NFL Position Battles: Tyler Lockett vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Fantasy Football)

In recent years, fantasy football has seen a drastic shift in positional value. Wide Receivers have emerged as the most coveted assets to roster, especially in half-PPR or full-PPR formats. At the same time, the running back position further depreciates with every passing season.

There are certain players, including the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, who hold unquestioned roles in their respective offenses. Regardless of matchup or game script, these WRs will unequivocally be the team’s primary pass-catcher on any given Sunday. That being said, this value is reflected in draft price. You’ll need to invest a first-round pick to acquire one of the sure-fire bets at the WR position.

Receivers who find themselves in more ambiguous target trees can be acquired for much cheaper. A key part of any fantasy manager’s offseason research should be to identify these murky situations and determine which WR is most likely to emerge as the alpha. Those who are correct in their assessment will be able to acquire great value with their later-round draft selections.

Puka Nacua‘s historic 2023 season is a great example of this. He accumulated 105 receptions and six touchdowns en route to setting the NFL record for receiving yards as a rookie. With Cooper Kupp‘s offseason injury struggles, analysts across the industry struggled with the target distribution in L.A. It was anyone’s guess as to who would inherit Kupp’s massive volume in the offense. Nacua ended up winning the positional battle against the likes of Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell, leading to league-winning fantasy production.

Below are some of the more intriguing wide receivers in NFL position battles to monitor over the remainder of the offseason.

NFL Position Battles to Monitor: Wide Receivers

Tyler Lockett vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA)

Much has been said about the Seahawks’ appointment of OC Ryan Grubb. The latter enjoyed much success as a play-caller for the Washington Huskies. Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk all produced at a high level in Grubb’s system. Many will draw comparisons to Seattle’s current trifecta of WRs: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Metcalf’s role is set in stone. He is the “X” receiver who will be tasked with producing big gains downfield. His 2023 average depth of target (aDOT) of 14.1 yards, per PFF, is indicative of this. The true competition lies between Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Who will emerge as the primary possession receiver on this team?

Smith-Njigba’s rookie metrics left much to be desired. Per PFF, he earned a 63.9 receiving grade and averaged 1.32 yards per route run. To be fair, much of this lack of production can be attributed to Geno Smith‘s struggles. What’s more, Pete Carroll’s run-heavy scheme limited his opportunities to make an impact.

On the other hand, Tyler Lockett doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of aging. His 2023 metrics are in line with his career averages. According to PFF, he produced 1.61 yards per route run and earned a receiving grade of 77.6. The veteran also signed a two-year, $30 million extension with the team this offseason. This financial investment suggests the Seahawks intend on featuring Tyler Lockett heavily in the offense in 2o24.

All in all, this role remains Lockett’s to lose. Assuming his efficiency and production don’t fall off abruptly, Smith-Njigba will once again operate as the WR3 in this offense. It’s likely a year too early to invest in the former Ohio State standout.

NFL CeeDee Lamb Ja’Marr Chase Justin Jefferson Puka Nacua Cooper Kupp Van Jefferson Tutu Atwell Tyler Lockett Jaxon Smith-Njigba Rome Odunze Jalen McMillan Ja’Lynn Polk DK Metcalf Geno Smith