Kello Witherspoon
Summary
Witherspoon was selected in Round 3 (#66 Overall) in the 2017 Draft out of University of Colorado. Witherspoon entered the NFL as a long, athletic outside cornerback prospect with a powerful frame (6′3″, ~195 lbs), strong straight‑line speed and above‑average ball skills. At Colorado, he demonstrated the ability to defend deep, use his length to challenge receivers at the catch point, and accumulate pass breakups. Early on, evaluators liked his physical tools but flagged questions about his consistency in technique—particularly tackling, transition footwork and some press coverage fundamentals. Over his NFL career thus far, Witherspoon has carved out starting roles, demonstrated improvement, and provided value as a boundary corner with strong coverage instincts.
Strengths
Physical size and length for the position: At ~6′3″ and with long arms, Witherspoon brings a physical profile that allows him to challenge receivers vertically and at the catch point.
Very good straight‑line speed and burst: He tested well in sprinting and recovery speed, enabling him to keep pace with many outside threats. NFL.com
Ball‑skills and contested‑catch ability: Reviewers noted his knack for jumping routes, getting his hands on the ball, and using his reach to break up passes.
Competitive nature and willingness to use physicality: Witherspoon plays with aggression, uses his frame effectively, offers tackling in run support and battles at the line. Los Angeles Rams
Rapid development and improved consistency: In recent years he has shown improvements in technique, communication and physical readiness—boosting his reliability as a starter. Los Angeles Rams
Weaknesses
Tackling technique and consistency in the open field: Early scouting noted that he sometimes struggled with form tackles, angles and finishing in space.
Press‑man mirror ability and change of direction: While he has the physical tools, his footwork, transitions and ability to mirror ultra‑quick receivers were less refined.
Recovery‑speed vs elite deep threats can be borderline: Although his straight‑line speed is good, some evaluators questioned whether he could consistently recover vs the very fastest receivers in the league.
Durability and role stability concerns: Witherspoon dealt with injuries and team changes which at times limited his snap counts and uninterrupted development. Los Angeles Rams
Ceiling tied to technique refinement and scheme fit: Without further development in press coverage, tackling and agility, he may peak as a strong‑value starter rather than an elite boundary shutdown corner.
Fit & Outlook
Witherspoon fits well in a defensive scheme that prioritizes size, length and physicality at the boundary—especially systems that allow him to play with leverage, contest the catch point, and not demand constant mirror coverage of ultra‑light speed receivers. He is best deployed on the outside where his length and vertical speed can be utilized, and where he has support or rotation rather than being forced into isolation mismatches every snap. In a scheme that blends zone coverage, pattern‑matching, and uses press/cover mechanisms effectively, he can be a strong contributor. Looking ahead, his outlook is favorable. His floor is that of a dependable starting cornerback—someone who can hold one side of the field, contribute regularly in pass defense and provide strong value given his physical tools. His upside remains meaningful: if he continues to refine his press‑man technique, improve his tackling in space, maintain health and remain in a scheme aligned to his strengths, he could establish himself as a high‑end starter at the position. The key will be consistency, durability, and ensuring his usage optimizes his physical advantages rather than exposing his technical/tracking limitations.