NFL Draft Grades 2023: Re-grading the Seattle Seahawks' draft one year later

The one A

Devon Witherspoon - Cornerback (First round, pick 5)

Perhaps the only thing that Witherspoon did not do as much as expected was create turnovers in his rookie season. He only had one interception and one forced fumble. The interception was extremely memorable, though, as it came in a game that is arguably among the best that any rookie has ever played.

In Week 4 against the New York Giants, and in Witherspoon's third in the league (he missed Week 1 with an injury), the rookie returned his interception 97 yards for a touchdown, had 2 sacks (the only player ever with a pick-six and multiple sacks in a game), had another pass defended, was in on 7 tackles, and had 2 tackles for loss. Witherspoon proved in one game he was worthy of being taken a pick 5.

For much of 2023, the cornerback was graded in the top five at his position, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He missed two games late in the season and seems to lose a bit of his efficiency, but hitting the proverbial wall in his first season happens to most rookies. He will likely understand how to avoid a letdown late in seasons as his career continues.

Witherspoon made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and was named to the Professional Football Writers of America's All-Rookie team. He allowed a solid 87.3 passer rating when targeted, a number that will probably improve even more as he gains more experience. The cornerback still finished with the sixth-highest grade among all corners, according to PFF.

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