Ranking the 5 most important players on Seattle Seahawks' 2024 roster feat. Geno Smith and Jerome Baker
The Seattle Seahawks would like to get back on track in the upcoming NFL season. They missed out on going to the playoffs last year after making it there the year before, so they are hoping for a bounceback season. They will do so with first-time head coach Mike Macdonald after Pete Carroll ended his legendary run in the position.
For the Seahawks to achieve their goals this year, they will also need some of their key players to step up in a big way. Here are the five most important players if they are going to do so for their upcoming campaign.
Most important Seahawks' players for the 2024 NFL season
#5: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seahawks invested a first-round pick in the NFL Draft last year in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, despite already having a strong combination of wide receivers in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
They most likely did so because they expected him to instantly become a superstar, but his rookie season was underwhelming. With greater opportunities this year, he might be a fresh threat against opponents.
#4: Kenneth Walker III
In nine games last season where Kenneth Walker III received more than 15 carries, the Seahawks turned in an impressive 8-1 record. In his six games with fewer than 15 carries, they posted just a 1-6 record.
This creates the obvious trend that their offense is much more successful when Walker is more involved, so they should feed him more often this season.
#3: Jerome Baker
Bobby Wagner departed Seattle during the offseason, so the Seahawks will be out with their superstar inside linebacker. The franchise signed Jerome Baker as his replacement and the pressure will be on him to perform.
Wagner was an All-Pro linebacker who led the NFL in tackles (1853) last year, so his role in their defense was massive.
Now they expect the same from Baker.
#2: Rayshawn Jenkins
Jamal Adams was one of the defensive leaders for the Seahawks in the past three years, but the team opted not to re-sign him for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. He was one of their most dynamic players, so his role will be challenging to fill.
They signed Rayshawn Jenkins to replace him, who will join Julian Love in what was a strong combination of safeties for their defense.
#1: Geno Smith
Geno Smith had his best season in many statistical categories in his first year in Seattle, and he helped the team make the playoffs. His second year saw a decline in the majority of those areas, and the season ended without a postseason trip. This is most certainly not a coincidence, so if Smith improves this season, they will have a far greater chance of returning to the playoffs.