The Seattle Seahawks have a rising star in their secondary. Last spring, the Seahawks zigged when everyone thought they should zag. Instead of drafting defensive tackle Jalen Carter to help their ailing defensive line, Seattle grabbed the top cornerback prospect in the draft. Anyone who questioned or disliked the pick were immediately swayed once they saw Witherspoon in action for the first time.
It became evident he was a special, game-changing kind of player. The type the Seahawks have been missing (except for Bobby Wagner) on their defense for some time. Witherspoon may have been snubbed for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but a much more grand prize may be on the horizon for him.
The 33rd Team has listed Witherspoon as a dark horse contender for being the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year. Something not even the legendary Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas or Kam Chancellor were awarded.
DPOY predictions for the season 🛡️
h/t @DanPizzuta https://t.co/1ewjDQHwZ1 pic.twitter.com/M0pX86g5So
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 2, 2024
Only two CBs had a 79.0+ grade in both run defense and coverage last season:
🔒 DEVON WITHERSPOON
🔒 DaRon Bland pic.twitter.com/boLpvjVaia— PFF SEA Seahawks (@PFF_Seahawks) September 3, 2024
Last year in his rookie debut, Witherspoon was sublime. He recorded 79 total tackles, had three sacks, and defended 16 passes – including his lone interception, which he took back 97 yards for a touchdown on Monday Night Football.
Should Witherspoon break out further and claim the title of Defensive Player of the Year, he will join Hall of Famers Kenny Easley and Cortez Kennedy as the only Seahawks to earn such honors.
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