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A zero-star recruit out of high school who previously quit football to play point guard became a 1st round pick in the NFL draft thanks to some guidance by Lovie Smith himself. He came into college looking like a student manager but hit like a linebacker. Seattle, meet the newest addition to your secondary — cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Devon Witherspoon will be the smallest guy on the team with the biggest personality but his skills and tenacity have earned him a spot with the Seahawks. It's time for the dawg to shine out.
Devon Witherspoon scouting report
Position: Cornerback
School: Illinois (Sr.)
Measurables: 5'11, 181 pounds
Combine notes: He's one of the lightest players in the draft, ranking in just the 10th percentile in weight.
Where he wins: Disruptive and combative, Spoon reads routes like a quarterback and has the quickness and strength to break up passes all over the field.
Areas for improvement: Lacks top end speed and can get tricked by double moves.
Winner of the Tatum-Woodson Award as the best defensive back in the Big Ten in 2022. He was a consensus All-American and made All-Big Ten first team as well. Led the nation's top-scoring defense last season.
He suffered a hamstring injury which stopped him from participating in NFL combine drills or at Illinois' Pro Day but did run a 4.42 40-yard dash at a private workout in early April.
Obligatory Devon Witherspoon Highlight Reel
3 facts you probably didn't know about Devon Witherspoon
A champion-level trash talker that never stops letting a receiver know that he's locking them up, even months after the fact.
He's just getting started. Returned to football as a junior in high school because his mother asked him to and he does anything his mother asks.
How does Devon Witherspoon fit in with the Seahawks?
The Seahawks just drafted the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the NFL Draft... and suddenly, their secondary is looking a little scary. Is the Legion of Boom back? It might be on its way! He'll join second-year corner Tariq Woolen who allowed the fourth-lowest NFL passer rating in coverage... as a rookie! Then, of course, there's Jamal Adams... Quandre Diggs...
Watch out, NFC West. This defense is coming for you.
