Tennessee Titans select Kevin Winston Jr. in third round of 2025 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans have selected Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was taken with the No. 82 overall pick in the draft.

Winston, 21, hardly played during his final season in State College after suffering a partially torn ACL in the second game of the season against Maryland. He was seen later in the year with a large brace over his right leg. While he traveled with the Nittany Lions during their College Football Playoff run, he never returned to the field.

Before the injury, Winston was known as one of the best safeties in college football. He suited up in 13 games in 2023, recording 61 total tackles, one interception and five passes defended.

Winston was not ready to participate in February’s NFL Scouting Combine but ran the 40-yard dash at Penn State’s Pro Day last month. Winston, who ran a 4.50 on his second attempt, said he’s targeting his pro team’s training camp to be back at 100 percent.

“My biggest thing is I always want to compete,” Winston said. “That’s the most frustrating part. I can’t go out there compete with different guys and compete with the best of the best. But I have to control what I control. And when I get the chance to come out and compete, I’ll be excited for that.

“I wanted a faster time than that, but I just want to show that I’m running. I’m doing well running [and] getting stronger. It felt great.”

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Kevin Winston Jr.

Winston will look to prove the injury is behind him as he enters the NFL. NFL Network‘s Lance Zierlein wrote the following in evaluating Winston:

“Talented but relatively inexperienced due to a season-ending injury in 2024,” Zierlein wrote. “Winston has NFL size and traits but is lacking in the instincts and recognition column on the back end. He’s much better when he’s engaged and playing forward, where his play strength and consistency as a tackler stands out. He can cover both in-line and slot tight ends and hassle their catch space.

“However, he struggles with anticipation and footwork when asked to play on top of the defense. Safeties with traits and tackle talent usually stick around as starters, but Winston might be somewhat limited unless he develops his field recognition enough to handle what NFL passing schemes will throw at him.”