# Kevin Winston Jr. Has Only Practiced Twice with the Team Since Being Drafted, but I’ve Been Impressed by Him. He Took the Ball Away from Josh Whyle
When a rookie enters the NFL, expectations are often tempered. The transition from college to the pros is one of the most difficult leaps in sports, requiring not just physical adjustments but mental ones as well. Playbooks are thicker, opponents are faster and stronger, and the margin for error shrinks dramatically. That’s why when a first-year player makes an immediate impact—even in practice—it’s worth paying attention. Kevin Winston Jr., the promising young defensive back recently drafted by his team, has only participated in two full practices since joining the squad, yet he’s already turning heads. Most notably, he made a play that had everyone talking: he took the ball away from tight end Josh Whyle in a competitive drill, showcasing the kind of instincts and aggression that could make him a key contributor sooner rather than later.
Winston’s limited practice time makes his early flashes even more impressive. Most rookies need weeks, if not months, to find their footing. The speed of the game, the complexity of defensive schemes, and the sheer physicality of NFL veterans can overwhelm even the most talented first-year players. Yet, Winston has looked anything but overwhelmed. In just two sessions, he has demonstrated a rare combination of confidence, athleticism, and football IQ.
The play that stood out most was his forced turnover against Josh Whyle, a third-year tight end who has seen his fair share of battles in practice. Whyle, no slouch as a receiver or blocker, was running a short-to-intermediate route when Winston, playing tight coverage, managed to not only disrupt the catch but rip the ball free. It was the kind of play that defensive coaches love—a blend of technique, timing, and sheer competitiveness. For a rookie to make that kind of play against an established player speaks volumes about Winston’s potential.
Let’s examine what made Winston’s takeaway so impressive. First, his positioning was flawless. He didn’t allow Whyle to create separation at the line of scrimmage, using his hands effectively within the legal five-yard contact window. As the route developed, Winston maintained inside leverage, cutting off Whyle’s path to the ball. When the pass arrived, Winston didn’t just go for the breakup—he attacked the ball with the intent to take it away.
That last point is crucial. Many young defensive backs focus solely on preventing the completion, but the great ones—players like Charles Woodson or Richard Sherman—always played with a takeaway mentality. Winston’s ability to locate the ball mid-play, time his swipe perfectly, and wrestle possession from a bigger, stronger tight end suggests he has that same mindset. If he can continue to refine his technique, he could become a turnover machine at the next level.
Turnovers change games. A well-timed interception or forced fumble can swing momentum, demoralize an offense, and set up easy scoring opportunities for the defense’s own team. If Winston can bring that kind of playmaking ability to the regular season, he’ll quickly earn more snaps—and possibly a starting role.
His skill set also fits perfectly with modern NFL defenses, which prioritize versatility in the secondary. At 6’1” with long arms and quick hips, Winston has the tools to match up against bigger receivers and athletic tight ends, a must in today’s pass-heavy league. His willingness to be physical in coverage, combined with his ball skills, could make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks who underestimate him as a rookie.
Of course, it’s important not to overreact to a couple of practices. NFL history is littered with training camp stars who never translated their offseason hype into regular-season production. Winston will face tougher challenges—more complex offensive schemes, veteran quarterbacks who will test his discipline with double moves, and the grind of a 17-game season.
But early signs are encouraging. Coaches have reportedly praised his work ethic, and teammates have noted how quickly he’s absorbing the playbook. If he continues to make plays like the one against Whyle, he won’t just be a depth piece—he’ll be a key part of the defense.
Kevin Winston Jr. has a long way to go before proving himself as a reliable NFL defender, but his early performances suggest he’s on the right track. Taking the ball away from Josh Whyle in just his second practice is the kind of moment that gets coaches excited. If he keeps making plays like that, he won’t just be a draft pick with potential—he’ll be a legitimate difference-maker. The season is still young, but Winston is already showing why his team believed in him. Now, it’s about building on that momentum and turning practice highlights into game-changing performances.
