As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy football values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dynasty Outlook and Value
The 2023 rookie wide receiver class wasn’t viewed as particularly strong. It certainly won’t hold a candle to the incredible 2022 class. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t quality fantasy assets to come from it.
By the time the draft was nearing, Smith-Njigba had firmly established himself as the WR1 of this class. He was drafted as such, with the Seahawks making him the 20th player off the board.
Wide receiver wasn’t a position of need for the Seahawks, but there certainly is a spot for Smith-Njigba in the offense.
JSN will slot in nicely … well … in the slot. At 6’0″, 196 pounds, he looks exactly like the modern NFL receiver. He’s smaller (but not small), not overly fast, and has excellent lateral agility. I’m not saying JSN can’t play outside, but in Seattle, he fits in perfectly as their slot guy, with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as the outside pass catchers.
MORE: 2024 NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Unlike running backs, first-round wide receivers are far from a sure thing. We’ve seen no shortage of busts over the years. I’m optimistic JSN won’t add his name to the list, though.
While his junior year at Ohio State wasn’t particularly good, he also got hurt after just three games. JSN’s sophomore season was transcendent. He caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. He ran 89% of his routes from the slot that year.
Smith-Njigba is not the type of guy to win jump balls or be overly physical. He will need quality quarterback play to reach his ceiling. But I’m a believer in Geno Smith, who should be JSN’s quarterback for the bulk of his rookie contract.
JSN does not profile as a fantasy WR1. I don’t think that’s in his realistic range of outcomes. But can he reach fantasy WR2 status? If things break right, absolutely.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Fantasy Ranking
The best dynasty rookie receivers are the ones with high upside that we can project to start immediately. JSN has moderate upside but is unlikely to be an immediate producer as a rookie.
While JSN will likely start in three-receiver sets, he is not going to overtake Metcalf or Lockett in two-receiver sets. We’ve also never seen Smith support more than two fantasy-relevant pass catchers.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
With the Seahawks reaffirming their commitment to the run by spending a second-round pick on Zach Charbonnet, we would need a significant uptick in volume (or an injury to Lockett or Metcalf) for Smith-Njigba to be anything more than a fantasy WR4 as a rookie.
Dynasty managers will likely have to wait for JSN to reach his true potential. But at 21 years old, there’s plenty of time. No one should fade JSN because of the likelihood of lackluster rookie-year production.
JSN currently slots in at 1.06 in our latest Superflex dynasty rookie rankings. He is the clear WR1 of this class and well worth selecting in dynasty startup drafts.
