As Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive back Devon Witherspoon settles in from the notoriety of the 2023 NFL Draft, he has now turned his focus to Training Camp. During his Aug. 3rd press conference, reporters asked a plethora of slanted questions regarding his mental state as he prepares for Week 1 of the preseason.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt has been deploying Witherspoon for reps at nickel-back (NB) throughout training camp. For clarity, this means Witherspoon is being lined up vs. the offensive slot wide receiver in All-22 drills. Such personnel strategy is designed to simulate 3rd-down passing situations.
With the addition of rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the proven prowess of wide receiver DK Metcalf, and team leader in receiving touchdowns, wide receiver Tyler Lockett, it’s fair to assume that Witherspoon is being tested and trialed at practice.
“We’re all interchangeable, everybody knows that back end, it’s not like anyone has a specific spot.” (Devon Witherspoon – Aug. 3rd – Seahawks.com)
The Seahawks’ defense ranked 27th in opponent 3rd down conversion rate last season and ranked 31st in opponent time of possession. In other words, their defense spent too much time on the field. The Seahawks are optimistic about Witherspoon’s upside, signing him to a four-year, $31.86 million rookie contract at the end of July. Having already gained the support of his teammates and coaching staff, it is now up to Witherspoon to help refresh the morale, an that led to a horrid defensive performance last season.
