Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon had tons of expectations placed on his shoulders after being the No. 5 overall pick last April.
But after completing his first season in the NFL, it's safe to say he eliminated any first-year doubts and looks well on his way to becoming a star in this league.
As a result, the first-time Pro Bowler was officially named a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday.
Here are the five finalists for the award:
- Will Anderson, Houston Texans defensive end
- Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle
- Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
- Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle
- Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks cornerback
Despite Witherspoon's impressive season, he faces some stiff competiton in the award race, as Anderson and Carter also lived up to their first-round billing while helping lead their teams to the playoffs. Porter Jr. and Turner were also defensive staples on postseason teams while Witherspoon and the Seahawks had to watch from home.
Witherspoon battled injuries during training camp and preseason, which forced him to miss Week 1, but quickly impressed upon returning. He was inactive for three games this season but still managed to finish with 79 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, three sacks, one forced fumble, 16 passes defended and one interception, which he returned 97 yards for a touchdown in Seattle's Week 4 win over the New York Giants.
The winner of the award will be revealed at NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 8.
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