Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently revealed that the team had a serious interest in cornerback Devon Witherspoon during the 2023 NFL Draft. However, despite their admiration for the player, Campbell expressed his satisfaction with the decision to trade down, allowing the Lions to acquire multiple valuable assets.
It was no secret that the Lions were eyeing Witherspoon, who was ultimately selected fifth overall by the Seattle Seahawks, just one pick before Detroit’s sixth overall selection. Witherspoon, who played for the Lions’ Week 4 opponent, has impressed Campbell, who acknowledged the player’s skill set.
“We really liked him a lot,” Campbell admitted. “What you see on tape is exactly what we expected—competitive, feisty, and tough. He’s the kind of player who can line up anywhere, whether at corner or nickel, and make plays all over the field.”
Since joining the Seahawks, Witherspoon has been versatile, initially starting as a nickel corner but transitioning to an outside role in Seattle’s base defense. He also continues to contribute inside when the Seahawks deploy a nickel formation. His rookie year showcased his playmaking ability, recording 79 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, 16 passes defended, and an interception. His solid start to 2024 includes 17 tackles, one pass defended, and a respectable 70.8 PFF grade, ranking him 27th among NFL cornerbacks.
Lions’ Trade Strategy Pays Off
Although the Lions missed out on Witherspoon, Campbell remains confident that their decision to trade down was the right one. Detroit moved from the sixth pick to the 12th, selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta with their new draft capital. Both players have proven to be key contributors early in their careers.
Campbell expressed contentment with the Lions’ draft haul, stating, “I’d take Brian Branch, LaPorta, and Gibbs over just one player. If we had gone with Witherspoon, we’d be missing out on one of those guys. The combination we ended up with gives us more flexibility and impact across the team.”
By trading down, the Lions gained a trio of players who are expected to be foundational pieces moving forward, showing that while the team admired Witherspoon, their pivot allowed them to improve in multiple areas. Campbell’s comments underscore the importance of building a roster with depth and versatility—something the Lions achieved by opting for multiple assets instead of sticking with their original plan.
