Illinois defensive again Devon Witherspoon 2023 NFL Draft scouting report
Devon Witherspoon completed the 2022 season in elite firm and actually confirmed why many groups might be seeking to draft him within the first spherical. Witherspoon had an historic season for the Illini just like Chase Brown and it’s no marvel they’d such a profitable begin to the season. Now a senior and declaring for the NFL Draft we’ll look into why NFL scouts are so excessive on Devon Witherspoon.
Taking part in all 12 video games this previous season Witherspoon was elite because it will get at cornerback. He performed over 700 snaps the place he had 41 total tackles, 14 cross break ups, 3 interceptions and solely allowed an unimaginable QB rating of 24.6 when throw at. The Massive 10 all the time produces some actually gifted and athletic broad receivers through the years and this yr isn’t any totally different. Witherspoon was lockdown in protection and permitting a mean QB score of 24.6 when thrown at is particular.
Devon Witherspoon was additionally nominated for the Thorpe award. The Thorpe award is given to the best defensive back in the country. Devon was one of many 3 finalists for that award and he’s the primary finalist for the Thorpe award in Illinois historical past. Devon Witherspoon was additionally a semifinalist for the Bednarik award which is awarded to the very best defensive participant in school soccer. He was then voted consensus All-American which once more is the primary time in Illinois football history a defensive again was voted consensus All-American.
The Chicago Bears don’t instantly want one other cornerback and perhaps for the long run. No less than not within the first spherical. Jaylon Johnson, who has definitely come into his personal this previous season and Kyler Gordon, the rookie who discovered his sport after a sluggish begin have each proven that cornerback is trying good. Additionally each Johnson and Gordon had been second spherical picks. Loads of occasions the Bears appeared horrible in protection however it’s laborious accountable defensive backs when the opposing quarterback has all day to throw the soccer. Perhaps Witherspoon wouldn’t be value a excessive decide for the Bears however having depth at nook is really by no means a nasty factor.
Let’s get into the scouting report for Devon Witherspoon the place we’ll take a look at strengths, weaknesses and if he’ll match within the Chicago Bears plans for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Place: Cornerback
Top/Weight: 6 foot, 180 kilos
Profession Stats: 41 video games performed, 148 complete tackles, 22 complete PBU’s, 5 complete interceptions (3 in 2022), and solely surrendered a 24.6 QBR in 2022.
Strengths:
- Has the size and pace to turn out to be a starter shortly.
- Reads routes and anticipates throws on the first down marker properly. He covers a whole lot of floor in a rush and reads the Quarterback’s eyes to find out routes and break on throws quick.
- Has been elite in man protection in 2022 with route anticipation and shutting pace.
- Can excel in zone protection due to his closing pace and wrapping up receivers publish catch method.
- If he will get the leap right or traces somebody up he can hit laborious.
Weaknesses:
- Must tighten angles in pursuit and must persistently sort out higher.
- Undersized and underpowered when lining up in press protection.
How does Devon Witherspoon match with the Chicago Bears?
I alluded to this earlier that Chicago doesn’t appear to wish cornerbacks for a short while. Johnson and Gordon are each younger and fairly good already. Having depth at nook is all the time nice however including a 3rd cornerback with a primary spherical decide can be boneheaded. Witherspoon is elite for my part. I feel he might be an excellent cornerback for somebody.
The cool factor in regards to the Bears having this coveted number one decide is that with the supposed heavy draft capital the Bears will obtain in return for the decide, they may discover themselves with a late first spherical decide or one other early second rounder. If Witherspoon finally ends up falling it wouldn’t be a bonehead transfer at that time for my part. Once more it relies on how a lot draft capital Chicago will obtain. I don’t see Witherspoon being a Bear however Illinois soccer had some studs this yr that wanted to be talked about.
Projected spherical:
CBS Mock Draft (No. 17 overall)
Pro Football Focus (No. 14 overall)
The Draft Network (No. 18 overall)
For Extra Nice Chicago Sports activities Content material
Observe us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for extra nice content material. We respect you taking time to learn our articles. To work together extra with our neighborhood and hold updated on the most recent in Chicago sports activities information, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
