2013 NFL Draft Analysis: George Winn

[TRAVIS KELCE – GEORGE WINN – WALTER STEWART – SEAN HOOEY]

After waiting the wings backing up Isaiah Pead for his sophomore and junior seasons, George Winn exploded onto the scene as a senior. And I mean that literally. On his first snap from scrimmage to begin the 2012 season, Winn burst up the middle of the Pitt Panthers’ defense and raced down the field for a touchdown. It gave UC a lead in the game they would never relinquish and the assurance that the Bearcats’ running game would be just fine post-Pead.

On the season Winn paced the Big East with 1,334 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He was a leader in the backfield that Cincinnati could lean upon when they got shaky quarterback play from Munchie Legaux and began transitioning to Brendon Kay. With the two-deep in flux, Winn stayed consistent doing everything that was asked of him. This year he ran the ball, he caught the ball, and even threw a pass for a touchdown. Hell let’s just call him Boobie Miles already. With such an impressive senior campaign under his belt Winn could get himself drafted on Sunday despite not garnering the attention of many other backs in this class.

STRENGTHS

Size
Speed Between The Hashes
Blocking Abilities

Weighing in at close to 220 lbs, George Winn is a load to bring down. His sheer size makes it difficult for defenders to bring him down with just arm tackles. Many times during his senior campaign did we witness Winn shed these with ease and while the players are larger and display better technique at the next level, this ability can’t be ignored. In addition the UC runningback surprised everyone this past season with his breakaway speed between the hashmarks. He was more than just a short-yardage back. Despite being one of the larger RBs in this class, Winn posted a very respectable 4.65 Forty at the NFL Combine. That will only add to his draft value. But if pro teams don’t see him as a halfback at the next level they might elect to try him out at fullback. This was one of Winn’s main roles during Isaiah Pead’s time at Cincinnati. Instead of the traditional I-formation, the Bearcats operated out of the split back formation and Winn acted as a lead blocker for Pead on running plays. It worked well and illustrated his ability create lanes for ball carriers if he wasn’t one.

WEAKNESSES

Horizontal Speed

What George Winn has in front line, top-end speed, he lacks in his ability to turn the corner quickly. When he got solid blocking from his offensive line, he could pick up 5-6 yards easily. However when teams were able to out-physical Cincinnati at the line of scrimmage, Winn found it more difficult to get his numbers. During those times teams would crowd the 5-7 yard zone between the hashmarks forcing him to pop outside. It took him some time to turn the corner allowing defenders the necessary seconds to get to him and bring him down before he leveled out to race upfield.

PROJECTED ROUND(S)/LIKELY TEAM(S)

6th – Undrafted
Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers

George Winn is the quintessential value prospect. He’s a sleeper pick who probably won’t go until late on Day 3 if at all. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper seems to love him and compares him to Washington Redskins rookie sensation Alfred Morris. I’m sure some teams who are interested in adding depth at runningback or a versatile fullback will be interested in adding Winn. Whenever he is selected be it in the draft or through free agency, the former Bearcat could turn heads in an NFL camp.

HIGHLIGHTS

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