3 bold predictions for Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon in training camp

The fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft finally signed his contract on Friday.
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Prediction No. 3: Seahawks will play Witherspoon more at outside corner before preseason game 3

Why is this prediction "bold," you might say. Mostly the boldness is due to the fact that Witherspoon was playing a bunch more slot corner in minicamp by the end than he was on the outside. Head coach Pete Carroll loves guys that are versatile, and that goes for multiple positions. For years Seattle went with guys on the offensive line who could play multiple spots than a guy who just play center or just play tackle.

This is one reason that the Seahawks chose Witherspoon where they did. Of course, a team doesn't choose a cornerback fifth overall in the draft thinking he would just play in the slot (although we can't really put anything by general manager John Schneider and Carroll, I guess), but that certainly doesn't mean Witherspoon doesn't play the majority of his 2023 snaps at nickel.

My guess is that Witherspoon starts in the slot early in training camp and shines after a couple of weeks. Seattle then decides to give him more reps on the outside to prove what he can do against Metcalf and Lockett and after a week or so, he improves. By the time Seattle's last preseason game occurs - August 26th - the Seahawks start Witherspoon on the outside to see how he holds up.

In the final preseason game, and I'm guessing some of the reps will be against quarterback Jordan Love, Witherspoon plays shutdown coverage and gets an interception early. Then Seattle subs Witherspoon out for someone truly battling for a roster spot. This will set up a massively important for Seattle for Week 1: Who starts opposite Tariq Woolen, Witherspoon or Michael Jackson?

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