Devon Witherspoon an 'X-Factor' for Seahawks Defense
The Seattle Seahawks took a swing at their first-round opportunity, selecting Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City in April.
"There are some minor concerns about Witherspoon’s size, but his elite agility, instincts, and ability to consistently stay attached to wide receivers warrant a top 60 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft," SI's NFL Draft Bible wrote on Witherspoon's evaluation.
And while quarterback Geno Smith will lead a resurgent offense in 2023, the Seahawks' defense needs some help. Seattle's defense ranked 26th overall and 25th in points allowed last season, and that's typically not good enough for a deep playoff run.
As Bleacher Report reported in their list of X factors for each team entering 2023, Witherspoon could be a key to that improvement.
"Adding players like Dre'Mont Jones, Jarran Reed and Bobby Wagner to the front seven should boost a run defense that ranked 30th in 2022. First-round rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon has the potential to turn Seattle's 13th-ranked pass defense into an elite one.
"However, Witherspoon must first get healthy and show that he's ready for the jump in competition level. He's battling a hamstring injury, and while it's not considered serious, it's a problematic ailment for any defensive back. If Witherspoon can get on the field early and have the sort of rookie success that Woolen had in 2022 (6 INTs, 48.7 opposing passer rating), the Seahawks secondary is going to be a problem for opposing quarterbacks."
Witherspoon could be a key to the Seahawks' defensive improvement in 2023. And if a number of players on that side of the ball step up, we could be looking at "Legion of Boom 2.0." And that would be a welcome sight for 12s everywhere.
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