Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Tim Weaver

Seahawks first-rounders Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon face off

The Seahawks got two first-round picks in this year’s draft. At yesterday’s minicamp practice, we got a brief look at wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba going one-on-one against cornerback Devon Witherspoon in 7-on-7 drills.

Watch JSN get separation and beat Witherspoon over the top for a touchdown.

The team initially shared this clip but then deleted it, perhaps to save face for their No. 5 overall pick.

If you’re wondering why, it’s likely because some fans may take this one play and blow it entirely out of proportion, drawing broad conclusions about one or the other first-rounder – even though it’s literally the second week of June and none of what we’re seeing really means anything.

The truth is even during the regular season no one rep is gospel – especially for players in their first year in the league. So, for the record: Witherspoon was a sensation in man coverage at Illinois and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be at the next level, as well. Also, Smith-Njigba is going to make a whole lot of good cornerbacks look bad – especially when he’s working from the slot against off-coverage like that.

Speaking of the slot – Witherspoon played all over the field in college, so we may see him in that role from time to time. However, we expect him to eventually be starting at the left boundary spot, currently occupied by veteran Mike Jackson. Jackson isn’t just letting go, though. He nabbed an interception at yesterday’s practice and has gotten glowing reviews for his work this offseason.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks 2023 mandatory minicamp: Sights and sounds from Day 1

Seahawks 2023 mandatory minicamp: Sights and sounds from Day 2

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.