Michigan EDGE Chase Winovich could be an option for the Kansas City Chiefs to help replace the departed stars from 2018.
The latest draft prospect we are analyzing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft comes to us from the Big Ten in Michigan EDGE Chase Winovich. The redshirt senior should absolutely be on their board as someone that could help replace not only the outside pass rush but a defender that can play against the run on the edge.
The Chiefs still need bodies at the EDGE position despite the recent signing of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Alex Okafor, who we reviewed earlier this month. Okafor is a very solid run defender with some above average pass rushing ability. Adding another player like that would go a long way in the Chiefs new defense under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
During the 2018 season, Winovich was improving his draft stock even while most were praising teammate Rashan Gary. Despite an injury that limited him against Ohio State and Florida, he proved that he should be considered early in the draft with an excellent combine performance.
Winovich brings a well-round skill set to the NFL, excelling on run and pass plays alike. Over the last two seasons, Winovich put up an overall grade of 92.3 and a pass rush grade of 91.2 according to an article by Pro Football Focus. Standing at 6-foot-3, 258 pounds at the combine, Winovich put on a strong performance in his athletic tests. He ranked fourth in the 40-yard dash (4.59), third in three-cone (6.94), and first in the 20-yard shuttle (4.11) among EDGE defenders at the combine.
Trying to prove he’s not just a high motor cliche in the combine, his skills translate to game tape. I was impressed with more than one area of his game when looking back over his college film. Many EDGE defenders come in either good against the run or pass, and have few pass rushing moves in their arsenal. However, Winovich is unlike most players coming into the NFL.