Tag: Devon Witherpsoon

Seahawks cornerbacks snubbed in latest Madden 25 ratings

Seahawks cornerbacks snubbed in latest Madden 25 ratings

EA Sports is releasing Madden 25 later this August. As per usual, hype for the game would not be complete without revealing player ratings at every position group. As it turns out, Madden’s decision makers aren’t big fans of the cornerbacks on the Seattle Seahawks.

Both Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon were snubbed for cornerback rankings, with neither player apparently cracking the top 18 overall players at the position.

Witherspoon was outstanding for the Seahawks as a rookie in 2023. The former Illinois standout recorded 79 tackles and one interception, which he returned for a 97-yard pick-six touchdown. Witherspoon was named to the Pro Bowl and the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team for his efforts.

Pro Football Focus credited Witherspoon with allowing just 39 receptions all season long on 68 targets. His PFF coverage grade was a stellar 79.7. Witherspoon allowed an opposing passer rating of just 87.6 and allowed 10.2 yards per catch. He should have cracked the top 15 cornerback rankings.

Woolen was also snubbed. He was arguably better as a rookie in 2022 when he was the league’s co-interceptions leader and a Pro Bowler in his debut season, but the former fifth-rounder still played quality football as a sophomore this past season. Woolen totaled 11 pass breakups and had a PFF coverage grade of 75.0.

Hopefully Witherspoon and Woolen use their snubs as motivation.

3 Nickel CB options if Devon Witherspoon plays boundary corner

3 Nickel CB options if Devon Witherspoon plays boundary corner

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon was a dynamic nickel cover-man as a rookie last season. The No. 5 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft played 421 of his defensive snaps in the slot, per Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks have a new coaching staff and that means defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald is experimenting with different looks. Witherspoon spent Tuesday’s practice earlier this week primarily playing as a boundary cornerback opposite Riq Woolen, according to local media members in attendance. That opens up a possibility for other players to rotate into the lineup as a nickel corner.

Macdonald’s defense is going to be multiple and complex. Witherespoon will move around and take advantage of matchups. We’ve identified three Seahawks defenders that could play the nickel more frequently this season.

Artie Burns

Artie Burns played 202 snaps as a nickel corner last season. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde clearly appreciate Burns’ ability to play that role, as he was the main beneficiary of Witherspoon’s foray to the boundary at practice earlier this week. The ninth-year versatile pro figures to be a chess-piece for Macdonald’s defense this season.

D.J. James

One of the concerns on rookie cornerback D.J. James coming out of Auburn was that he lacked the long-speed and frame (175 pounds at the NFL combine) required to consistently play the boundary. That likely makes James a nickel corner in the NFL. The Seahawks pounced on his availability with a sixth-round selection. He likely won’t play a big role this season, but does offer Macdonald another viable and versatile option.

Coby Bryant

Coby Bryant has played safety and nickel corner for the Seahawks. A toe injury cost him large portions of his 2023 campaign, but when on the field, he spent the majority of his snaps as a slot corner. Bryant hasn’t met his fourth-round expectations, but he’ll continue playing multiple positions in the defensive backfield as necessary.

12 standout individual PFF grades for the Seahawks from Week 14

Here are 12 of the best individual PFF grades for Seattle this week.

The Seahawks took another thumping from the 49ers yesterday, losing on the road by a score of 28-16. As usual, there were a few performers who deserve accolades despite the loss.

Here are 12 of the best individual PFF grades for Seattle this week.