2019 NFL Draft: What’s the hangup with Chase Winovich?
By Phil Poling
Michigan football‘s Chase Winovich won’t be one of the first defenders off the board in the 2019 NFL Draft, but should he be in the conversation?
No longer will the Michigan Wolverines’ pass rush feature Chase Winovich, as the senior from Jefferson Hills, Penn. is preparing for the NFL Draft. But like many Wolverines before him, the future looks bright.
Winovich was a key cog for the Michigan defense from 2016 through 2018, a stretch that saw UM deploy a top four defense year-in and year-out. And while Devin Bush and Rashan Gary caught most of the campus headlines, it’s players like Winovich who make the championship difference at the next level.
His best statistical season came in 2017 when he racked up career-highs in tackles (73), tackles-for-loss (19), and sacks (8.5). And while the record-year was welcomed, it came during the worst season under Jim Harbaugh (8-5) at Michigan. Winovich’s career isn’t cemented in Ann Arbor with any titles or major awards, but he did have a solid career with the Wolverines: 166 tackles, 43 tackles-for-loss, 18.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries – what will he take to the next level with him?
Weaknesses
When sizing up Michigan’s Winovich for the NFL, your first impression is his 6-foot-3 frame. This is in range with the rest of the players at his position, but physical comparisons to other top edge defenders in the draft stop there.
Winovich ran a 4.59 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fourth-fastest among EDGE defenders in attendance. Day-1 hopefuls Montez Sweat (4.41) and Brian Burns (4.53) were the best-timed edge defenders at the Combine, but Winovich was faster than Kentucky’s Josh Allen (4.63) who is projected by some to be the first pass rusher not-named Bosa off the board.
One key trait for pass rushers is explosiveness, something both Burns and Sweat have. Winovich, on the other hand, lacks in that area and is forced to be more technically sound to compensate – he’s great at attacking with his hands. This will make Winovich best-suited for a 4-3 scheme, or a 3-4 if he’s solely used as a pass rusher; it’s unlikely Winovich will win many battles in coverage at the next level.
Strengths
With the strengths Winovich holds in his hands, a 10-year NFL career would not be a surprise. For starters, Winovich plays a physical brand of football, one that was required under Harbaugh at Michigan. He also excels in his role, if explicitly defined. Don’t ask him to do things he can’t and he’ll be a high-quality contributor. The scheme he’s drafted to will matter more than most as he has a specific set of skills.
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At Michigan, Winovich always performed on the road. The UM offense rarely traveled for away games (they forgot to leave the locker room at a few home games, too), but Winovich’s game always seemed to elevate in hostile territory. Over the final two years of his career, Winovich averaged 5.7 tackles-per-game on the road compared to just 4.2 at home. That’s over a full tackle-per-game more during road games.
It’s not necessarily a “clutch” trait, but the obvious jolt of energy on the road should encourage NFL owners and entice them to act early on the Michigan product.
There are all types of pass rushers in the NFL. Guys who utilize their speed. Or power. Or have a high motor. Some have a go-to move they’ve perfected. The great ones have a go-to, a counter to their go-to, and a few others up their sleeve. Think of Winovich as a power/one-move hybrid. He doesn’t possess the flashy speed or elite quickness to bend the edge, but his hand usage coupled with his power and high motor give Winovich one of the highest floors in the draft.
Draft Expectations
The 2019 NFL Draft Class is top-heavy with defensive talent, in particular along the defensive line. This includes both interior lineman and ends, as well as edge rushers. It starts in the Big Ten with Ohio State’s Nick Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones. Michigan, of course, sends Rashan Gary and Winovich. There’s Ed Oliver from Houston. Quinnen Williams from Alabama. The bevy of players from Clemson. To put it plainly, the front four is loaded.
But Winovich could prove to be the steal of the draft. Failing to go early because of guys like Bosa and Williams is understandable, but throw in the fact teams will reach for quarterbacks and wide receivers they’ve fallen in love with and Winovich could land with the perfect team.
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The Packers and Raiders both have multiple first round draft picks, with at least one falling in the mid-to-late 20’s. Each of those teams could use a defensive end who can rush the passer and set the edge. Don’t expect Winovich to hang around too long, though. Someone’s going to swoop in and get a piece they’ll use for years.