Seattle Seahawks select cornerback Devon Witherspoon with No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

The Athletic offers comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, featuring instant updates on picks, trades, and grades. Follow their Live Blog as well as team-by-team picks, needs, and draft trades. The Seattle Seahawks made an interesting choice in the 2023 NFL Draft when they selected Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon with the No. 5 pick. This is the highest cornerback selection made by coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider in their 14 years of drafts together. Witherspoon, who was ranked ninth on Dane Brugler’s big board and the top cornerback, was selected over edge rusher Tyree Wilson and defensive tackle Jalen Carter. This decision could be an indication that the Seahawks are looking to improve their pass defense, which was decent but not great in 2022. Witherspoon has 26 passes defensed in the last two years, making him a productive player on the ball who is also a plus defender against the run. With his high football IQ and 4.43 speed, Carroll and Schneider believe that Witherspoon is the complete package at cornerback, making him an ideal plug-and-play player for their secondary. If Witherspoon can earn a starting role, Seattle’s starting secondary would likely be composed of Tariq Woolen, Witherspoon, nickelback Coby Bryant, and safeties Quandre Diggs and Julian Love. However, Witherspoon will have to compete with Michael Jackson and Tre Brown, who were both starters for Seattle last season. Regardless, Witherspoon is expected to have a significant role in the Seahawks’ pass defense right from the start.