Seattle Seahawks Draft Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon 5th Overall

Investing in the secondary and defending the pass is never a bad idea.

That's what the Seattle Seahawks did by selecting standout cornerback Devon Witherspoon from Illinois in the 2023 NFL Draft with the fifth overall pick.

As of Thursday morning, the NFL Draft betting odds at FanDuel Sportsbook listed Witherspoon as a pretty heavy favorite (-320) to be the first cornerback drafted, and he was.

Devon Witherspoon NFL Draft Profile

Witherspoon had a breakout season by PFF grade in 2022 with a 92.0, up from sub-70 scores in his two years as an underclassman.

NFL Next Gen Stats' prospect model doesn't love the athleticism of Witherspoon, ranking him 25th among cornerbacks in this class, but does place him 7th in overall score with an 84.

ESPN clocked Witherspoon with allowing just a 5.2 QBR in coverage this season, and that type of shutdown potential is extremely valuable in the current NFL.

Devon Witherspoon in Seattle

The Seahawks were league-average in net yards per pass attempt this season (6.1) and were 19th in adjusted passing efficiency according to numberFire's expected points model.

Locking down opposing receivers is a must, and the Seahawks have someone who is capable of doing it in the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks 2023 Outlook

Via the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, the Seahawks are a respectable +4500 to win the Super Bowl this season and hold a win total of 8.5 with -110 odds on the over.

Seattle is also +104 to make the playoffs.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.