2023 NFL Draft Prospect Review - DB Devon Witherspoon
Player Description
Name: Devon Witherspoon Position: Defensive back
College: Illinois Uniform Number: #31
Class: Junior Height: 6-0
Weight: 180 lbs Projected Round: mid 1st to 2nd round
Strengths:
Proficient, physical tackler
Outstanding hip fluidity when showing receivers
Consistent physicality at the top of routes
Eager to engage physically with opposing receivers
Excellent feet and overall coordination
High football IQ
Natural instincts and ball skills
Aggressive when breaking on routes
Excellent play recognition
Inside/outside versatility
Man-to-man coverage specialist
Excellent closing speed - able to recover quickly
Ideal short area quickness
High-level read-and-react skills on short and intermediate routes
Incredible competitive spirit
Weaknesses:
With defensive backs, aggression is often accompanied by penalties. In the case of Witherspoon, his over-eager tendencies have resulted in him taking a high number of pass interference penalties. Though there is little to no evidence of difficulty in shadowing receivers and staying on top of routes, his long speed is still a question mark against faster receivers. As adaptable as he may be, his average size and minimal length may be an issue when playing on the outside against bigger receivers.