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via Imago

via Imago

With the 2023 NFL Draft underway, the fate of young rookie talents wanting to enter the big leagues will be decided. Franchises will be looking to add more depth and caliber to their arsenal with the draft picks available this year. While teams like Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans used their first-round picks to acquire QBs like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud respectively, the Seattle Seahawks chose a more unconventional road in the first round of the 2023 draft. The team decided to pick up a young, talented CB, who initially began his footballing career while in junior high. Being a 0-star recruit, the CB was made the highest-drafted defensive player in Illinois history. 

This CB will now begin his professional journey of football with the Seahawks just like how QB Russell Wilson began his journey in the NFL, before joining the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal last year.

0-star recruit becomes highest drafted DB in Illinois

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The Seahawks had a No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 draft first round yesterday. With the top three QB prospects already being drafted, the team decided not to take their chances on Will Levis. Instead, they used their first-round pick to draft CB Devon Witherspoon. Coming in at no.5 it is the highest pick for a CB made by Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider in 14 drafts altogether. Just like how the franchise had hopes with their ex-QB Russell Wilson when they drafted him 75th Overall in the third round, the Seahawks will be expecting their pick with Devon Witherspoon to bear fruit.

 

The Seahawks also had edge rusher Tyree Wilson and DT Jalen Carter as possible options. But the team decided to take their chances with arguably the second-best defensive player in this year’s draft. Yes, Jalen Carter could have catered to the Seahawks’ needs on the front line. But his decision-making skills and ethics could have posed a problem for the franchise in the long run.

Read more: “Today I’m a Dancer”: Chaotically Enough, Colts GM Can’t Stop Telling the Truth While Replying to Draft Queries

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With Devon Witherspoon coming into the team, he is set to fill the position of a starting-caliber CB along with Pro Bowl CB Tariq Woolen on the roster.

What does Witherspoon’s arrival look like for the Seahawks?

Devon Witherspoon stands at 5 feet 11 inches. He comes in as a complete package to bolster the defense of the Seahawks. With his ability to anticipate routes and shut down QB runs on the field, he will pose an actual threat to other teams in the NFL in the coming season. He will also bring a positive impact on the team’s pass defense, which was average last season. He is projected to be a week-one starter, vying for the starting position in the roster with CB Mike Jackson. 

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It will be an interesting season for the Seahawks in 2023, as they will look forward to Devon Witherspoon showing his worth and further bolstering the defensive area of the team on the field.

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