Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) - 2023 NFL Draft Pick #5 by SEA

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Devon Witherspoon

Position: Cornerback
College: Illinois
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs

Overview

Devon Witherspoon emerged as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft after a standout season at the University of Illinois. Known for his competitive nature and ball skills, Witherspoon has the potential to become a lockdown corner in the NFL.

Strengths

• Coverage Skills: Witherspoon excels in both man and zone coverage, demonstrating quick footwork and excellent hip fluidity that allows him to stay with receivers.
• Ball Skills: He has a knack for making plays on the ball, with a high interception rate and the ability to break up passes effectively.
• Tackling: Strong against the run, Witherspoon is an aggressive tackler who isn’t afraid to come up and support the run defense.
• Football IQ: Displays a good understanding of route concepts and has a keen sense for reading quarterbacks, making him a valuable asset in defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Size Concerns: At 180 lbs, there are questions about his ability to match up against larger, more physical receivers in the NFL.
• Experience: While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he is still relatively inexperienced compared to some other top cornerback prospects.

Overall Projection

Devon Witherspoon is projected to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His combination of athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability makes him a highly coveted prospect. Teams in need of a cornerback will likely view him as an immediate starter with the potential for long-term success at the professional level.