The 2025 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2025 NFL draft.
Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
HT: 6’2
WT: 216 lbs
Accolades:
All-Big Ten honorable mention
Video:
Pros:
Elite run defender with uncanny ability to diagnose and attack run plays; showcases rare instincts when playing downhill that separate him from peers.
Plays with controlled violence that creates highlight-reel collisions; brings the kind of thump that makes skill players aware of his presence on every snap.
Possesses exceptional closing burst that turns angles into straight lines; erases ground between backfield and tackle point with frightening acceleration.
Shows excellent block deconstruction at point of attack; uses length to create separation before shedding and finding the football with natural efficiency.
Tackling technique borders on textbook; combines wrap-up fundamentals with explosive finishing power rarely found in secondary players.
Length and frame create ridiculous tackle radius; can corral backs and receivers even when seemingly beaten by initial move or play design.
Displays quality zone instincts when keeping everything in front; most comfortable patrolling intermediate areas where he can read and react downhill.
Brings a physical enforcer mentality when covering tight ends; uses hands effectively to disrupt routes and timing at line of scrimmage.
Cons:
Man coverage skills lag behind run defense ability; struggles to maintain hip fluidity when matching routes vertically from press alignment.
High-cut frame creates tightness in transitions; labors to flip hips and accelerate when forced to cover ground quickly from deep alignments.
Ball production doesn’t match physical tools; lacks anticipatory instincts to jump routes and create turnover opportunities in zone coverage.
Can be manipulated by quarterback’s eyes and play-action; takes false steps that compromise leverage against more sophisticated passing attacks.
Medical evaluation critical after partial ACL tear limited 2024 exposure; minimal starting experience (13 games) raises questions about NFL readiness.
Summary:
Defensive teams employing Cover-1 or Cover-3 schemes will highly value his ability to support the run with aggression, eliminate crossing routes over the middle.
Although his ranking (104) implies mid-round value, astute defensive coordinators will identify a day-one starter capable of matching up against tight ends, providing impactful run support. The only uncertainty surrounds his medical evaluation. However, players with similar injury profiles have rebounded stronger with adequate recovery time.
Winston Jr.’s potential is directly tied to his growth in coverage concepts. If he refines his zone spacing and smooths out his transitions from deep alignments, he could become an eight-year starter, bringing a rare combination of physicality and skill to the secondary.
His Penn State background is evident in his high Football IQ, which serves him well in diagnosing and reacting to run plays. While he may not be suited for isolated deep coverage, his exceptional run-stopping ability and enforcer mentality make him an attractive asset for teams that can leverage his strengths and compensate for his weaknesses.
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