Seahawks Address Nickel CB Competition: Devon Witherspoon or Coby Bryant?

The Seattle Seahawks are facing the classic "good problem to have" when it comes to their nickel cornerback spot.

Nothing is a given for Seattle Seahawks cornerback and No. 5 overall Devon Witherspoon. As the season gets closer, he'll have to prove he's worthy of earning the starting job at nickel cornerback in the slot, a position of upmost importance for a Seattle secondary on the rise.

But he's got competition in second-year defensive back Coby Bryant, who has proven his versatility after just one season in the league.

"There’s an ongoing competition there with him and Coby for that spot," defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt said Tuesday.

Competition is healthy for any team looking to make it back to the postseason, but considering it's happening between two of Seattle's young defensive stars makes it all the more interesting.

Regardless of who earns the role of starting nickel, both guys will be on the field looking to make an impact at whatever part of the field they're assigned. But despite Witherspoon's first-round status and fancy rookie contract, he'll have a lot to prove in order to beat out the versatile Bryant at nickel, who had an impressive rookie year himself last season.

“The thing about it is you want to have guys that give you position and flexibility," Hurtt said of Bryant. "Obviously, he’s still a nickel for us. Coby can play a lot of different spots."

Bryant's rookie season was a bit overshadowed by Tariq Woolen's Pro Bowl year, but the former Cincinnati Bearcat showed he was a takeaway machine. While posting 70 total tackles, two sacks and four passes defended, Bryant added four forced fumbles, all of which came within the first five games of the season.

Still, Hurtt has praised Witherspoon as being "unbelievable" in the slot so far during the offseason.

"Has great instincts and feel," Hurtt said of Witherspoon. "That’s what goes on in that position. The nickel can be a hard transition for young people because now you have the whole field as opposed to just being outside and one all day long. He has unbelievable instincts, feel, and understanding so we want to continue to grow and develop him."

Both guys are important pieces for Seattle's future, but finding out where they'll fit best might be easier said than done.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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