Kevin Winston Jr., SAF, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6014
Weight: 215
Arm: 32 ½”
Hand: 9 ½”
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten honorable mention (2023) • Four-star recruit
“Kevin Winston Jr. is a long, rangy, and physical safety with the eyes and instincts to make plays from sideline to sideline.”
Strengths:
Alignment versatility
Playmaking
Length
Elite tackler
Recovery speed
Pursuit
Concerns:
Play strength
Pad level downhill
Film Analysis:
Following a 2023 breakout campaign, Winston entered the 2024 season with eyes centered around his game as a potential top 45 selection. Unfortunately, Winston suffered a season-ending injury against Bowling Green in Week 2, and will not return this winter. He is expected to be healthy for rookie minicamp next spring.
Winston Jr. is a long, rangy, and physical safety with the eyes and instincts to make plays from sideline to sideline. Aligned all over the Nittany Lions' defense, Winston burst onto the scene in 2023 with his downhill ability in the run game and high-level coverage ability at varied depths.
As a run defender, Winston shines. Has an electric trigger downhill with long strides that cover ground in a flash. He’s as sure a tackler as they come in the college game (2% missed-tackle rate in 2023 ranked second among all FBS safeties). Long and wiry build that utilizes his length extremely well. Can duck around or stack/shed blockers to work toward the ball-carrier. Winston is a nightmare to work around in space due to his speed and arm length. Takes consistently accurate pursuit angles and isn’t afraid to attack alleys within the tackles. Explodes to and through contact.
In coverage, Winston’s instincts pop off his tape. Has the ability to disrupt timing at the line of scrimmage in man or sit at depth to bait QBs in zone. Has experience as a single-high safety, nickel corner, and off-ball linebacker. Has the ability to completely erase TEs out of a progression due to size/speed/length. Comfortable and patient with his back to the QB and has an innate ability to play through the hands of pass-catchers without drawing a flag (one INT and three PBUs in 2023). Utilizes a backpedal that covers ground quickly, as well. Has straight-line speed to carry wideouts vertically, as well as the ability to flip and run against more nuanced route-runners.
Concerns remain about an inconsistent pad level downhill and a frame that must get stronger. Winston plays a physical brand of football but can approach contact high at times working downhill. His frame has room to add mass to assist in his tackling landmarks. Relying on wrapping at the ankles or rolling opponents could hurt him against larger more agile runners.
Overall, Winston is a high-level football player whose blend of versatility and athleticism showcases one of the premier defensive chess pieces in the country.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written by: Ryan Fowler
