Trent Mcduffie Pff and the 2025 Cornerback Inflection Point: Why Devon Witherspoon Now Sets the Bar PFF’s 2025 cornerback evaluations have positioned Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon as the premier perimeter cornerback in the NFL, with his performance across multiple defensive dimensions setting a new standard. His 90.1 PFF defense grade and 90.1 PFF run-defense grade, paired with a 92.9 PFF pass-rush grade and an 83.6 PFF coverage grade, highlight his versatility. This marks the first time a cornerback has achieved a 90.0-plus overall grade, reflecting his ability to excel in both pass-rush and run-defense roles while maintaining strong coverage. Witherspoon’s transition from a slot-heavy role in previous seasons to a perimeter-focused role in 2025 was critical to his success. PFF notes that his performance not only held up but peaked, with all four key metrics—defense, run defense, pass rush, and coverage—ranking among his best three NFL seasons. Among cornerbacks with at least 600 defensive snaps, he ranks first in defense and pass-rush grades, third in run defense, and second in coverage. This broad impact underscores his value beyond traditional coverage responsibilities. The analysis also explores how perimeter cornerbacks influence fantasy football strategies. PFF emphasizes that elite perimeter defenders can significantly alter outcomes by disrupting opposing offenses, whether through forcing incompletions, preventing receptions, or contributing to run stops. For example, Cincinnati’s Tre Turner is highlighted as a breakout performer, ranking among the league’s top incompletion forcers with a 73.3 PFF defense grade and 78.1 PFF coverage grade. His ability to disrupt third-down plays, particularly against top wide receivers, positions him as a key asset in fantasy lineups.#devon_witherspoon #tre_turner #trent_mcduffie #pff #patrick_surtain
