Emerald City Sports Spotlight with Peter D

“The Numbers Don’t Lie—But PFF’s Ranking of Seahawks WR Corps Sure Does”

By Peter Duncan-Bey, Facts Newspaper Sportswriter

Once again, the national media is sleeping on Seattle.

Pro Football Focus released its 2025 wide receiver corps rankings last week, placing the Seahawks at a head-scratching 20th overall. That is not just disrespectful—it’s lazy. It reflects more about perception than production. And if the folks at PFF had done their homework, they would see a veteran-savvy, scheme-friendly group poised to surprise a lot of people this fall.

Let us start with Cooper Kupp. This is not some aging possession receiver on a farewell tour. We are talking about a former triple-crown winner—145 catches, 1,947 yards, sixteen touchdowns in 2021—and someone who, even in an injury-shortened 2024 season, remained a serious threat. Kupp played just twelve games last year and finished tied for 35th in the league with six receiving touchdowns, showing he can still capitalize in the red zone. And his 276 yards after catch—nearly 39% of his total yardage—proves he is still dangerous with the ball in his hands, even on limited snaps.

Next to him? Jaxon Smith-Njigba, now entering his third NFL season, who has shown steady growth and a high football IQ since being drafted out of Ohio State. He has played in every game over his first two seasons—no small feat in today’s NFL—and has become a trusted and durable option in Seattle’s offense. JSN is not flashy—yet—but he is fundamentally sound, sharp against zone coverage, and now positioned to thrive as a full-time outside receiver in Klint Kubiak’s new West Coast system. With more pre-snap motion, clearer reads, and simplified route trees, JSN is poised for a breakout. The foundation is already there—now it is time for production to follow.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling brings more to this room than box scores suggest. At 6-foot-4 with legit sub-4.4 speed, MVS gives Seattle a vertical field-stretcher who forces safeties to stay honest. He is no stranger to high-stakes football either, having played in two Super Bowls, including the Chiefs’ championship win in 2022. His career average of 17.4 yards per reception speaks to his ability to flip the field with a single snap. More importantly, he spent last season in New Orleans under Klint Kubiak, so he arrives in Seattle already versed in the terminology, timing, and spacing of this offense. He does not need to lead the team in targets—he needs to clear space, stay explosive, and make defenses pay for single coverage. That role? He is built for it.

And do not forget about Jake Bobo—the undrafted fan favorite who carved out a role in 2024 by doing the dirty work: run-blocking, sideline toe-taps, and clutch grabs in high-leverage spots. He may not be a WR1, but as a WR4 with size, smarts, and hands, Bobo gives this corps the kind of depth and reliability most teams would love to have. He is a glue guy, and every good room needs one.

So where, exactly, is the weakness in this group?

Depth? Not with Bobo rounding it out. Star power? Kupp still has it. Development? JSN’s time is now. Scheme fit? Kubiak has already worked with two of them.

The idea that Seattle’s WR corps belongs in the bottom third of the NFL is based on names no longer on the roster. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are gone, but this is not a rebuild—it’s a realignment. The Seahawks did not just patch holes—they found pieces that fit.

PFF may not see it now, but this unit is built for work. When the tape starts rolling in September, the ranking will not match the results.