We now know exactly why Penn State S KJ Winston missed almost all of 2024.
In ESPN insider Adam Schefter’s post about Winston declaring for the draft— which Winston announced via Instagram late Thursday morning— Schefter reported that Winston suffered a partially-torn ACL during practice between Penn State’s first and second game of the season.
Schefter also reported that “Cowboys head team physician Dr. Dan Cooper performed surgery on Winston’s knee, and he is on pace to be cleared for on-field drills by March 1 ahead of the NFL Draft.”
Penn State captain and All Big-Ten safety Kevin Winston Jr. has declared for the NFL draft. Winston suffered a partially-torn ACL during a Week 2 practice that ended his season. Cowboys head team physician Dr. Dan Cooper performed surgery on Winston’s knee, and he is on pace to… pic.twitter.com/Wq52o5TsYx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2024
Winston tried to play that Week 2 contest against Bowling Green but only made it 14 snaps before exiting the game.
It turned out that Winston wouldn’t play another snap for Penn State football. Coach James Franklin confirmed Sunday that Winston would be out for the season, and Winston declared days later.
THE SCOUTING REPORT
Graphic by Penn State athletics: KJ Winston
In a scouting report for The Draft Network, Ryan Fowler described Winston as “a long, rangy and physical safety.”
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.
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.”
PENN STATE NEEDS SAFETIES
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Jaylen Reed
Penn State will not only be missing Winston next season, it will also be without Jaylen Reed, who won’t have any eligibility left. So the team will need to fill some gaps at safety.
PSU takes on SMU for its first-ever College Football Playoff game Saturday, Dec. 21 at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on TNT.
