Devon Witherspoon was the most popular pre-draft projection for the Detroit Lions pick at No. 6 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. His blend of proven coverage impact and kneecap-biting mentality made him an easy fit for Dan Campbell’s Lions.
However, the feisty cornerback from Illinois didn’t make it to Detroit and the sixth pick. The Seattle Seahawks swooped on Witherspoon one pick earlier at No. 5. In an interview the week after the draft, Seattle GM John Schneider made it clear he was the Seahawks’ preferred target the whole time over more popular projections like Georgia DT Jalen Carter or Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson.
