In a 2022 NFL Draft class that doesn’t boast many 3-technique defensive tackles, Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey stands out as a potential Day 2 option. Projections have been all over the place on Winfrey’s value, but he should find a home in the second or third round. Where are his best landing spots in the NFL?
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NFL Draft Projections: Perrion Winfrey’s potential landing spots
Winfrey should be especially appealing to NFL clubs that run 4-3 defenses. This year’s class of defensive tackles contains a lot of massive, run-defending maulers, but it’s light on players who can shoot through the gaps up front. Winfrey proved he could do that with aplomb in 2021, posting 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Depending on how the draft shakes out, Winfrey could become a screaming value. While he’s the No. 38 overall prospect on PFN’s Consensus Big Board, his average draft position on Grinding the Mocks is just 56.8. In a draft class with an extremely strong EDGE group, interior defenders like Winfrey might get overlooked in Rounds 2 and 3.
Which team could add Winfrey in the NFL Draft, and what will his impact be?
Chicago Bears
After trading Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers in March, the Bears now hold two picks in Round 2 (Nos. 39 and 48). First-year general manager Ryan Poles has been open about his desire to trade back and acquire more selections, so the club could pick up even more Day 2-3 draft capital. Chicago has plenty of needs, but this is not a franchise in a position to draft for need.
Winfrey could offer the best of both worlds — he might be the best player available (especially at 48), and he can also fill a need. After failing free agent addition Larry Ogunjobi on his physical, the Bears are looking at Justin Jones and Khyiris Tonga as starters at DT. Winfrey would immediately supplement Chicago’s depth chart while offering promise for the future.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns don’t have a pick until No. 44 in the second round, and many observers expect them to select a wide receiver at that spot. While there’s no denying Cleveland could use more pass-catching help, the interior of their defensive line could also be upgraded.
Malik McDowell is currently projected as a starting defensive tackle, but off-field issues cloud his immediate NFL future. The Browns also have Jordan Elliott, Sheldon Day, Tommy Togiai, and the newly signed Taven Bryan available as rotational options.
Cleveland doesn’t have a true pass rusher as part of their DT group, so Winfrey would make a lot of sense as a Day 2 pick. The Oklahoma defender needs time to develop, but his high-quality traits mean he can contribute in his rookie campaign.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys aren’t in a dire spot when it comes to defensive tackle. Still, it’s hard to say their current rotation is solid enough to ignore. Osa Odighizuwa flashed during his rookie season, and veteran Carlos Watkins will return in 2022. However, Neville Gallimore missed most of last year after suffering a dislocated elbow, while 2019 second-round Trysten Hill hasn’t shown much in his career.
Dallas isn’t likely to consider Winfrey in the first round. They’ll presumably look to draft an offensive lineman or wide receiver at that point. Winfrey could be in play at No. 56, though. His 35 1/2″ arms will appeal to Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who often asks his defensive tackles to hold their ground while Micah Parsons and the rest of the team’s LBs make plays.
Cincinnati Bengals
Assuming they don’t find a way to re-sign Ogunjobi, the Bengals need to replace several hundred snaps along the interior of their defensive line. Cincinnati re-signed B.J. Hill to team with D.J. Reader, but they’ve created a new need for depth by promoting Hill into the starting lineup. That’s especially true at 3-technique, as current reserves Josh Tupou and Tyler Shelvin are nose tackle types.
Cornerback and left guard are more pressing areas of concern for the Bengals. Yet, defensive tackle is up there, too. Hill was the club’s DT3 last year, and he played 500 snaps. It’s a critical role in Cincinnati’s defense, so much so that they could consider a higher-profile option in the first round. But if Winfrey lasts until No. 63, the Bengals will likely be ready to pounce.
Houston Texans
Along with the Bears and the Atlanta Falcons, the Texans have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. They don’t even need to consider needs in the 2022 NFL Draft — they should solely be aiming to draft the best player on the board. With five picks in the top 80, Houston can sit back and scoop up whatever value falls to them.
If Winfrey falls to the top of the third round, where the Texans hold the No. 68 selection, that’s exactly what they can do. Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 defense requires high-end 3-tech play. That’s especially true given that the defensive line is expected to get home without the benefit of extra rushers (Houston blitzed 19.5% of the time in 2021, the third-lowest rate in the NFL).
The Texans re-signed Maliek Collins to a two-year deal in the offseason, and he’s a serviceable starter. However, Houston shouldn’t care who’s penciled in as an immediate starter. Winfrey at the top of the third round equals value, and that’s all the Texans should be concerned with.
