Seahawks' Leonard Williams and Witherspoon Earn High Praise

WHO:

Seahawks.com - Leonard Williams, Devon Witherspoon, NFL coaches, executives, and scouts.

WHAT:

Seahawks.com - The Seahawks recorded six sacks in Super Bowl LX, two of which produced turnovers.

Seahawks.com - The Seahawks held their opponents to a league-low 3.7 yards-per-carry average during the regular season.

Seahawks.com - The Seahawks allowed the third fewest rushing yards, the second fewest rushing touchdowns (9), and the second fewest rushing first downs (83) during the regular season.

Seahawks.com - The Seahawks were tied for the fewest 20-plus yard runs allowed with five during the regular season.

Seahawks.com - Dante Fowler Jr. was signed as a free agent, bringing 58.5 career sacks to the Seahawks.

Seahawks.com - Rylie Mills, an interior lineman, is expected to contribute more after a strong finish to his rookie season, highlighted by a dominant sack in the Super Bowl.

Seahawks.com - Leonard Williams stated, "We have been learning each other for the last two years," regarding the team's growth in the defensive scheme.

Seahawks.com - Williams emphasized the importance of continuity, saying, "That continuity is just huge."

Seahawks.com - Leonard Williams was ranked as the league’s No. 1 defensive tackle in ESPN’s annual position rankings.

Seahawks.com - Devon Witherspoon ranked fourth among cornerbacks in the same rankings.

Seahawks.com - Williams has accumulated 22 sacks, 167 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, and 67 quarterback hits during his time with Seattle.

Seahawks.com - Williams recorded a 92-yard pick-six in his two-plus seasons with the Seahawks.

Seahawks.com - Williams has been a Pro-Bowl selection in each of his two full seasons with the Seahawks and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.

Seahawks.com - Witherspoon has also been a Pro-Bowl selection in each of his first three seasons and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.

Heavy NFL - The Seattle Seahawks lost players Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen, and Boye Mafe in free agency.

Heavy NFL - Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Derick Hall received contract extensions to remain with the Seahawks.

WHERE:

Seahawks.com - Seattle, Washington (implied as the location of the Seahawks).

WHEN:

Seahawks.com - Williams was acquired in a midseason trade with the Giants in 2023.

Seahawks.com - ESPN's rankings will continue next week with offensive tackles, interior linemen, quarterbacks, off-ball linebackers, receivers, and safeties.

WHY:

Seahawks.com - Coaches and evaluators praised Williams for his versatility and ability to command double teams, indicating his importance to the defense.

Seahawks.com - Evaluators highlighted Witherspoon's impact on games and his athleticism as reasons for his high ranking.

HOW:

Seahawks.com - Rankings were determined by a vote of NFL coaches, executives, and scouts.

The Seahawks showcased a dominant defensive performance in Super Bowl LX, recording six sacks, two of which resulted in turnovers. During the regular season, they held their opponents to a league-low average of just 3.7 yards per carry, allowing the third fewest rushing yards and the second fewest rushing touchdowns. With the addition of free agent Dante Fowler Jr., who brings 58.5 career sacks, and the promising development of Rylie Mills after a strong rookie season, the team is focused on building continuity in their defensive scheme, as emphasized by Leonard Williams.