How Penn State safety K.J. Winston will fit with the Tennessee Titans
Penn State had one player go on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft with safety K.J. Winston going to the Tennessee Titans in the third round with the 82nd overall pick.
Here’s how Winston will fit with Tennessee.
Safety K.J. Winston to the Tennessee Titans
Winston went from a projected top-50 player to a third-round pick after reportedly suffering a partially torn ACL in September. Despite that, Winston left early for the draft and ran a 40-yard dash at Penn State’s pro day, running a 4.5. He’s working through his recovery and should be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season.
That should help a Tennessee team that is currently rebuilding and is looking to find itself on the upswing — but not quite ready to compete this year. Winston will be able to take as much time as he needs in his recovery and shouldn’t have to rush back early in order to help the Titans.
When he is ready, Winston should compete for a starting safety spot — and could win it. He’s a multi-faceted defender who can contribute in the running game and the passing game, with some of his coverage ability still a bit of a mystery. Winston is good in zone coverage, where he trusts his eyes and relies on his instincts to play well, even if he isn’t the most explosive athlete. That being said, his 40 time could indicate there’s more to tap into from an athleticism standpoint.
Winston is excellent against the run, using his instincts to get downhill and make plays as a tackler. He’s rarely out of position in that regard and once he has a chance to make a play on a ball-carrier he doesn’t miss. He’s one of the best tacklers at the position in the draft class and should be reliable in that regard as soon as he takes the field for Tennessee.
The former Nittany Lion could be a steal for the Titans and has a chance to contribute as a starter early as long as his injury recovery goes smoothly.
