2019 NFL Draft: Chase Winovich could replace departed Chiefs stars

STRENGTHS

If there is one area that the Kansas City Chiefs need to improve in, it’s stopping the run game. Former defensive coordinator Bob Sutton failed to improve even in the slightest last seaso in stopping the run despite an offseason of acquisitions geared toward just that (e.g. Anthony Hitchens, Derrick Nnadi). Chiefs fans have been trampled on over the past couple of years, especially in the playoffs, by teams running the ball at will.

Winovich would bring some solid help as not only a pass rusher but a run defender as well. His ability to keep leverage on offensive linemen was exceptional at Michigan and his long arms and power kept linemen off of him allowing him to disengage at will. Unlike Dee Ford, he can even set an edge. In fact, he’s proved very consistent at setting the edge.

Winovich has a nasty push/pull move that he used often against both the run and pass. There were numerous games including Notre Dame that he made tackles look like fools with this move and allowed himself to get into the backfield quickly. He’s also got an aggressive repertoire of hand fighting moves to throw tackles off balance and disengage himself.

Last but not least, Winovich has excellent vision keeping track of the ball carrier and blocking assignments. He does a good job of diagnosing pulling linemen and rolling blocking schemes. In this next clip, Winovich does a great job of recognizing the offensive linemen rolling to the right and trying to reach the second level, allowing him to get into the backfield and make a tackle for a loss.

While Winovich doesn’t have an elite burst off the line, his quick diagnosis of blocking assignments and number of pass rushing moves gives him an advantage. Keeping blockers at arm’s length and not allowing them to get under his pads made his life much easier. He also does a great job of getting his hands in the right spot to get leverage over linemen himself.

During the 2018 opener against Notre Dame, Winovich made both tackles look foolish. Throwing them around at will, Winovich displayed his ability to get great timing and placement on the offensive lineman. Even though he didn’t get pressure into the backfield, watch him just throw this tackle arounds.

We’ve already talked about his extensive number of pass rushing moves that already sets him ahead of many college prospects like Breeland Speaks who came out with one bull rush move. Winovich also does an excellent job of rushing with a plan. Most college players get stonewalled whenever their first move doesn’t penetrate the backfield. Winovich does a good job of developing counters and rushing with a plan to allow for more of a win percentage.

His hand usage might be his biggest trait coming into the NFL. It’s not all about speed or power when it comes to getting pressure in the backfield. We saw Dee Ford struggle despite having an elite first step off the line of scrimmage. Between his push/pull move that showed him throwing offensive tackles out of his way, his two hand swat that often has tackles face planting, and he does a great job of attacking the opponent’s punch move and takes advantage of linemen lunging forward at him to get the first contact.

During his time at Michigan, Winovich was used in stunts as well, whether it was to set up a hole for another lineman/linebacker or swinging around to the outside when lined up as an interior lineman. Spagnuolo has been known to bring stunts and twists to get after the quarterback which would make Winovich a great fit for the scheme.

One of the biggest traits as an edge rusher in the NFL is the ability to bend around the edge. I would not consider this to be a strength, but he does show some ability that might just need polishing at the next level. While he doesn’t have the best bend around an edge to give him that quicker route to the quarterback, he does well at getting his shoulder dipped and his feet facing the pocket.