Is Devon Witherspoon's tackling the most important by a CB in the NFL?

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the NFL, and has led a revolution for the Seahawks to prioritize it in who earns snaps in their defensive backroom. This story starts back in college, where Witherspoon was far from a top-level recruit. Even though he was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, evaluators saw his top-end speed as a possible worry at the next level.

His size and speed combo was just okay, and he was aggressive in coverage to the point some questioned his ceiling. But when you turn on a game, he usually makes his first play against the run and sets the tone immediately. His 181-pound frame didn’t prevent him from becoming one of the most aggressive run defenders in the game of football at any level, because he’s as willing as any tackler you’ll find.

Just check out this play where he comes down from nickel to mix it up on the edge for a big hit against the New York Giants’ running back. This was just his third professional game: Devon Witherspoon run defense pic. twitter.

com/qDIK6IChWr — Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) July 9, 2024 Energy is contagious. When the Seahawks have a 181-pound player like Witherspoon willing to get violent on defense, it sets a standard of physicality that bigger players can’t hide from. When players like Nick Emmanwori and Drake Thomas are called upon to step up, their pedigree is replaced by their effort.