set several single-season franchise records along the way, and grabbed his first Pro Bowl nod.

Naturally, expectations are for Smith to replicate that next season. Seattle's 2023 draft haul includes receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to pair with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and pins running back Zach Charbonnet in the backfield with Kenneth Walker III. Seattle has weapons to choose from.

But what it also does is give Smith less margin for error now. After signing his new contract in the offseason and with the additions of Smith-Njigba and Charbonnet, have the expectations increased for Smith next year?

Smith-Njigba had a superb 2021 season at Ohio State that saw him total 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Last year, an injury struck him down as he played just three games. But his efforts that season showed what type of receiver Seattle is getting.

Metcalf (1,048 yards) and Lockett (1,033 yards) were the main options for Smith last season. Smith-Njigba potentially provides a three-headed monster at Smith's disposal.

As for Charbonnet, he could be a great foil for Walker, who was the bell cow for the Seahawks last year. Charbonnet had back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns in 2021 and 2022. 

That type of production will elevate the need for Walker to carry the rock so much next season. Walker had 228 attempts, with Smith second on the team at 68 totes.

Averaging 23.9 points per game last season (ranked ninth), Smith and the Seahawks offense got themselves two starters on offense, ones who many think can produce from day one.

That adds a level of expectation to next season. And after many thought Seattle's team would fall apart after Wilson left, Pete Carroll and John Schneider have done an impressive job at turning the ship around so quickly.

While this is just a projection on paper, Seattle, with Smith at the wheel and two new offensive additions, will be an intriguing watch next season.

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