The way things are shaping up, the most drafted position in the first round of 2023 could end up being cornerback. As it stands now, as many as seven different prospects could end up hearing their names in the first 31 picks come April. Right now, there doesn’t seem to be a consensus order to the group, as teams continue their evaluations to find the best fit for the defense they play.
When a position is this loaded, it can have ripple effects. It can simultaneously allow a team’s top, or one of their top, guys to fall to them despite a rating higher than their draft slot while also allowing for higher rated guys at other positions to be in play when a run on a position happens. Either scenario would be helpful for a team like Dallas at the No. 26 position.
Devon Witherspoon could be the type of top prospect to fall in this scenario. At only 6-foot and weighing just 180 pounds, some teams will see Witherspoon as a slot only corner and not a fit for their defensive style.
The Cowboys have a series of unknowns at the position behind Trevon Diggs and rookie sensation DaRon Bland. Anthony Brown is a free agent, Jourdan Lewis is coming off injury and there’s uncertainty surrounding the overall ability of Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright, Dallas will definitely have their eyes on the position and here’s what they’ll find when looking at Witherspoon’s film.
Listed Height: 6-foot
Listed Weight: 180 pounds
Games Played in 2022: 12
Jersey Number: 31
Impact Plays (2022): 3 interceptions, 14 passes defensed, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 184 yards allowed, 0 touchdowns
Stat (20212): 32 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 41 total tackles
Games Watched: Penn State (2021), Wisconsin (2022), Michigan (2022), Northwestern (2022)
Best Game: Northwestern (2022)
Worst Game: Wisconsin (2022)
Witherspoon’s work ethic and film study made him one of the best cover corners in 2022.
He is one of, if not the best prospect when the receiver is mid route. He knows the route concepts, breaks on the ball and makes plays that cause incompletions or immediate stops. He was top 10 in passes defensed, and only allowed quarterbacks to throw for a 24 quarterback rating when he was targeted.
An excellent athlete, Witherspoon played three high school sports, including track and field. His athletic ability allows him to stick with his assignment in man coverage and allows for makeup plays on defense when he has a…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Cowboys Wire…