Kevin Winston Jr 2025 NFL Draft Penn State S Scouting Report
In a loaded 2025 NFL Draft class, a standout safety to keep on your radar is Kevin Winston Jr. He’s a versatile S from Penn State with excellent closing speed. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook with this in-depth expert scouting report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Kevin Winston Jr. 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Winston Jr. emerged as a tone-setter in Penn State’s secondary before a season-ending injury in 2024 cut his junior campaign short. A physical, instinctive defender with a knack for disrupting plays in the run game, Winston projects as a versatile safety who can thrive in the box or as a split-field defender in the NFL. Unfortunately, his limited 2024 tape and coverage development raise questions. However, his 2023 film and pre-injury dominance suggest a high-upside prospect with the tools to carve out a starting role at the next level.
HT: 6014
WT: 215
40: 4.51
ARM: 3328
Strengths:
- Run Defense Physicality: Winston plays with a downhill mentality, attacking gaps with controlled aggression. He led Penn State with 61 tackles in 2023, showcasing his ability to diagnose plays quickly and arrive with force. His tackling is reliable—he rarely misses (only one missed tackle in 2023 per PFF)—and he delivers jarring hits that set the tone for a defense.
- Versatility in Alignment: Penn State deployed him in multiple roles—box safety, single-high, split-field, and even some slot reps. He’s most comfortable closer to the line of scrimmage, where his instincts and physicality shine, but he showed competence in deeper alignments.
- Football IQ: He reads keys well in the run game, rarely getting caught out of position. His pre-snap communication skills are evident; he often directed traffic in Penn State’s secondary as a team captain in 2024.
- Closing Speed: While not elite regarding raw speed, Winston has a quick trigger and good burst when collapsing on underneath routes or pursuing ball carriers. His angles are generally sound, maximizing his range in the intermediate areas.
- Special Teams Potential: With his size, tackling ability, and motor, Winston could contribute early on special teams while refining his defensive skills.
Areas for Improvement:
- Limited 2024 Sample: A partially torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2024 season limited Winston to just two games, robbing him of critical development reps. Scouts must rely heavily on his 2023 tape, which leaves uncertainty about his growth trajectory, especially in coverage.
- Man Coverage Concerns: Struggles with quicker receivers and tight ends in man-to-man situations. His transitions are stiff due to his high hips, and he can get caught flat-footed at route stems. He needs to improve his footwork and anticipation to handle NFL-level route runners.
- Deep Zone Instincts: While competent in single-high looks, Winston lacks the elite range and ball skills to be a true centerfielder. He hesitates at times when rotating post-snap, which can lead to late breaks on the ball. Turnovers are a concern—only one interception in his career.
- Medical Evaluation: The partially torn ACL will require thorough vetting by NFL teams. While reports suggest he’s on track for full clearance by early 2025, any lingering concerns could impact his draft stock or rookie-year readiness.
Conclusion:
All in all, Winston Jr. has the makings of a solid NFL starter if he can return to full health and refine his coverage skills. His physicality, tackling ability, and football IQ give him a high floor as a rotational player or special teamer early on, with the potential to grow into an every-down contributor by Year 2 or 3. The injury adds risk, but his pre-draft process (medical checks, Pro Day) will be key to solidifying his stock. A smart team in the mid-rounds could land a gem with the right coaching and patience.
Winston projects best in a defensive scheme that values physicality and versatility over elite coverage skills early on. A Cover-3 or Cover-4 heavy system (e.g., Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) could maximize his strengths, allowing him to play downhill as a robber or box safety while developing his deep-third responsibilities. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs could see value in a player like Winston and might also see him as a developmental fit with early special teams value.
Ultimately, Winston’s ceiling is that of a player like John Johnson III (Los Angeles Rams era)—a versatile, hard-hitting safety who excelled in the box and intermediate zones while masking some coverage limitations with scheme and IQ. His floor is Jeremy Chinn—A hybrid safety/linebacker type who can struggle in true deep coverage but makes an impact closer to the line if used correctly.
Round Grade: 3rd Round
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sk | Int | PD | FR | FF |
| 2022* | Penn State | 12 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023* | Penn State | 13 | 34 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024* | Penn State | 3 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Career | 28 | 53 | 37 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
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