As the 2023 NFL Draft draws closer, one name that has been generating plenty of buzz is Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Witherspoon has been skyrocketing up draft boards in recent weeks after a stellar senior season for the Fighting Illini. The cornerback — who was projected as a second- or third-round pick not long ago — is now being lauded as a potential top-10 overall pick. Experts like ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. have mocked him as high as No. 7 overall.
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On Friday, it was revealed Witherspoon won't be participating in any on-field work with his fellow defensive backs as a part of the NFL Combine. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, he's dealing with a minor hamstring injury.
Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon, one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, won’t participate in on-field work today at the scouting combine because of a hamstring injury, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2023
Witherspoon had an MRI on Thursday and it’s considered minor. But not taking chances.
That might be a minor setback in terms of his draft stock, but he's still widely considered the best prospect at his position in this year's class.
What's behind Witherspoon's meteoric rise as the 2023 NFL Draft inches closer? Here's a look at what makes him such a tantalizing prospect for NFL teams:
Devon Witherspoon scouting report
Witherspoon is an aggressive, energetic corner who excelled in his final collegiate season. Listed at 6-1 and 180 pounds, he's not physically imposing, but he has great speed and strong instincts in coverage. His stock will likely continue to rise after he works out at the combine this week.
He wasn't heavily recruited coming out of Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Fla., and he originally committed to play at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, per The Draft Network. After finishing strong academically in high school, he began receiving interest from Power 5 programs. He ultimately chose to take his talents to Illinois.
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He saw plenty of action as a freshman, playing in 12 games and leading the team in special teams tackles. He continued to improve and earned more and more defensive snaps under head coaches Lovie Smith and Bret Bielema.
His senior season was by far the best of his Illini career. He logged 33 solo tackles, 14 passes defensed and three interceptions while holding opposing quarterbacks to a 24.6 passer rating when targeted. He became the first Illinois cornerback to be named a consensus All-American, and he won the Tatum-Woodson Award for Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
His strengths include elite ball skills, solid tackling and an ability to play in man coverage. If there is a glaring weakness, it's probably his size. He'll face a steep learning curve against bigger receivers in the NFL, but he's certainly not afraid to lay people out.
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Overall, Witherspoon projects as a first-rounder who could rise inside the top 10 in April.
Devon Witherspoon mock draft
In his latest mock draft, The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer projects Witherspoon to be taken No. 23 overall by the Ravens.
"Marcus Peters and Kyle Fuller are among their free agents at corner behind Marlon Humphrey so the secondary should be a primary concern (for Baltimore)," Iyer wrote. "Witherspoon uses his size well to be busy making plays in man coverage, as Peters once did at a rapid rate."
Here's where several other draft experts have Witherspoon landing:
| Expert (Outlet) | Round (pick) | Team |
| Vinnie Iyer (The Sporting News) | 1 (23) | Ravens |
| Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports) | 1 (18) | Lions |
| Trevor Sikkema (PFF) | 1 (9) | Cardinals (via Panthers) |
| Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN) | 1 (7) | Raiders |
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Devon Witherspoon highlights
CB Devon Witherspoon is a stud
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) January 5, 2023
When tape matches numbers:
-22 receptions allowed on 63 catchable tgts (only 6 went for 1st downs)
- 3 INTs, 18 forced incompletions
-25.0 passer rating when targeted (per PFF)
-Inside/Outside versatility
-Multiple highlight reel run stops pic.twitter.com/BNRDuHi2xU
If the #Bears draft a CB early this year, I want it to be Devon Witherspoon from Illinois.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 15, 2022
• 3 INT, 14 PBU this year
• 92.0 PFF coverage grade, best in FBS
• 29.8% completions allowed, 1.0 QBR against
• Makes hits like this pic.twitter.com/yza0A3vJFu
What makes Devon Witherspoon @PFF's CB1?
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) February 17, 2023
It's the 🐶 in him@nflnetwork @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/LxfkZ0gr9C
