The Tennessee Titans secured the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a disappointing season and wasted no time in bringing in a franchise quarterback in Cam Ward. The Titans immediately started building around Ward and selected two wide receivers and a tight end in the following rounds.
The Titans’ defense, particularly its secondary, also needed upgrades, and Tennessee used its third-round pick on Penn State product, safety Kevin Winston Jr. Even though Winston only played in three games in 2024 before missing the rest of the campaign with an injury, he is emerging as the most exciting player to watch in Tennessee’s minicamp.
Kevin Winston Jr. Named Titans’ Most Exciting Rookie To Watch At Minicamp
While quarterback was the Titans’ biggest need heading into the draft, adding depth at safety was also a priority. Tennessee’s defense ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed and 23rd in rush EPA allowed, making the addition of a physical presence who thrives in the box like Winston a priority.
While the likes of Ward, Oluwafemi Oladejo, and Elic Ayomanor are all exciting players, PFSN’s Brandon Austin picked Winston as the top rookie to watch out for at the minicamp, arguing he had all the tools to evolve into a long-term starter for Tennessee.
“Winston’s 2024 season was cut short by an ACL injury, but his 2023 tape showcased a high-impact defender with a fearless mentality,” Austin wrote. “At 6’2”, 205 pounds with long arms and an aggressive style, Winston thrives around the line of scrimmage. He plays downhill with authority, delivers punishing hits, and adds a tone-setting element to the defense that the Titans have lacked on the back end.
“Winston is still developing in coverage, but the upside is evident. He offers immediate value as a matchup piece and run-stopping specialist while he develops the rest of his game. Winston has all the tools to evolve into a long-term starter for Tennessee.”
Winston stepped into Penn State’s starting lineup in 2023, and started in all 13 games and finished with 61 tackles, an interception, five pass deflections, and three tackles for a loss. He graded out with an 89.2 PFF grade during the year. Before suffering the ACL injury the following season, he had tallied 13 total tackles and a forced fumble.
A healthy Kevin Winston Jr is a 1st round talent👀
(🎥: PFF College Football Show) pic.twitter.com/cmqcT5I1kJ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 21, 2025
The 21-year-old tackles like an apex predator coming downhill and closes ground with voracity, and he flashes inspiring coverage mobility and field vision at his size. He boasts impressive speed for a safety, having clocked a 4.50s 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Down the road, Winston could replace Xavier Woods alongside Amani Hooker and give the Titans a true two-phase enforcer on the back end. He can also serve as a box safety who enables the Titans to play some three-safety sets with Hooker and Woods.