CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN'S DRAFT TRADES
ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
5-foot-9
200 pounds
21 years old
BIG PICTURE
The son of former Vikings great Antoine Winfield Sr., Antoine Winfield Jr., is a playmaking safety with the same type of instincts his father showed in the NFL. Demonstrated his potential as a true freshman at Minnesota before injuries marred his next two seasons. Finally put a full season together in 2019 and recorded seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and three sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten. Notably won games against Fresno State two consecutive years with impressive interceptions. Still a strong tackler despite smaller frame.
COMBINE NOTABLES
4.45 40-yard dash (T-3rd)
36-inch vertical (T-7th)
124-inch broad jump
VIKINGS COMPATIBILITY RANKING
3 out of 5. There's a family connection and a local college connection. Fans would adore the pick, but the Vikings may not covet a safety quite this highly with other needs to fill.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Winfield isn't as tall or as long as teams like and he's an average athlete, but he's an interchangeable safety who can flat out play. Winfield is stout and strong with above average body control and balance. He can bang on tight ends in coverage and support the run near the box. His angles to the ball are efficient against the run or pass. He's very instinctive and sees plays unfold, but doesn't have ballhawking twitch to challenge a high number of throws. His tackle net isn't as wide in the open field, so he must tackle with excellent fundamentals. Winfield isn't a star but he's a quality building block with the toughness and intelligence to help fortify the back end."
Kyle Crabbs, Draft Network: "Antoine Winfield Jr. brings an established NFL pedigree to the 2020 NFL Draft. His father's exploits clearly left an impression on Winfield Jr. — he's an instinctive player who illustrates a clear feel for the game on the back end. As a deep safety, Winfield Jr. is best in half field coverages but he brings man to man coverage skills against tight ends and is a viable fill defender in the box to step down against the run. He's not an elite athlete but his instincts and discipline will net him splash plays."
WHAT PFF SAYS
89.2 coverage grade (7th)
Just 1 first down allowed at free safety
138 yards allowed on 401 coverage snaps
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.