The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Kevin Winston Jr. NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Safety
School: Penn State
Size: 6-foot-1 and 1/2, 215 pounds
Class: Junior
2024 stats: 13 total tackles, 1 forced fumble (Played in 3 games only due to knee injury)
Winston was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, who signed with Penn State out of Maryland. He played sparingly as a freshman, registering 16 total tackles. Winston stepped into the starting lineup in 2023, totaling 61 tackles, five passes defended and one interception. His play led the Nittany Lions to a 10-win season. He only played in three games during the 2024 season, tallying 16 tackles. Winston missed the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Following the season, Winston declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a day two pick.
Winston has good size for a safety at the NFL level, as he stands at over 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds. With his size comes good play strength. His length is also good, as he has over 32-inch arms. Winston uses his size well, as he attacks blocks, can help support the run and is able to use his length and strength in coverage.
He is a reliable tackler, but is also able to lay down big hits. Winston plays downhill and shows good pursuit of ball carriers. When he is in range his athleticism and size allows him to make most tackles. With his tackling ability, Winston is able to come up and play in the box to help a team’s run support.
His coverage has some potential as well. He is better than expected for his size in man-to-man coverage. While he shouldn’t often be trusted in deep zone, he can play it and other zone coverages. Specifically, Winston has the chance to match up well against NFL tight ends with this size and athleticism.
Winston has limited ball skills and production that he showed through his career. He only had five passes defended and one interception in his college career. Winston can do a better job of tracking the ball in the air and then going to attack the catch point. If he can play more aggressively, there is ball production on the table for him to register.
He has limited starting experience at the college level. Winston was a reserve as a freshman. After starting as a sophomore, Winston only played in three games before getting injured in 2024. He has limited reps and will need to prove he is both healed from his injury, but also proven through his reps before getting a lot of playing time.
There are times when Winston could diagnose plays and find the football quicker. He can do a better job of reading where running plays will go, especially when he is playing in the box. In coverage, he can have better route anticipation to help him make more plays on the ball.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Third Round Pick
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