NFL Draft 2019 – Draft Insiders’ Scouting Report – Michigan Linebacker Chase Winovich
NFL Draft 2019 – Draft Insiders’ – Scouting Report
Linebacker Chase Winovich – Michigan
Frank Coyle/ Head scout
Here is Draft Insiders’ Yearbook scouting report on one of the fastest rising defensive prospects in this class, defensive end/ linebacker Chase Winovich of Michigan. He is a prospect we have scouted since early in his career when he flashed impact in a few roles for the tough Wolverine defense. He is a three down defender who has the flexibility to play both with his hand in the dirt and up off the edge. He became a core defender on the highly ranked Michigan defense which will probably see four defensive prospects selected in the top 100 with three hearing their names in the top 40-50 selections. Winovich performed very well vs top Big Ten talent which supplies many offensive linemen annually to the NFL. He had an outstanding postseason concluding with a very impressive showing at his Pro Day and the NFL Combine. He performed despite coming off ankle surgery during the early postseason prior to the NFL Combine and undergoing wrist surgery following his March 15th Pro Day. He performed outstanding at both events and was impressive at interviews. He is ranked our #4 Outside Linebacker and a top 40-50 prospect.
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Draft Insiders’ – 2019 Yearbook Scouting Report
Outside Linebacker
Chase Winovich #15 6-3 255 Michigan – Sp. 4.60
Player Comparison: Rob Ninkovich Rating 86
High motor versatile senior defender had a fine career, earning Big Ten honors over his final two seasons. Earned first team honors in 2018 with his big play ability off the edge. Strong frame with good weight room strength that translates well to the field. Good height and arm length with a solid base to be a three-down defender at both the weak side end position in 4-3 set or up in the 3-4 scheme. Good burst off the edge and transfers to power with fine technique to win vs bigger athletes. Sound instincts with the versatility and toughness to play either outside spot in basic fronts. Skill set to be effective in run support and a quality pass rusher. After an impressive sophomore effort, he established himself as a developing prospect with good instincts, functional strength and speed. Displays strong quick hands to keep blockers off his body and separate to gain penetration. Shows strength and leverage to hold the point with the speed and flexibility to chase in pursuit and break down well in space. As an edge rusher, he has deceptive quickness and speed to rush the passer with the functional strength to win late on the down. Holds the point with sound leverage and hand usage, though struggles when facing combo blocks. Fluid flexible athlete who can stack vs big blockers when technically sound. Shows the quickness to move laterally and make plays with hand technique to disengage from blockers. Combines good functional strength with speed on the snap to also counter back inside. Shows a burst to the ball once he frees himself from blockers with the agility and flexibility to redirect and chase from the backside. Utilizes his hand punch to strike an opponent and separate to pursue the ball. As a pass rusher, he relies too much on his initial power move and needs more development on his swim maneuver to win. Average acceleration at the top of his arc. Good short area burst along the line in pursuit. Shows ability to counter and redirect to the inside when his initial move is contained. As a senior, he started 13 games and totaled 69 tackles with 17 TFL, 1 PBU and 5 sacks, earning 2nd team Big Ten. As a junior, he made 79 tackles with 18.5 TFL and 8 sacks starting 13 games, earning first team Big Ten. At the NFL Combine, he came in at just under 6’3” and 256 lbs. and did 18 reps with a wrist that required surgery soon after the event. He ran a 4.59 time with a 30.5” VL and 9’8” BJ with a 4.11 shuttle and a 6.94 three cone to complete a very good overall effort. Athlete with versatility to start at a few positions and both sets. Two postseason surgeries, an ankle injury early in postseason and a March wrist surgery after performing well at his Pro day. Probable early starter if he settles into the right scheme and learns the finer points of technique. Top 50 prospect with upside to start. Similar to Rob Ninkovich in many ways, including intangibles, power and schematic versatility. Savvy instinctive defender and capable of 40 snaps weekly. Good 2nd day value and gritty NFL starter.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites