As Monday night's matchup against the Eagles approaches, uncertainty looms over Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon's availability. With a hip pointer sidelining him from Thursday's practice, his status remains questionable, and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has labeled him as day-to-day. The team might not receive clarity on Witherspoon's playing status until the eve of the game.
However, what is crystal clear is the Seahawks' unwavering confidence in their decision to draft Witherspoon fifth overall last April. This strategic move meant passing on defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who eventually landed with the Eagles as the ninth overall pick. Coach Carroll lauded Witherspoon's prowess on the field, emphasizing his intuitive understanding of the game and ability to make impactful plays effortlessly.
If Witherspoon takes the field on Monday, all eyes, including the ESPN broadcast, will be fixated on the clash between two standout rookies vying for the coveted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The narrative will likely unfold around Seattle's preference for Witherspoon over Carter in the draft, a decision that allowed Carter to become an Eagle through a draft-night trade with Chicago.
Jalen Carter is currently the frontrunner for the Defensive Rookie of the Year, boasting -600 odds this week. Witherspoon, tied with Houston defensive end Will Anderson Jr. at +700, faces stiff competition. Nevertheless, the Seahawks exhibit no remorse in selecting Witherspoon as the second-highest defensive player in the draft. Their faith in him is substantiated by an array of statistics, both traditional and analytical.
With 65 tackles, including three sacks, and an impressive 16 passes defended, Witherspoon has become a defensive force for the Seahawks. His playmaking abilities shine through, with the pass defended stat matching the highest by any Seahawk since Richard Sherman's 24 in 2012. Pro Football Focus reinforces his impact, ranking him as the highest-graded Seahawk at 83.3 and seventh among 120 cornerbacks. Furthermore, Witherspoon boasts the sixth-highest PFF grade among all rookies, affirming Seattle's conviction in their draft choice.
As the Seahawks assess the impact of their decision to draft Devon Witherspoon over Jalen Carter, the competition for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year intensifies. Carter, currently making waves with the 10-3 Eagles, boasts impressive stats with four sacks, 16 tackles, and a fumble returned for a touchdown in the previous week. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 83.8 ranks him fourth among all rookies and eighth among 131 interior defensive linemen. Carter's 17.1% pass rush win rate is also noteworthy, securing him the fourth spot among all interior DLs, according to PFF.
However, the Seahawks, among the teams believed to have passed on Carter, may have had reservations related, in part, to off-field concerns. Carter's pre-draft standing as a top pick took a hit when he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges arising from a January incident that resulted in two fatalities. The NFL combine performance and concerns about effort further complicated his draft outlook. While some speculated that pre-draft visits might have influenced teams, both Coach Carroll and General Manager John Schneider offered positive insights into Carter's visit with the Seahawks. Carroll described Carter as a "good kid" who was easy to talk to, confident, and got along well during the visit.
Schneider echoed similar sentiments on "The Rich Eisen Show," emphasizing that Carter was in consideration but ultimately the Seahawks believed that Witherspoon was a better fit for their team. The decision-making process might not have been swayed by past experiences, such as the Malik McDowell situation in 2017, according to Carroll. He emphasized the continuous learning process and dispelled the notion that they were compensating for past mistakes.
With the fifth overall pick, the Seahawks aimed for a player who could make a substantial impact on the field without undue perceived risk, especially considering the fully guaranteed $31.8 million contract over four years for the fifth pick. The unfolding performances of both Witherspoon and Carter continue to shape the narrative, leaving fans and analysts eagerly anticipating the outcome of this intriguing rookie showdown.
Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the Seahawks' decision to draft Devon Witherspoon over Jalen Carter, the team's leadership, particularly Coach Carroll and General Manager John Schneider, has clarified their perspective on the matter. Contrary to some reports suggesting that Carter was off their draft board, Schneider's remark that Carter was "in consideration" hints at the possibility that the Seahawks would have contemplated selecting him with their second first-round pick at 20th overall.
Carroll, reflecting on Carter's attributes, praised the dynamic physicality, explosiveness, and strength of the player. Acknowledging Carter's achievements with a championship team, Carroll described him as a "great pick." However, both Carroll and Schneider consistently emphasized that Witherspoon was the top player on their draft board when the crucial choice had to be made. With only two players they were unwilling to leave the pick for, Witherspoon secured his spot as one of them.
While the Seahawks have not publicly disclosed their considerations, it's believed that they might have been tempted to select Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson had he not been chosen by the Colts at No. 4. The decision to prioritize Witherspoon over Carter was met with skepticism, given perceived defensive line needs. However, Witherspoon has swiftly emerged as a standout player in Seattle's secondary, showcasing rare versatility by excelling in both the nickel spot and outside coverage against top receivers.
Witherspoon's absence in the recent game against the 49ers, limited to just seven snaps, underscored his value, with Carroll acknowledging the impact on the defense's performance. The 527 yards accumulated by the 49ers highlighted the void left by Witherspoon's playmaking abilities.
As Witherspoon continues to prove his worth, Carroll believes that any debate over the Seahawks' April decision has been quieted for now. His versatility, tackling prowess, and physicality have elevated him to a key role in Seattle's defensive lineup, making him an indispensable asset and reinforcing the team's confidence in their draft choice.
In conclusion, the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Seahawks' decision to draft Devon Witherspoon over Jalen Carter has been addressed by Coach Carroll and General Manager John Schneider. While acknowledging Carter's merits, the Seahawks have consistently emphasized that Witherspoon was their top choice when the critical decision had to be made. The possibility of considering Carter with their second first-round pick at 20th overall is hinted at, dispelling reports that he was entirely off their draft board.
Despite initial skepticism over prioritizing Witherspoon over Carter, the young cornerback has swiftly become an invaluable asset in Seattle's secondary. His rare versatility to excel in both the nickel spot and one-on-one coverage against top receivers has contributed to the team's defensive prowess. The recent game against the 49ers, where Witherspoon's absence after just seven snaps was palpable, underscored his impact on the field, with Coach Carroll acknowledging the void in playmaking.
As Witherspoon continues to prove his worth and solidify his role in the Seahawks' defensive lineup, any debate over the April draft decision appears to be subsiding. His on-field contributions, combined with his youth and potential for growth, have validated the team's confidence in their choice. The Seahawks' commitment to selecting the best fit for their team, guided by their draft board and strategic considerations, remains steadfast, leaving Witherspoon as a focal point in the evolving narrative of this intriguing rookie showdown.