Russell Wilson One of the criticisms aimed at the Seattle Seahawks‘ roster heading into the 2024 season was the absence of standout talent on both sides of the ball.
While the Seahawks boast several solid players with proven performances, they lack true superstars like Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, San Francisco’s Nick Bosa, or Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes.
On defense, two of Seattle’s closest players to that elite status are defensive lineman Leonard Williams and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Both were high draft picks—Williams at No. 6 in 2015 and Witherspoon at No. 5 in 2023—and come with significant expectations due to the assets Seattle traded to acquire them. Last year, the Seahawks traded for Williams from the New York Giants, giving up second- and fifth-round picks and signing him to a three-year, $64 million deal. Witherspoon was drafted with a pick obtained in the Russell Wilson trade with the Denver Broncos, as Seattle prioritized him over other needs.
However, both players have had underwhelming statistical performances in 2024. Seahawks Radio Network analyst Michael Bumpus addressed whether the team is getting enough production from them during a recent segment on Seattle Sports.
Leonard Williams had 37 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 16 quarterback hits in 18 games last season, with four sacks and nine tackles for loss in 10 games after joining the Seahawks. This season, through five games, he has recorded six solo tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hits. Seattle continues to struggle against the run despite Williams leading the defensive front.
Bumpus remarked, “He’s on pace to replicate last year’s performance, so I don’t anticipate a decline. However, when the run defense falters, all eyes turn to the highest-paid player on the line and question his contribution. It’s important to remember that he can’t do it all alone; he’s there to support the entire line.”
Advanced stats from Pro Football Focus reveal some positive metrics for Williams. His 75.1 PFF grade ranks 11th among 121 qualified interior defensive linemen, with only teammate Jarran Reed ahead of him in the NFC West. His 74.8 run-defense grade places him eighth overall. Despite having only 1.5 sacks, he leads the team in quarterback hits and has a 16.1% pass-rush win rate, comparable to top performers.
“Leonard Williams plays a position that often goes unnoticed,” Bumpus explained. “He’s not necessarily here to rack up sacks but to disrupt plays. If he performs his role effectively, it allows the players around him to shine, creating opportunities for linebackers and other defenders.”
Bumpus also noted that Williams missed a game due to rib injuries and may not have been at full strength during his last performance against the 49ers.
As for Devon Witherspoon, he had a standout rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and finishing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, tallying 56 solo tackles, 16 passes defended, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, and a pick-six in 14 games. This season, he has recorded just 22 solo tackles and one pass defended through six games.
“A defensive back can fade into the background if he’s not making interceptions, defending passes, or delivering big hits like we saw from Witherspoon last year,” Bumpus commented.