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NFL Draft 2020: 5 rookies who could become Pro Bowlers

By Dante Pryor

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. #11 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers reacts against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second quarter at TCFBank Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. #11 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers reacts against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second quarter at TCFBank Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Minnesota. player. 2. 48. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. S. Antoine Winfield Jr.

When considering Antoine Winfield Jr., do not look at his measurables. He’s too small and too slow to be a premium defensive back in this modern NFL. However, he is one of the few players where his measurables don’t matter.

Winfield is guaranteed to be the most prepared player on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. What the former Golden Gopher lacks in size and length, Winfield makes for in fundamentals and preparation.

He understands how to take correct angles to the ball; he rarely misses tackles. Windfield might not have elite speed, but he is quick enough to cover his deep half of the field. Though he is not the biggest defensive back, Windfield can be a thumper in the running game.

What his coaches in Tampa Bay are going to love is this obsession with film study. He gets this from the senior Winfield. They watched tons of film when Antoine Winfield Sr. played in the NFL.

Learning how to study film so young has given junior Winfield an ability to read the quarterback as well as any defensive back in this draft. The only concern Tampa might have is durability. Winfield had some injury issues in Minnesota.

If he can stay healthy, the Buccaneers have a safety who will be a bedrock of the back end of their defense for the next 10 years.

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