What is KJ Winston Jr.'s NFL Draft stock after missing much of the 2024 Penn State season?

Three Penn State players are among the 55 granted special eligibility by the NFL to enter the 2025 Draft despite being underclassmen. One of them, defensive end Abdul Carter, will be a top-five pick and could possibly go as high as No. 1, even though that is not the likely outcome. Linebacker Kobe King, then, profiles as an almost certain Day 3 pick, with a Rounds 4-6 grade seemingly being reasonable. Then, there is safety KJ Winston Jr. A preseason All-American candidate, the Maryland native shined in the Lions’ opener at West Virginia but partially tore his ACL, according to ESPN, during practice the following week. He played the first quarter and change against Bowling Green in Week 2 before leaving the contest. It would ultimately be his final appearance on the game field for the Nittany Lions.

Despite having one and possibly two seasons of college eligibility left, Winston Jr., ended any suspense that he might return to school early by declaring for the draft on Dec. 12, days before the Lions opened the College Football Playoff.

Ever since, Penn State fans have debated whether or not he made the right choice. For starters, we won’t have complete context to answer that question until after the draft. And, even with it, fans should not forget that a lot goes into a stay-or-go decision, and usually much more than what meets the eye, at that.

At any rate, Winston Jr., hopes to be able to participate at the NFL Combine next month. It goes without saying that his ability to do so will likely only boost his draft stock. In the meantime, here’s a look at what’s being said about his outlook as of mid-January.

Reviewing Penn State safety KJ Winston Jr.’s early NFL Draft outlook

Longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., calls Winston Jr., the No. 3 safety in this year’s Draft. That likely makes him a Day 2 pick in Rounds 2 or 3, though a slip into the fourth is not out of the question.

For The 33rd Team, lead draft analyst Kyle Crabbs calls Winston Jr., the 84th-best player available in his top 100. That projects to a Round 3 grade.

“Winston Jr. projects best as a developmental starter as the rotation player in a Cover-3 heavy zone system,” Crabbs writes in a scouting report. “His ability to fit the run and his tackling prowess would be a valued asset in the intermediate areas. Still, his reliability and coverage instincts as a deep defender will need significant development in order for him to play reliably at the NFL level.

“He may be a sub-package player and special teams contributor early on, but if he can become a more consistent coverage player, he should be an NFL starter thanks to his physical gifts, aggressiveness, and tackling prowess.”

More: Penn State projects to have 2 first-round NFL Draft picks; will it have any in Round 2? Expert weighs in

Pro Football Focus puts Winston Jr., at No. 67 overall in its most recent 2025 Big Board. That puts him on the cusp of going in the second round with the possibility of going in the third. However, the site’s Gordon McGuinness thinks he could still be a Day 1 option, calling him a strong fit for Tampa Bay. Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network agrees.

“Winston Jr. is a long, rangy, and physical safety with the eyes and instincts to make plays from sideline to sideline,” he writes. “Overall, Winston is a high-level football player whose blend of versatility and athleticism showcases one of the premier defensive chess pieces in the country.”

Last but not least, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic includes Winston Jr., among his list of the most intriguing underclassmen who are leaving school early for the pros.

“One of the best young safeties in the country entering the season, Winston suffered a season-ending knee injury in September and missed most of Penn State’s run to the College Football Playoff,” he writes.

“Winston’s 2023 season, however, was pretty outstanding. The 6-2, 204-pounder showed an ability to play basically anywhere in the secondary, from either safety spot to slot or outside corner. That injury could cause Winston’s stock to slide, meaning someone could get a steal if he’s still there beyond Day 2.”

Much will change over the next 90 or so days until the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisc. For now, though, Winston Jr., grades out favorably with media scouts, and surely NFL scouts, too. And, what he can do from here, both potentially at the NFL Combine and/or Penn State Pro Day, will play a large role in determining where he ultimately lands.