Seattle Seahawks cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon are the identity of Mike Macdonald’s defense. Together, Woolen and Witherspoon helped Macdonald’s pass defense allow the 11th-fewest yards in the league per game (211.9) last season. They were incredibly stingy through the air.
Bleacher Report recently ranked the top 10 cornerback duos in the NFL, with an additional three honorable mentions before the list actually begins. Woolen and Witherspoon clocked in at No. 5 overall.
“Despite the Seattle Seahawks’ coaching changes, Riq Woolen remained consistent in his sticky coverage,” Moe Moton wrote. “Devon Witherspoon didn’t look as impressive under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald as he did in Pete Carroll’s scheme. Under Macdonald, Witherspoon saw an uptick in snaps out of the slot compared to his rookie year in Carroll’s system. As a result, he had more responsibilities in run defense and made his presence felt in that role, logging 98 tackles, six for loss. However, Witherspoon allowed a passer rating of 106.9, which is concerning for a cover defender.”
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Witherspoon could improve in Year Two in Macdonald’s defensive system. As Moton notes, Witherspoon was handling new responsibilities in Macdonald’s scheme change. More familiarity with those duties can only benefit the former Illinois defender.
Woolen is entering a contract year in 2025. Seahawks GM John Schneider should seriously consider signing the boundary cover-man to a contract extension during training camp. The Seahawks are fortunate to have Woolen and Witherspoon, and they should remain in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: 2025 Seahawks defense: CB duo named top 5 in NFL