2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger
807. . Cornerback . Fighting Illini . Devon Witherspoon. 23. player
2023 NFL Draft, Pick No. 23: Minnesota Vikings – Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois
The Minnesota Vikings are a perennial playoff team, but they desperately need some help at cornerback. The position is a mess, and their best corner in Patrick Peterson is going to be a free agent, so the Vikings could spend multiple picks at the position.
Devon Witherspoon played himself into first-round consideration after a strong season with the Fighting Illini where he had three interceptions and 14 pass breakups to showcase himself as a true impact corner.
Witherspoon hasn’t got the best size at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, but he played a lot bigger than that for the Illini. He’s a versatile corner able to play either man or zone coverage, and he’s also an excellent tackler.
The versatile defensive back isn’t just a feast-or-famine player when it comes to his play either. He’s able to run with receivers consistently well, preventing separation and showing a good intuition for where a receiver is going to step.
Witherspoon could stand to put some time in the weight room to maximize his strength, but he can still be a true No. 1 corner in the league.