Seattle should be thankful for cornerback Devon Witherspoon
After the season began, lots of fans seemed to be miffed that Seattle had taken Devon Witherspoon with the number 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft instead of defensive lineman Jalen Carter. Part of this was because we saw Carter play excellently in his first game with the Philadelphia Eagles while Witherspoon missed Seattle's first game with a hamstring injury. Carter has continued to be great in his rookie year with 5 sacks and 29 total pressures, but Witherspoon has also been terrific.
Witherspoon also arguably had one of the best games by a cornerback ever in Week 4 against the New York Giants when Witherspoon had 2 sacks, 3 QB hits, 2 tackles for loss, and a 97-yard pick-six. Seattle used Witherspoon on blitzes, sure, but he also showed a preternatural ability to know when the ball was going to be snapped and then once the ball was, Witherspoon made a fast beeline for the quarterback.
While Carter is graded by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) as the number 2 interior defender through the first 11 weeks of 2023, Witherspoon was graded as the number 8 cornerback. Witherspoon was second in terms of pass rush, and he was top-15 in both pass coverage and run defense. Witherspoon is a well-rounded and versatile corner who is going to make a number of Pro Bowls for Seattle in his career.
Witherspoon also wil only turn 23 years old in December. His best football is likely ahead of him. And that means great things for the Seahawks.