Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs Omarion Hampton

“The only cause for concern is Klint Kubiak leaving to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, which could lead to a dip in Sam Darnold's efficiency. The positive side, though, is that the team didn't make any major additions at receiver, aside from bringing back Rashid Shaheed. If Zach Charbonnet isn't back and rookie Jadarian Price can't adapt to the NFL quickly, could we see even more volume from Smith-Njigba?”

“It was a truly special year for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leading the league in receiving yards (1,794), catching 119 passes on 163 targets for 10 touchdowns, and helping the Seahawks to a Super Bowl.”

“The only cause for concern is Klint Kubiak leaving to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, which could lead to a dip in Sam Darnold's efficiency.”

“It was a truly special year for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leading the league in receiving yards (1,794), catching 119 passes on 163 targets for 10 touchdowns, and helping the Seahawks to a Super Bowl.”

“Seattle has already finalized a deal with JSN, leaving Witherspoon's second contract as an outstanding item at or near the top of the agenda.”

“The Seahawks have one of the league's best wide receivers in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”

“Seattle's offense now fully revolves around him. His massive target share and every-down role create an incredibly stable fantasy projection.”

“Along with left tackle Charles Cross – who inked a four-year extension of his own in January – he will serve as a foundational presence for years to come.”

“That production resulted in a first-team All-Pro nod along with a Pro Bowl invitation in addition to OPOY honors. Smith-Njigba remained an important contributor on offense through Seattle's playoff run and helped the team win Super Bowl LX.”

“His production saw a notable jump in 2024 (100 receptions, 1,130 yards, six touchdowns) before spiking once more this past season. With the Seahawks having traded away D.K. Metcalf, Smith-Njigba saw his yards per reception figure increase to a career-best 15.1. He also set a new personal mark with 10 touchdowns while leading the NFL in receiving yards.”

“As a rookie, the former first-rounder averaged fewer than 37 receiving yards per game. Over time, though, Seattle's setup at the receiver spot has made Smith-Njigba more of a focal point.”

“This agreement contains record-breaking receiver figures for average annual value ($42.15MM) and guarantees ($120MM).”

“McCaffrey on Omarion Hampton: "Being able to carry that speed at that size is something special. It's really special. So I'm excited to see what he does with it this year."”

“Omarion Hampton was the RB13 on a points-per-game basis.”

“If you had a tier of running backs with Jonathan Taylor and Omarion Hampton, but you can get Hampton cheaper, you'll then need to determine whether the difference moves you more toward targeting someone like Hampton or if the cost justifies taking Taylor.”

“The addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator was viewed as another major boost, particularly because of McDaniel's history of heavily involving running backs in the passing game. Hampton's target upside and expanded workload projection led the analysts to view him as a player worth drafting aggressively near the end of Round 1.”

“The hosts praised Hampton's rookie-year flashes despite difficult circumstances that included offensive line injuries and inconsistent quarterback health. They highlighted his three-down skill set, pass-catching ability, and efficiency metrics as signs of a major second-year breakout.”

“Fitzmaurice highlighted Hampton's upside in a run-heavy offense built around strong offensive line play. The belief is that Hampton could emerge as a true centerpiece back if the Chargers fully commit to him in Year 2.”

“The second year running back will likely dominate the workload again, this time behind a healthy offensive line and with a coordinator who churns out RB1 seasons on an annual basis.”

“Hampton created the 11th-most yards per touch and finished 11th in yards after contact per attempt while handling a bell-cow role with 17.3 touches per game. His PFF rushing grade of 84.8 was the eighth-best mark in the league, and he now teams up with Mike McDaniel, who has a history of elite running back production.”

“The Chargers faced an astonishing number of injuries last season, including an Omarion Hampton ankle injury that kept him sidelined for eight weeks. When he was healthy, Hampton faced an uphill battle running behind a depleted offensive line. Still, he finished the season as the RB12 in points per game with 15.1.”

“He played four games with a 79% plus snap share, averaging 17.5 PPG. The former UNC product received bell-cow level usage, averaging 17.3 touches per game (tied for top-12 at the position). Also played four games with five or more catches (7.th in receptions per game at 3.6).”

“Omarion Hampton finished his rookie season as RB16 in PPG in 9 games played, but he suffered from a tough situation. The rookie RB dealt with his own injuries as well. But Hampton flashed enough upside to be worth buying into as a fantasy RB1 behind a healthy OL in 2026.”