Tennessee Titans' Kevin Winston Jr. tabbed as DROY candidate
The Tennessee Titans went heavy on the offensive side of the ball during the 2025 NFL draft, adding multiple potential playmakers to the roster. That doesn't mean they ignored the defense. They used two premium picks on that side of the ball and added players who can potentially make an impact in Femi Oladejo and Kevin Winston Jr.
Both Oladejo and Winston have a chance to compete for playing time. However, Winston has been limited due to his medical issues as he continues to rehab his knee after suffering an ACL injury early in 2024. That doesn't stop Jacob Infante from naming Winston his choice as the Titans' Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
Tennessee Titans: Kevin Winston Jr.
The Tennessee Titans took just one defender in the first five rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Almost by default, Kevin Winston Jr. seems like their top contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
As a third-round safety, his odds of winning DROY aren't incredibly high. That said, he's a hard-hitting defensive back with a high football IQ. If he gets the right opportunity, he could surprise some people.
His selection of Winston appears to be by default, after glossing over the Titans' second-round selection of Oladejo. There is no doubt that Winston could make an impact in 2025 if healthy. He is a complete safety prospect with the traits needed to succeed in the defense, but his biggest question will be his availability as he returns from injury.
While Winston could make an impact, Oladejo has a more straightforward path to playing time early in the season. Oladejo may be inexperienced and raw on the edge, but he brings solid athleticism and an infectious attitude to the table, and comes complete with tremendous upside. With Tennessee needing increased production from the position, Oladejo may get an opportunity early on to impress.
While it is likely that both players will see significant playing time, the Titans also added a veteran during the offseason at their respective positions, making training camp crucial for both young players to establish themselves.
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