2023 NFL Draft: Major 49ers-related takeaways from Round 1

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: (L-R) Bijan Robinson poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: (L-R) Bijan Robinson poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks, NFL Draft
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon reacts after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks  Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaway No. 2: Seahawks trying to remake ‘Legion of Boom?’

Back in the early 2010s, San Francisco had to deal with the Hawks’ so-called “Legion of Boom,” consisting of some elite defensive backs like Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor.

Those days are long gone now, of course, and Seattle hasn’t quite been the same since.

But remaking a unit like that seems to be a priority once more for head coach Pete Carroll and Co.

A year after the Seahawks nabbed cornerback Tariq Woolen, who made the Pro Bowl his rookie season after recording six interceptions, the Hawks doubled down and grabbed Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 overall in a spot where Jalen Carter could have been the selection.

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Witherspoon is more of a slot receiver being asked to play on the boundary, but he’s still a solid player.

One which the 49ers hope won’t help contribute to a successful revamping of Seattle’s secondary.