Seahawks Mock Draft: Select WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba for Geno Smith? Kiper Weighs In

ESPN's most recent mock draft has the Seattle Seahawks drafting Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba ... but who will be throwing him the ball?

The Seattle Seahawks will enter the 2023 NFL Draft fresh off giving quarterback Geno Smith a three-year contract and could look to add receivers on the outside.

Except, it might not necessarily be for Smith.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Seahawks drafting Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20 overall - with a catch.

"Smith-Njigba has a chance to develop into a true No. 1 receiver. He didn't run the 40-yard dash at the combine, but he looked effortless in the pass-catching drills and led all receivers with a 6.57-second 3-cone time and a 3.93-second short shuttle.

"A hamstring injury limited him to just five catches last season, but he caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards in 2021. He could be a plug-and-play starter for a team that already features Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. He could alternate reps outside and in the slot." - Kiper Jr.

The selection of Smith-Njigba comes 15 slots after Kiper has Seattle drafting Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, citing that Smith's contract is "really only a one-year commitment" and the Seahawks "could absolutely" draft a signal caller.

This is where Smith-Njigba enters the fold, as bringing in arguably the draft's top receiver to pair with a rookie quarterback could help the duo develop together.

Kiper admitted that he considered defensive help in Iowa State outside linebacker Will McDonald IV and Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy, as well as protection for the quarterback in Florida offensive guard O'Cyrus Torrence, but ultimately decided on a receiver who can "make things easier on offense."

In Seattle, the 6-1, 196-pound Smith-Njigba would join Metcalf and Lockett to form a tremendous trio, as Kiper noted, giving the Seahawks a blend of size, versatility and separation.

Smith-Njigba's Pro Day at Ohio State is taking place Wednesday, and the Seahawks have several key figures present, including general manager John Schneider, coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldon, per Sports Illustrated.

Some of the focus will be on Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud - but the opportunity for the Seahawks to be around Smith-Njigba is also available.

Will this ultimately lead to a pairing come April's draft?

Only time will tell ... but Kiper thinks the answer might be yes.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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