The Seahawks selected Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon fifth overall, before doubling back to select Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba at pick No.20. *While Witherspoon became the first Fighting Illini alum to earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie in over 50 years*, while Smith-Njigba’s 63 receptions are the second most by a Seattle rookie all-time. Edholm and Reuter discuss the pair’s impact in Year-1.
Witherspoon showed star power in 14 games, recording *a 97-yard pick-six*, 16 passes defended (fifth in the NFL), a forced fumble and three sacks, earning a place among the *Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists*. His season was delayed a bit by a hamstring injury, but he was a factor both in the slot and at outside corner, displaying a great knack for blitzing, covering and playing the run, even if he lost a few physical battles.
After a tepid start, Smith-Njigba got rolling a bit, settling into the WR3 role behind *DK Metcalf* and *Tyler Lockett*. The Seahawks used him predominantly on underneath routes, however, limiting his potential. Based on multiple *game-winning**touchdowns* and his work on third downs, Smith-Njigba could be a star if the next staff can expand his route tree and role a bit.
In addition to finding a pair of game changers at the top of the class, Seattle managed to find value through all rounds as well as undrafted talent. Edholm reviews the depth of Seattle’s class, where eight drafted players played at least 10 games, and three undrafted free agents (Jake Bobo, Chris Stoll, Brady Russell) played at least 15 games. Edholm looks at the value Seattle found on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, and undrafted talent.
Charbonnet was very solid when he got the chance, although he was hardly featured outside of the games for which *Kenneth Walker III* was injured. Charbonnet might never provide value commensurate with his draft slot (52nd overall), but he’s a quality complement who brings a physical element and capable receiving chops to the offense.
Bobo was a pleasant surprise, earning the No. 4 WR role *out of training camp* and providing some highlight-reel catches, including *a one-handed TD grab* *against the Cardinals*. With his three TDs on a mere 20 touches, quality blocking and special teams contributions, Bobo was an outstanding value and figures to maintain his role despite the coaching change.
Bradford started 10 games, including the final six, and proved to be a…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…