Penn State safety KJ Winston Jr., declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Penn State junior safety KJ Winston Jr., is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Columbia, Md., native and DeMatha Catholic alum announced the news on Thursday. He missed most of the 2024 season due to injury. The defender suffered an undisclosed issue during practice before the Bowling Green game, per ESPN, after making 12 tackles at West Virginia and being named the Big Ten defensive player of the week. He was on the field for just the first quarter and some of the second quarter before exiting the contest with the Falcons. It was the final game of his Nittany Lions career.

Per Pro Football Focus, Winston Jr., played just 74 snaps in 2024. He made 13 tackles and recorded a forced fumble. He finishes his Penn State career with 89 tackles, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one interception. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Winston Jr., suffered a partially torn ACL. He has had surgery. It’s unclear if he will be healthy enough to participate in the Combine. Winston Jr., spent most of the season away from the Lions after suffering his injury. He was seen at Beaver Stadium before the Ohio State game with a bulky brace on his right leg.

“We are hoping for him to have a more significant impact in terms of leadership, in terms of all those other things,” Lions coach James Franklin said in October. “But right now, KJ’s focus is on getting healthy. I actually visited with him and his family on Wednesday night, which was awesome. Me and [Penn State safeties coach Anthony Poindexter]. That was great.

“He’s a huge part of our program. Will continue to be a huge part of our program. But obviously, based on some of the things that he was working through from a health perspective, his focus was on that, which, rightfully so.”

Back on Sunday, Franklin said Winston Jr., would not return for the team’s Playoff run. Now, he’s officially off to the NFL.

Read KJ Winston Jr.’s NFL Draft declaration statement

Here is what he wrote on Instagram:

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blassing me with the opportunity to chase my dreams. To my family, friends, coaches, and teammates-you’ve been my unwavering support system, guiding me through every high and low of this journey. Your belief in me has meant everything, and I’m forever grateful.

“To Penn State Nation, thank you for making my time here special. Wearing the blue and white has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I’ll always carry the pride of being a Nittany Lion.

“After much thought and prayer, I’m excited to announce that lIl be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
This has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I’m ready to embrace this next challenge with the same dedication and heart that got me to this point. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of my journey. This is just the beginning.”

Assesing Winston Jr.’s NFL Draft stock and the Penn State safety outlook in 2025

Before the injury, Winston Jr., was among the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects. However, it’s unclear how much the injury will impact that. He is still the No. 3 safety on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2025 big board.

As for the Penn State safety situation, the Lions will need to do some major retooling on the backend. Winston Jr., and Jaylen Reed, both multi-year starters, are gone. Backup Tyrece Mills likely is, as well. Zakee Wheatley is eligible to return but has not yet announced his plans. Dejuan Lane will be expected to have a big role in his second season on campus. Vaboue Toure, another sophomore-to-be, will factor in, too. The Lions could look to the portal for help at this spot. Time will tell.