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Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. Witherspoon did not even start playing football until his junior year at Pine Forest High School in Florida, so by the time he was set to graduate, he was a 0-star recruit without much college interest. However, Illinois took a chance on Witherspoon, and he rewarded them by becoming the first defensive back in school history to earn consensus All-America honors. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in instincts, physicality, and ball skills (17 passes defended in 2022)

Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Witherspoon, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, combine results, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook.

Note: This profile will be updated as more information becomes available.

About

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Devon Witherspoon
SEA • CB • #21
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  • Age: 22
  • Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
  • Interesting fact: Didn't start playing football until his junior year in high school

CBS prospect ranking

Position: No. 2 CB | Overall: No. 9 | Rating: 91.77 (All-Pro)

CBS Sports mock drafts

  • Ryan Wilson: Raiders (No. 7)
  • Chris Trapasso: Patriots (No. 14)
  • Josh Edwards: Raiders (No. 7)
  • Pete Prisco: Raiders (No. 7)
  • Will Brinson: Lions (No. 17)
  • Kyle Stackpole: Texans (No. 12)

Expected draft position (via Grinding the Mocks): 7.9 (CB1)

To check out all of CBSSports.com's most recent mock drafts, click here.

NFL combine measurements/results

Height: 5-11 1/2" | Weight: 181 lbs | Arms: 31 1/4" | Hands: 8 7/8"

  • 40-yard dash: N/A
  • Broad jump: N/A
  • Vertical jump: N/A

*Witherspoon did not test at the NFL Combine due to a hamstring injury. He'll conduct a private workout for NFL teams on April 6.

NFL comparison

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Marcus Peters
LV • CB • #24
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Scouting report

Devon Witherspoon is neither the biggest nor the twitchiest prospect at his position. However, he makes up for it with his preparation and anticipation. Witherspoon is a great leader and a fiery competitor who is willing to play downhill and tackle in the flat.

Strengths

  • Elite competitor, fiery personality
  • Will play downhill and attack the flat
  • Competitive at the catch point
  • High football IQ
  • Will jam and stab to re-route wide receivers

Weaknesses

  • Needs to pack more weight on his 6-foot frame
  • Average top-end and recovery speed
  • Plays through the wide receiver's back too often

College stats

YearGamesTacklesTFLsPDINT
202212412.5173
202110528.090
20207331.022
201913330.020

College Accolades

Honors

  • 2022: Consensus All-American (School's first-ever DB to do so)
  • 2022: Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year 
  • 2022: Jim Thorpe Award finalist (best DB in FBS)
  • 2022: First-team All-Big Ten
  • 2022: Illinois Dick Butkus Defensive MVP

Notable statistics

  • 2022: No. 1 coverage grade in the nation (92.5), per PFF
  • 2022: Fewest yards/attempts allowed (3.0) in FBS (minimum 50 attempts)
  • 2022: Third-lowest reception percentage in the nation (34.9), per PFF
  • 2022: Second in Big Ten and eighth in nation in passes defended (17)
  • 2022: Did not allow a touchdown all season

247Sports profile

High school: Pine Forest (Pensacola, Florida)
Class: 2019
Composite Rating: 0 stars

  • National: N/A | CB: N/A | Florida: N/A

High school accolades: 2018 Male Athlete of the Year (Pensacola News Journal), 2018 Defensive Player of the Year (Pensacola News Journal)

Check out Devon Witherspoon's full 247Sports profile, here. For his MaxPreps profile, click here.