Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champ Jaxon Smith-Njigba inexplicably trails Puka Nacua in PFF's latest rankings.
When the latest edition of the Pro Football Focus 101 rankings dropped, Seahawks fans had reason to raise an eyebrow.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua checked in ahead of Seattle’s own Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the list of the NFL’s top players from the 2025 season.
Nacua had a phenomenal year and deserves recognition, but placing him above Smith-Njigba feels, at the very least, a bit disrespectful when you consider everything JSN accomplished.
Let’s start with the hardware.
Smith-Njigba didn’t just put up elite numbers — he was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, an honor that reflects dominance across the entire NFL, not just within a position group. He wasn’t simply productive; he was the most impactful offensive force in football. That matters.
Then there’s the ultimate team achievement. Smith-Njigba played a central role in leading Seattle to a Super Bowl win, delivering in the biggest moments of the postseason. Championships aren’t individual awards, but when a player is a vital piece in a title run, it should elevate his standing — not leave him looking up in a ranking.
Yes, PFF’s grading system emphasizes efficiency, route precision and situational impact. And by those metrics, Nacua had an outstanding campaign. But football isn’t played in a spreadsheet alone. Smith-Njigba shattered franchise records, consistently flipped field position, and commanded defensive attention every single week. He was the focal point of opposing game plans and still produced at a historic level.
Context matters, too. When defenses know the ball is coming your way and you still can’t be stopped, that’s elite. When you elevate your team on the sport’s biggest stage and walk away with a ring, that’s legacy-defining.
Rankings will always spark debate. That’s part of the offseason conversation. But from a Seahawks perspective, it’s hard to ignore the full résumé. Offensive Player of the Year. Super Bowl champion. Franchise record-setter. Clutch postseason performer.
If that combination isn’t worthy of being the top wide receiver in football, what is?
Smith-Njigba has already shown he thrives with a chip on his shoulder. If this ranking adds a little extra motivation heading into next season, Seahawks fans won’t complain. After all, the last time people doubted him, he responded with a trophy case and a championship parade.