When I arrived in Morgantown, West Virginia for Penn Stateโs Week 1 showdown against West Virginia, there were plenty of NFL scouts represented for the highly anticipated FOX Big Noon Kickoff showdown.
I engaged with some of these scouts ย who were assessing a few high end prospects both sides had to offer.
Safety KJ Winston was one such player, some scouts indicated that Winston was a priority for them. Winston gave a performance that was lauded with various defensive player of the week honors with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.
Winston seemed poised to have a season that was going to live up to the preseason hype. That was until he suffered what would be a season ending injury during practice in Week 2 with a partial ACL tear.
While there was reports that Winston could play through the injury or sit out to mend the injury and make a decision when his health was better, Winston opted not to risk either injury.
Entering the 2024 season, Winston was seen as a first round pick with Pro Football Focus grading Winstonโs run stopping ability at 90.6. Winstonโs unique ability to play at the line of scrimmage and then in coverage made him highly coveted with his blend of speed with 4.3 40 times.
Winston bet on himself and forgo another season at Penn State entering the 2025 NFL Draft. He ended up being selected in the third round by the Tennessee Titans.
Penn State Safety Kevin Winston Jr. Selected in 3rd Round of 2025 NFL Draft
While the Titans may have gotten a first round caliber of player in the third round, did Winston hedge his bets properly?
When Winston ran at Penn Stateโs Pro Day, he clocked 4.5 40 time demonstrating to scouts that he is healthy and the ACL injury should not be a factor. I am willing to bet had Winston returned to Penn State, he could have worked again to get back to the 4.3 speed he demonstrated previously.
Playing on a Penn State team that will have heavy College Football Playoff implications and plenty of opportunities to go against marquee competition, Winston would have reasserted he was a first-round talent, commanding better financial situation for himself.
The counter argument is Winston could lose more if he got hurt or simply didnโt perform to that level. Maybe Winstonโs bet was to make the top 100 and let the chips fall where they may. To me, Winston left a lot on the table. If he was bullish on his talent and now with NIL compensation, he could have secured a better upfront future.
Itโs hard to argue with Winstonโs situation being drafted in the Top 100 of the NFL Draft isnโt a win.
Like Nick Saban pointed out on ESPNโs draft coverage numerous times, it doesnโt matter where you get drafted the opportunity is all the same.
There is a kernel of truth to it, but maximizing his talent is one that will be debatable. Winston may end up being one of the biggest draft steals in years to come. His future has yet to be written, but to me Winstonโs opting to leave a year early didnโt maximize his potential and why I think his draft bet was a bust.
