Devon Witherspoon made the Pro Bowl and finished fourth in 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after the Seahawks made him the fifth overall pick. This could have been better.
The cornerback missed three games with a hip injury.
He plans to be healthier and better this season.
“First of all, I I want to play all the games, all season long,” Witherspoon said, via John Boyle of the team’s website. “I missed a few games last year, so I’m trying to make sure I get through the whole season healthy and then I’m really trying to build on my year. I left a lot of plays on the table that I wish I could get back, so I’m just trying to make those plays this year.”
Witherspoon showed why the Seahawks drafted him in the top five, making one interception, 79 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and 16 pass breakups in his first season.
He has become a vocal leader this offseason and could earn the “C” on his jersey this season.
“I think he’s doing an amazing job just being vocal,” receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said. “To me, he looks like the captain of the defense, making sure everyone is aligned and just using his voice more from year one to year two. He’s been great. A phenomenal player, All-Pro. I’m a big fan of his, so I’m definitely excited to see him take the steps physically.
“He’s getting bigger. He’s getting faster and more comfortable, being smarter. He plays extremely fast and we all know how physical he is in the run game with whoever has the ball. I’m happy he’s in my team.”
