The Seattle Seahawks were among the teams in attendance at Ohio State’s pro day on Wednesday to evaluate two of the Buckeyes’ top quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks have been looking for a quarterback to back up starter Russell Wilson and both Stroud and Smith-Njigba could be potential options.
Stroud is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound redshirt sophomore who has played in just four games in his career. He was the backup to Justin Fields last season and completed 10 of 13 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown in his limited action. Stroud has the size and arm strength that the Seahawks are looking for in a backup quarterback and he could be a good fit for their system.
Smith-Njigba is a 6-foot, 195-pound redshirt freshman who was the backup to Stroud last season. He appeared in just one game, completing one of three passes for seven yards. He is an athletic quarterback who can make plays with his legs and has the potential to develop into a solid backup quarterback.
The Seahawks have been searching for a backup quarterback since they released Geno Smith earlier this offseason. They have been linked to several quarterbacks in the draft, including North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, but they could also opt to sign a veteran free agent or look to the undrafted free agent market. Stroud and Smith-Njigba could be potential options for the Seahawks if they decide to go that route.
The Seahawks will continue to evaluate quarterbacks as the draft approaches and they could decide to add one of these two Buckeyes to their roster. Both Stroud and Smith-Njigba have the potential to develop into solid backups in the NFL and the Seahawks could be a good fit for them. It will be interesting to see if either of them ends up in Seattle this season.
