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Devon Witherspoon

Devon Witherspoon Player Profile

Summary

Devon Witherspoon was selected in Round 1 (#5 Overall) out of University of Illinois. Witherspoon brings a rare combination of speed, instincts, and physicality to the cornerback position. His coverage prowess, ball‑skills and willingness to engage in the run game are significant strengths. His primary development tasks are increasing his physical robustness, refining technique in press and tackling, and proving consistency against top‑tier receivers. With continued progression, he has the potential to be a foundational defensive back for years to come.

Strengths

  • Elite athleticism & speed: Witherspoon’s burst and recovery speed allow him to stay tight with receivers and close windows.

  • Coverage instincts and route recognition: He shows excellent feel for routes, fluid hips in and out of breaks, and anticipates throws effectively. Field Gulls

  • Ball‑skills and playmaking ability: In college he displayed impressive interception and pass‑breakup numbers, showing ability to track and impact the ball. SB Nation

  • Physicality and run‑support: Despite his lean build, he’s shown willingness to come up and make tackles and show strength in the run game.

Weaknesses

  • Slight frame / size limitations: At around 185 lbs and with relatively average arm length, questions remain about how he’ll handle physical boundary matchups and bigger receivers. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Strength vs press coverage and block transitions: He can be challenged off the line in press or when larger receivers engage him. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Tackling angles and pursuit refinement: Though physical, there are instances of over‑aggression and less refined angles in pursuit or tackling which can lead to inefficiencies. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Exposure to deep‑man matchups / endurance questions: Given his size and style, the concern exists whether he can consistently match up deep or handle more physically demanding roles over a full season. SB Nation

Fit & Outlook

Devon Witherspoon is an excellent fit for a defense that values aggressive man and press coverage, complementary zone work, and an active, play‑making corner who contributes in run support. With the Seahawks, he projects as a key starter who can become the anchor of the secondary. If he continues to develop his strength, refine block‑shedding and tackling in space, and remains healthy, his outlook is very high — he could become one of the premier corners in the league. At minimum, he’s positioned to be a long‑term starting corner with big‑play upside.