​Where do Seattle Seahawks stars Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon rank among the best NFL players 25 years old or under heading into next season? According to CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, Smith-Njigba sits at No. 5 in the under-25 group, while Witherspoon comes in at No. 10. Sullivan highlighted the remarkable trajectory of Smith-Njigba, noting that the wide receiver captured the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award after a historic third season in 2025. He accumulated 1,989 receiving yards across the regular season and postseason, the third-most in NFL history, and led the league with 1,793 receiving yards during the regular season, a Seahawks franchise record. This standout campaign underscored Smith-Njigba’s ascent into the league’s elite class of young playmakers, following a 1,000-yard season in 2024 and a transformative year that elevated Seattle’s offense and helped the team reach the pinnacle of success with a Super Bowl victory.
On the defensive side, Devon Witherspoon also delivered a signature performance in 2025, earning second-team All-Pro honors for his work. Pro Football Focus named him the highest-graded cornerback for the season, a testament to his consistency and effectiveness across all three years of his career with Seattle. Witherspoon’s impact at the boundary and his ability to shut down top wideouts have remained a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defensive success and a primary reason why he is regarded among the best young defensive backs in the league. His play has continued to develop and sustain high-level performance, helping Seattle maintain a balanced and competitive squad.
The significance of these rankings lies not only in the recognition of the individual talents but also in the broader narrative about Seattle’s rebuilding and retooling process. Smith-Njigba’s breakout year provided a dynamic, game-changing element to Seattle’s passing game, enabling the offense to diversify its weaponry and create mismatches for opponents. His record-setting yardage and offensive production elevated the Seahawks’ overall effectiveness and contributed to a season that culminated in a Super Bowl title. At a similar time, Witherspoon’s ascent on defense offered the kind of playmaking presence that anchors a high-tier defense, giving Seattle a complementary edge as the team sought to contend for championships in the coming seasons. These two young stars symbolize the franchise’s blend of explosive offensive upside and formidable defensive upside, and their continued development will be central to Seattle’s ambitions in the near term.
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