Bucs’ Antoine Winfield Scouting Evaluation – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2020
Winfield – Immediate Impact Defender in the Bucs’ Defense
Antoine Winfield has been a major difference maker for SB Champion Bucs since starting game one as a rookie in 2020. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him as one of the top safeties especially as a complete defender. He ranked among as one of premier playmakers in the NFL Draft 2020 class and predicted him an early NFL starter and playmaker. He has been a major steal in the late 2nd round and arguably one of the best values in the entire draft class. He was among the Bucs defensive leaders on their run to the NFL Championship.
This season, he has continued his impact in a diverse role in the Bucs secondary. This week vs the Patriots on Sunday night, he was a difference maker in the Bucs 19-17 victory. He totaled 5 tackles, 1 FF, 1 PD and 1 interception and kept Pats’ rookie QB Mac Jones off balance in most key situations.
Safeties NFL Draft 2020
* Underclassmen
* Antoine Winfield #11 – 5-9, 205, Minnesota – Sp. 4.45
NFL Player Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu Rating 86
Hard-hitting undersized dynamo safety has been the leader in the Gophers’ secondary since his true freshman season. Stepped in as a full-time starter as a true freshman with limited starting duty the following two seasons due to injuries. His 2019 performance was his best and earned first team Big Ten honors. Short compact athlete combines excellent speed, quickness and fluid athleticism to be a three-down defender with the versatility to lineup at a few spots in the nickel packages. At times, he seeks to deliver big stops, but is not a violent hitter and his marginal size is a concern related to holding up to the physicality of the game. Sure wrap down tackler, though needs to breakdown better in space and eliminate some missed tackles. Displays a quick closing burst, arriving with good pad level to maintain leverage and breakup passes. Outstanding read-react ability and attacks with an aggressive manner with a motor that knows only one speed. Drives through his target upon contact and able to finish. Lined up in a variety of ways, usually the high safety and slot corner in different alignments. Effective single-high safety with excellent range to make up ground and get to the ball. Often lined up over a slot receiver, and shows the quick footwork to mirror off the line with the closing speed to break up passes. Sometimes he drops down into the box and blitzes and added 4 sacks with 3 coming in 2019. Versatile with the range and instincts to play free in the deep middle and at times the toughness and run stopping ability to be the eighth man in the box. He has fine instincts for man-coverage, but only average matchup skills where his lack of height will be tested in the NFL. Fine field vision and reacts to the ball quickly. Attacks the throw at the catch point as if he was the receiver. Marginal height and above average leaping ability, compromises his ability to win jump-ball throws. Plays all facets of the game with a strong sense of urgency. In 2019, started 13 games and had 88 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 7 picks, 1 PBU and 2 FR. Earned 1st team Big Ten honors. In 2018, started 4 of 4 games and made 17 tackles, 1 FR, 1 pick and 1 PBU. For his career, totaled 177 tackles with 7 TFL, 9 picks and 6 PBU. Best suited for playing single high scheme. Fine athleticism to be a three-down defender. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 5’9” and 203 lbs. with 30 1/8” arms. He ran a 4.45 time and did not lift. Added a 36” VL and a 10’4“ BJ with no agility drills. He has the speed, quickness and ball skills to be an early starter and compares to Tyrann Mathieu in size, AA and versatility. Shows flexible hips and quick footwork with the instincts to continue to improve in coverage. Talent to be a difference maker. High quality athlete and football player with experience to compete for time in different packages and an excellent addition. Son of former longtime NFL corner Antoine Winfield. Probable early starting ability with the versatility and fast developing talent to be a three-down defender. Rising top 50 selection with impact talent. Teams like the Cowboys and Dolphins have on their short list in the 2nd day.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
