Camp Takeaways: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Continues to Amaze Fellow Seahawks in High Leverage Situations
Stop if you’ve heard this before: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is pretty damn good.
Stars don’t flash every single day in training camp, especially an established one coming off of winning Offensive Player of the Year honors like Smith-Njigba is for the Seattle Seahawks, with more reps dedicated to younger players and coaches prioritizing installing the offense over game planning to feature the best player as they would in the regular season. But there will always be practices this serve as a reminder of that star’s greatness and for the “Emerald City Route Artist,” Wednesday’s 10th camp practice proved to be just that.
Targeted far more than he has been in most of the practices in camp to this point, Smith-Njigba got rolling early in Wednesday’s hot, smoky session, starting with a 25-yard reception along the sideline with tight coverage from cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett that quarterback Sam Darnold dropped right into his hands. Moments later, he beat Pritchett again, this time on a fade down the left sideline with safety Ty Okada coming over a hair too late in supporting coverage, allowing the receiver to scamper 38 yards for a touchdown.
“It was great to see him come alive, some of those [in] high-leverage situations too, when there's defensive attention at where he's at at all times. ” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald remarked after practice. “So for him to be able to make those plays is great for the Seahawks, great for him. And I think we're feeling like he can get open from wherever, doing whatever, doing all the things from all the places. But how do we optimize it? How do we move him around? Where is he in the progression? He's going to be number 1 in the progression on a lot of plays.”
Analysis: Could Seahawks Make a Run at Trading for Giants Star Dexter Lawrence?
During the heat of the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, with six picks until the team’s No. 21 overall selection, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider, then-coach Pete Carroll, and every other staff member in attendance in the war room sat on pins and needles.
As if often the case during draft weekend, Schneider and company found themselves sweating things out with a coveted prospect still on the board in Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who they hoped would fall to them to become the cornerstone of a rebuilt ‘Hawks defensive line. In several instances, including with receiver Jaxon Smith-Nijgba under similar circumstances in 2023, the franchise has lucked out with the desired prospect remaining available once they were on the clock.
But on this April day in 2023, good fortune would not be on Seattle’s side. The New York Giants prevented Schneider from landing his top target, selecting Lawrence 17th overall to abruptly end the dream. Two picks later, Denver selected Iowa tight end Noah Fant, another player that Schneider had a high grade on who would have been in play with pick No. 21.
Eight years later, just as Schneider previously did acquiring Fant as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson deal with the Broncos in 2022, the Seahawks may now have a chance to rectify that ill-fated turn of events. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Lawrence has requested a trade from the Giants and will not report to the team’s offseason program after multiple years of failed attempts to negotiate a new contract.
Three-Year Outlook: Seahawks Face a Few Pressing Questions on Defense Beyond 2026
As the calendar flips to April and the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the heat of the offseason, continuing to look into ways to improve their roster scanning the free agent market along with wrapping up draft evaluations while also exploring extensions to retain several of their top players.
While building the best roster for the upcoming season remains the top goal with eyes on defending their Super Bowl title, Seahawks general manager John Schneider also has to be cognizant of the future, making every decision in regard to free agency, extensions, and the draft with a multi-year window in mind.
Now less than a month away from the draft, how does Seattle’s defense look for both the present and the future?
Five Distinct Advantages the Seahawks Have in Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks have one more game remaining, the much-awaited rematch against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. Nothing is certain until the downs are played, but what are the Hawks’ key advantages going into the Big Game?
Keys to Victory: How Seahawks Can Punch Ticket to Super Bowl LX
Playing in the final four for the first time in 11 years, the Seahawks hope to keep a storybook season going with a grudge match against the Rams on tap in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. What must Mike Macdonald’s squad do to advance to Super Bowl LX?
Marquee Matchups to Watch as Seahawks, Rams Duel in NFC Championship Game
Familiar foes will tangle once again at Lumen Field as the Seahawks and Rams vie for a Super Bowl berth. Which matchups hold the weight in a massive NFC West rubber match?
‘Job is Not Done’: Seahawks’ Vets Preaching Same Approach for Youthful Squad Entering Playoffs
One of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Seahawks’ youth could be viewed as a potential concern going into a win or go home Divisional Round rematch against the 49ers. But a strong core of veterans doesn’t envision that being a problem at an energized Lumen Field.
Hawks Rewind: All-22 Breakdown of Seahawks’ 13-3 Win Over 49ers
Controlling the line of scrimmage in the run game and shutting down a potent 49ers offense, the Seahawks made a statement earning a first round bye in Santa Clara. Who shined brightest under the lights in a historic win for the franchise?
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Relegate 49ers’ Offense Punch-less, Win NFC West With 13-3 Victory
Despite not capitalizing on a couple of promising drives with any points, the Seahawks had plenty of margin for error on the way to an NFC West title as a suffocating defense put on a clinic shutting down the 49ers. How did Seattle get it done at Levis Stadium?
‘Dadgummit, Let’s Go’: Seahawks Bracing For Philip Rivers’ Unexpected Return as Colts QB
In a plot that reads like a Disney movie more than an NFL game week, the Seahawks have had to dust off film from half a decade ago to prepare for an unexpected opponent under center on Sunday, adding quite the wrinkle to a massive Week 15 home battle.
Seahawks Set to Bolster Top-3 Defense For Final Stretch Run
Tied atop the NFC standings, the rich will get richer on defense with the Seahawks set to bring back two key veteran standouts for the final five games.
Injury Updates: Seahawks Expected to Lose Jalen Sundell For ‘Multiple Weeks’
For the first time this season, the Seahawks will have to navigate a significant injury along the offensive line, while it remains unclear whether Ernest Jones and other injured players will return for a crucial contest against the Rams on Sunday.
Jarran Reed Injury Leaves Big Shoes to Fill on Seahawks’ Defensive Front
A dominant defensive line trifecta has helped fuel the Seahawks fast 6-2 start to climb to the top of the NFC West. But now that the group will be down a key member for a month, who will fill the gap literally and figuratively in the midst of a playoff race?
Seahawks Rule Out 5 Players For SNF Road Battle at Commanders
Headlined by Julian Love’s prolonged absence, early half a dozen players were ruled out by the Seahawks two days before kickoff, a sign that more moves could be coming in the next 24 hours as the team gears up for a tough road contest against the Commanders.
Progress Report: How Have Seahawks’ Defensive Position Groups Fared Through 7 Games?
Just outside the top five in scoring defense, the Seahawks have lived up to expectations in Mike Macdonald’s second season in many regards, but Ernest Jones and company still have a ways to go to play up to their high standards.
From Liability to Luxury: Seahawks’ Defensive Line Now Among Best in NFL
Not long ago, the Seahawks had a major problem on their hands with an underachieving defensive line holding the defense back. As evidenced again on Sunday in Jacksonville, however, what a difference a few seasons can make.
WATCH: 4 Keys to Victory For Seahawks vs. Saints in Week 3
Seahawks reporter Corbin Smith dishes out his weekly keys to victory for Seattle, including slowing down No. 41 out of the backfield and staying aggressive offensively in the red zone.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Duel Saints in Week 3
While both teams enter Week 3 battling injuries at key position groups that could dictate who wins Sunday, slowing down the Saints’ still elusive, dynamic running back stands atop the goals for the Seahawks.
Seahawks Looking to End Home Field Blues With Alvin Kamara-Led Saints Coming to Town
Once one of the most vaunted places to play in the NFL, Lumen Field has lost its luster as a house of horrors with opponents having tons of success against the Seahawks in recent years. What’s behind the struggles and how can Seattle get back on track against New Orleans in Week 3?
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Outlast Steelers 31-17 in Battle of Football Follies
Amid a comedy of errors orchestrated by both teams, the Seahawks ultimately got the last laugh with a rare touchdown scored on kick coverage, fueling a 31-17 comeback victory over the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
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