The Seattle Seahawks were in a great position heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. Not only did they shock the football world by making the playoffs last season, but they were slated to pick in the top-5, as they owned the fifth pick courtesy of the Denver Broncos.
It was one of many assets that Denver traded to Seattle during the 2022 offseason to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson, believing he was the missing piece to make the team contenders. Instead, they struggled and it was the Seahawks that ascended.
With the No. 5 overall pick, the Seahawks went against what many people thought they would do. A potential long-term option at quarterback was discussed or a pass rusher, but Seattle went with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
He ended up being the highest-selected player during the John Schneider and Pete Carroll era, a testament to the work that they have done in the greater Northwest. Witherspoon drew rave reviews throughout the pre-draft process for his blend of size, physicality and athleticism that he showcased with the Fighting Illini.
While it was tough showcasing those talents in unpadded practices that didn’t allow hitting, the Illinois product still found a way to stand out during OTAs and minicamp practices. It didn’t take long for him to be elevated to the first-team defense after a hamstring injury led to him being limited at the start.
Witherspoon also had a chance to showcase his versatility as the Seahawks tested him out as a slot cornerback as well. It is something that Carroll lauded him for, as he came away impressed by Witherspoon’s ability to adapt.
“When we gave him the chance, he jumped right on it,” Carroll said. “He’s a really good football learner. He gets it, man. It makes sense to him, and he does things naturally really well, and that expedites the process.”
If Witherspoon is able to live up to the lofty expectations for a No. 5 overall pick, the Seahawks’ secondary is in good hands. He and Tariq Woolen, who was excellent in 2022 as a rookie, could quickly become the best young cornerback tandem in the NFL.
