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2017 NFL Draft: Colorado Ahkello Witherspoon Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Oct 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) is defended by Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) is defended by Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado’s Ahkello Witherspoon is a long cornerback prospect with the upside to develop into an effective starter in the NFL.

Ahkello Witherspoon gets a lot of a love thanks to his length and overall athleticism. He features the height and long arms needed to match up with bigger wide receivers. The fact that he also has good speed and change of direction ability increases his value.

Witherspoon shows good awareness and the ability to track the football. He does a good job getting his head around and on the football. His 3 career interceptions don’t speak to a guy with great ball skills, but he flashes solid hands and ability to generate pass breakups.

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The best fit for Witherspoon would be in a man-based system where he can turn and run with his target. He fits this scheme because he can match up with multiple targets. His size helps him deal with bigger receiver, his speed allows him to keep pace and fluid movements help him keep in-phase.

Witherspoon’s coverage ability is the strength of his game, but his disinterest in supporting the run is a major problem.

He shows little effort when it comes to making tackles or setting the edge. Witherspoon will often move away from the ball carrier rather than attack. There are a number of plays where his poor pursuit opened up huge running lanes.

It’s going to be hard for any defensive coordinator in the NFL to really fall in love with Witherspoon as a prospect. They want well-rounded players and those willing to get involved in the action.

The interview and workout process will be important to Witherspoon’s draft stock. He needs to convince his prospective defensive coaches that he isn’t afraid of contact and will become a more complete player.

Draft Range: 4th Round

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