From his rookie season to his second year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's production, in receptions and yards took a leap. This was in part to playing behind two veteran receivers his rookie season in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and seeing more playing time along with them his second season.
"I've been playing with some great players and just learning from guys in the past from this organization, DK and Tyler, I've learned so much," Smith-Njigba said.
But this is not to say his rookie season wasn't productive, in 2023 his 63 receptions were the second most receptions by a rookie in franchise history, trailing Joey Galloway by just two. And he also pulled through in clutch moments being the only rookie since 1960 with two game-winning touchdown receptions in the final minute of the fourth quarter, having a walk off touchdown catch vs. both the Browns and Eagles that season. He showed flashes of the receiver he'd continue to develop into in the pros.
His second year saw him lead the team in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,130), making his first Pro Bowl and put himself into the Seahawks' record books, tying the single-season franchise record with 100 receptions.
Now looking forward to this season, Smith-Njigba is looking to see that next step when it comes to his game as a receiver.
"I think you'll see everything be better," he said. "I know that's a not a good answer. But I think time will tell, you'll see. I think my route-running, catching. It will all just level up. That's kind of what I work on. There are specific things that I definitely try to detail my work on. But I think overall, as a person just watching my game, you'll just see me take it to the next level."
In his second year coaching Smith-Njigba, coach Mike Macdonald's not surprised with what he's seen out of him.
"It's hard to say that this is more than expected," Macdonald said. "We had a great vision. He led the charge on the type of player that he wants to be. He's set his own standard and his goals, that he wants to be an elite receiver in this game in our league, and he's right there. He can run all the cuts, run on the whole route tree, take the top off. He's great after the catch. He's great in the run game. He's playing decisive right now. He's moving around, he's playing multiple spots."
His third year, alongside new teammates, hasn't changed the way he's approaching his game.
"I mean, it's all the same football. At the end of the day, football is football and I've said I've always had the mentality of beat the guy in front of me and figure out the zone and be there for my quarterback. So at the end of the day, it's the same thing. My mindset stays the same."
Since Smith-Njigba's been in the league, quarterback Sam Darnold had always taken notice of his game.
"He's one of a kind," Darnold said earlier on in training camp. "The way he can get in and out of routes, his shiftiness. He gets in and out of cuts, his speed, it's really everything. I described the way that he moves like a hockey player on ice, sometimes it feels like he's just skating out there the way he can get in and out of cuts. That's the way I feel as a quarterback, even not being on his team, I always felt like he was one of the best guys to run after the catch in the NFL. To see it in person, to see it every single day during camp has been special."
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' preseason Week 1 matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders at Lumen Field.
Former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll returned to Lumen Field as coach of the visiting Las Vegas Raiders and reunited with many of his former players, coaches and staff including cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon.
Seahawks rookie draft picks Tory Horton and Elijah Arroyo greet each other as they both stepped onto Lumen Field in uniform for their first professional game.
In the Seahawks locker room, John Rhys Plumlee, Tory Horton, Ricky White, Tyrone Broden and Anthony Tyus relax in the locker room before kickoff.
Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts stares straight ahead as he gets focused for the first game of his pro career.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald shakes hands with offensive linemen in the locker room during pregame. From left are Jalen Sundell, Olu Oluwatimi and Josh Jones.
Luke Felix-Fualalo sits on the floor of the locker room prior to game time.
Seahawks Brady Russell, Robby Ouzts and Elijah Arroyo in the locker room before the game.
A helmet sits on a counter while the team joins hands in a pregame prayer.
Football returned to Lumen Field for the first preseason game of the season.
Seahawks DeMarcus Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu share a laugh on the sidelines before the game.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold stands with teammate Zach Charbonnet for the singing of the national anthem.
Seahawks game captains walk to midfield for the coin toss, joined by team mascot Blitz and the young fan selected as that week's Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Playmaker of the Week.
Seahawks running back George Holani turns the corner and finds running room.
Seahawks offensive linemen Abraham Lucas and Anthony Bradford lead the way.
Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Pili reacts to the snap.
Seattle's Mike Morris tackles Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty.
Seahawks first round draft pick Grey Zabel blocks along with Josh Jones in the first quarter.
Running back George Holani picks up a blitz to protect quarterback Drew Lock.
Fullback Robbie Ouzts lines up an oncoming defensive back.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts manhandles Raiders defender Chris Smith II.
Seahawks running back George Holani eludes a defender on his way to a touchdown.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe celebrates after his first half interception.
Seahawks linebacker Tyreke Smith and defensive tackle Bubba Thomas pressure Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
Seahawks receiver Dareke Young heads upfield with directions given by teammates on the sidelines.
Seahawks rookie receiver Tory Horton celebrates his touchdown in the end zone with team mascot Blitz and a host of teammates and fans.
Many of the Seahawks projected starters did not play but provided encouragement from the sidelines including cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Seahawks defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett intecepts a pass.
Seattle's Nehemiah Pritchett celebrates his interception with teammates Drake Thomas and Ty Okada.
Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp did not play as did teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III cheers from the sidelines.
Seahawks rookie offensive lineman Mason Richman and teammate Amari Kight on the sidelines.
Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe takes off running.
Seattle's Jared Ivey makes a tackle in the second half.
Seahawks Jerrick Reed II and Connor O'Toole combine on a tackle.
Seattle's defense gangs up to make a stop led by Bubba Thomas and J.R. Singleton.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole sacks Raiders quarterback Cam Miller.
Seahawks linebacker Jalan Gaines celebrates after his blocked field goal preserved a tie as the clock expired.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Raiders coach Pete Carroll smile as they shake hands at midfield after the game.
