Overview
Position: Defensive end
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 253 pounds
School: Michigan Wolverines
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds
Bench press: 18 reps
Vertical jump: 30.5 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
Three-cone drill: 6.94 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.11 seconds
Chase Winovich 2019 Draft Profile
Chase Winovich was a three-star recruit out of high school. After a successful four-year career at Michigan, he now sets his sights towards the NFL Draft. Winovich added to what was an already fearsome Michigan defense that boasted the likes of Rashan Gary and Devin Bush. Winovich, a redshirt player, didn’t find consistent playing time until his junior season when he started in 13 games. From that point on, Winovich didn’t miss a game starting thirteen games in both of his final two seasons in Ann Arbor as well. In addition to his durability, Winovich proved himself to be a force on the defensive line. Winovich finished his career with 166 tackles and 18.5 sacks.
Strengths
- elite pass rush moves;
- boasts a high football I.Q.;
- great size and athletic ability;
- proved to be durable over the course of his collegiate career;
- effective in both stopping the run and the pass;
- shows high play strength;
- immensely experienced, having started 39 games for Michigan.
Weaknesses
- not as explosive off the line as you would like;
- needs to become more refined as a pass-rusher;
- lateral mobility could be better;
- needs to improve hip flexibility;
- tackling in space could be improved.
Teams With a Need: New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens
Projection: Second Round
Bottom Line
Although there may be some concerns about his lack of flexibility and lateral mobility, Winovich is still a strong edge rusher. While he may not be the quickest or strongest pass rusher in this year’s draft, he is undoubtedly one of the most tenacious. His incredible work ethic and willingness to adapt to a role in order to win will make him a great choice for any team that takes him. His strong hands and ability to play both as a pure pass rusher as well as a run stopper should allow for an easy transition into the NFL. This versatility will surely allow him to play his fair share of snaps.
Despite some of Winovich’s shortcomings, he is still one of the elite pass rushers in this year’s draft. Although he isn’t in the first tier of players which would include the likes of Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams, he is definitely in that second tier. Any team with a need at defensive end or even linebacker should consider selecting Winovich. With that being said he will likely come off the board somewhere in the early- to mid-second round.
