NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kevin Winston played just three games in 2024 before he torn his right ACL in early September. Still he ranked well for analysts like Dane Brugler and Mel Kiper.
The safety is the Titans' third-round pick at No. 82 with a selection they obtained in a trade early on Day Two of the NFL Draft, when they moved 35 to Seattle for No. 52 (Femi Oladejo) and 82.
"He's a tough, physical player," Mike Borgonzi said.
The Titans passed on receivers including Jalen Royals for Winston, who will likely start out as their third safety as the team has Amani Hooker and free-agent signee Xavier Woods in line to start.
Hooker is going into the final year of his contract, so it’s possible Winston could be his successor.
He went to DeMatha High School, Dennard Wilson’s alma mater. (Hat tip to John Glennon for that nugget.)
“Kevin is a great young man,” said Bill McGregor, DeMatha’s coach, who said he spoke to Wilson about him some in the last couple of weeks and the coordinator knew all about him. “He’s extremely dedicated, hard-working and focused. He loves to compete. He is going to have a good career.”
Said Winston: “I’m not sure yet what it’s going to be, but whatever it is I’m willing to do it. I’m going to be the best teammate, the best player for the team. My big thing coming in is to earn respect, and I’m coming in ready to play. I’m coming in ready to play on the defensive side, special teams, wherever it may be.”
Blake Beddingfield on Winston:
"Height, weight and speed prospect with better measurables than overall instincts and awareness. Solid man cover skills and ability to tackle in space. Only played in three games due to a ACL injury in 2024. Physical player who is better playing balls and receivers in front of him then behind. Not a ready-made player; needs development. Injury set his development back in 2024. "
"While he’s a brick wall in run support, his coverage instincts still need development, and his modest ball production (one interception/three pass breakups for his career) is indicative of his lack of feel for the passing game. His injury deprived him of the opportunity to prove himself in coverage, so projecting him as a three-down impact player requires somewhat of a leap of faith."
