The Seattle Seahawks were among the best defenses in the NFL last season as they ranked 11th in scoring defense and 14th in total yards allowed. The unit helped lead the organization to a 10-7 record; however, they fell short of the postseason. Some pundits have suggested the team will regress in 2025, though their moves suggest otherwise.
While the front office made major changes on offense -- including moving on from Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett -- the defense will remain largely intact. Seattle's eight leaders in defensive snaps played are all back with the team, including the starting secondary, which featured Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Julian Love, and Coby Bryant.
The duo of Witherspoon and Woolen has proven to be among the best cornerbacks in the league; however, many would argue they were underrated in the latest top-ten positional rankings. The former checked in at eighth on the list, while the latter was omitted altogether.
Seahawks CB duo Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen snubbed in latest rankings
Witherspoon has shown that he is among the top cornerbacks in the NFL since the Seahawks selected him fifth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has reached the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons and shown an all-around game as he has thrived in coverage, against the run, and at blitzing the quarterback.
While Woolen has not reached the Pro Bowl since his rookie season, the fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has continued to produce. He has often been overlooked, however, due to his inability to replicate that rookie season, when he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions.
Despite the production from the duo, both may have been underrated in the latest cornerback rankings. FOX Sports shared their positional rankings ahead of the 2025 season, ranking Witherspoon eighth while leaving Woolen off the list.
Agree with the top 10 CBs entering the season according to our NFL Staff? pic.twitter.com/maAMyR722P
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 19, 2025
Witherspoon had another strong season in 2024 as he recorded 98 total tackles, 66 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one quarterback hit, one forced fumble, and nine passes defended. Meanwhile, Woolen finished with 46 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and 14 passes defended.
While preseason rankings hardly mean much, there were plenty who questioned the disrespect towards the Seahawks' star duo. Fans are hopeful that Witherspoon and Woolen can use the snubs as motivation to have yet another big season.