Riq Woolen set NFL speed benchmark for 2023 on Devon Witherspoon pick-six
Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon is playing like a man on a mission to prove he was more than worthy of being the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. So far, the young man is making an indisputable case in the affirmative.
Witherspoon was easily the best player on the field for either team during “Monday Night Football” against the New York Giants. His pick-six not only denied the Giants a crucial score but gave the Seahawks an insurmountable lead.
But Witherspoon’s score might not have happened without fellow CB Riq Woolen blocking for him on his way to pay dirt. While Witherspoon is certainly getting the praise, we should not overlook Woolen’s efforts. In fact, Woolen turned on the jets in a remarkable way, running faster than any other player in the NFL on a play from scrimmage this season.
NFL NextGen Stats: Devon Witherspoon ran 20.25mph on his 97-yard pick 6 Monday. Total distance 117.3 yards, 2nd longest this season. +17.8% Seahawks win probability as he scored.
Tariq Woolen 22.25mph blocking for him. Fastest on a play from scrimmage of any player this season
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) October 4, 2023
The Seahawks have something very special brewing in their secondary. With Woolen and Witherspoon, opposing quarterbacks are going to have to be extra careful with where they throw the football.
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