The Washington Commanders do not select until No. 16 overall in this month’s 2023 NFL draft. By that point, there could be a run on cornerbacks, leading Washington to look at another position or explore moving back.
Devon Witherspoon of Illinois is considered by some as the top cornerback prospect in the draft. Some mock drafts have him making it to the Commanders at No. 16, but most do not. The same goes for Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
That doesn’t mean Washington isn’t interested in Witherspoon. The All-American cornerback didn’t work out at the NFL combine in March as he was nursing a hamstring injury. So, last week, Witherspoon held a private workout for NFL teams and solidified his standing as a high first-round pick.
And one of the highest-ranking members of Washington’s front office — Eric Stokes, senior director of player personnel — was in attendance.
Commanders senior director of player personnel Eric Stokes was at CB Devon Witherspoon’s private workout at Illinois today. pic.twitter.com/cJAvUISEtm
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 6, 2023
The 5-foot-11 1/2, 181-pound Witherspoon ran his second 40-yard dash attempt in 4.42 seconds. That’s an excellent time for Witherspoon, who now has the tape and measurables to go somewhere among the top 16 picks.
Washington is also hosting his former teammate at Illinois, defensive back Jartavius Martin, on a top-30 visit.