Steelers strike gold with CB Ahkello Witherspoon, yield 2023 5th-round pick
The misconception is real. The film never lies or does it? Since CB Ahkello Witherspoon broke into the NFL in 2017, the verdict has always been a high-potential HWS (height, weight, speed) specimen but never lived up to that hype.
I covered Witherspoon during his playing days with the San Francisco 49ers, as one of the team’s beat writers (hence the name given BEASTwriter) and gained exclusive first-hand insight into the man behind the helmet.
During a post-draft exclusive interview (conference call) we had the opportunity to chat with Witherspoon, moments after he was drafted. Here are some of the questions we asked him:
Did you think you would go right around where you were picked?
“Yeah, I was thinking late second, early third round and that’s where I was.”
Where are you most comfortable playing? Do you like the outside? Can you play the slot?
“Yeah, I can play both. I mean, in college people cut down their split so I’m essentially playing in the slot with a lot of green. So, once again I can play both and I intend to do so.”
What do you know about the defense you’ll be coming into? Are you familiar with that Seattle Seahawks type of scheme?
“Yeah, I mean, I know that they play just press-man, tight thirds, Cover-3, which basically turns into man once the receiver reaches vertical and that’s what we discussed on my visit out there and that they liked my ability to play press and be up in your face and be physical. That’s what I intend to do.”
Fast forward to today and Witherspoon is now on his third team in five years. During the offseason, Witherspoon signed with the division rival Seattle Seahawks. You can watch my full analysis below on my YouTube channel.
He was reported to be in line for a starting position but with CB D.J. Reed switching from the right side to the left side, that instantly made Witherspoon expendable as he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2023 5th-round pick. But it was the wrong play by Seattle. Sorry, GM John Schneider.
BWF Grading System
As pointed out above in my YouTube channel, Witherspoon played admirably last year despite others’ reports. In three of his last four games, in my grading system, Witherspoon yielded a total of 26 passing yards (see below).
Week 14: 1/1 - 3 yards
Week 15: 1/7- 12 yards
Week 17: 2/7- 11 yards
Peeling back another layer of the onion to get to the core, Witherspoon displayed his true lockdown ability in those games, racking up 3 PBUs. However, to play a little devil’s advocate, he did yield 1 TD in my grading system during that span (Week 17) but other than that, nice play overall for a true QBPR allowed of 61.8.
In Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals, he was targeted seven times, five of those passes being completed for 56 passing yards while coming up with an INT. Calculate those numbers and you have a true QBPR allowed of 47.9.
I was asked by Witherspoon’s cousin during my YouTube live stream what I thought of his cousin, just hours after he signed with Seattle. I didn’t hesitate, I spit out my game grades and told him straight up, he’s a baller, just needs another opportunity.
Instant gratification vs long-term gains
GM Kevin Colbert understands value. He is a realist. Paying a starting caliber CB with Pro Bowl potential valued at $1.5M is considered a steal. He also knows that Haden, 32, will be seeking a long-term deal that ultimately is his last contract before he walks into the sunset. Not only that but the 2022 NFL draft DB class is not as strong in terms of depth, the cream of the crop will once again be QB and WR. Yes, I also cover college football and have game grades on the top prospects.
The long game is that the Steelers don’t have much depth when it comes to the boundary CB position. The team released CB Steven Nelson earlier this offseason. CB Cam Sutton has limited starting experience while backups CB James Pierre and 2019 3rd-round pick CB Justin Layne have been spotty at best.
Layne avoided jail time and a felony charge by pleading guilty to three misdemeanors stemming from his April arrest. So you can see where the problem lies. But with Witherspoon comes optimism.
To make room for Witherspoon on the 53-man roster, the team released DT Henry Mondeaux. No surprise there.
The Steelers love to use single-high, Cover-3, Cover-2, and Cover-5. The cover shells that DC Keith Butler can use, has a lot to do with his All-Pro FS Minkah Fitzpatrick being able to play hash to number or centerfield to the boundary (either side). This begs the question, when is Fitzpatrick going to get paid? My guess. Everything starts up front, re-sign OLB T.J. Watt and Fitzpatrick will follow.
While I do like the addition of Witherspoon, the verdict is out, how he fares, as he has the NFL physical traits that scouts covet when evaluating a boundary CB. Best of luck Spoon and here we go!
What are your thoughts Steelers Nation? LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE!!!!!
Join us on Discord: @BEASTwriter server
Follow on Social media:
Twitter: @BEASTwriter
YouTube: @BEASTwriter
TwitchTV: @BEASTwriter
Instagram: @BEASTwriter