The Tennessee Titans concluded minicamp with two practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. It wrapped up an offseason program that also contained 10 voluntary OTA practices. The Titans will now break for the summer before returning for training camp.
The rebuilding Titans are expecting progressive steps forward from a variety of ascending players. Mike Borgonzi's sophomore draft class, including quarterback Cam Ward, have to set the foundation for this roster moving forward. One of the players being counted on to help do that is safety Kevin Winston Jr.
Winston earned praise, often unprompted, from head coach Robert Saleh throughout offseason workouts. The former Penn State safety entered this phase having firmly established himself as a 2026 starter. Winston turned OTAs and minicamp into his personal launchpad.
Titans sophomore DB Kevin Winston Jr. earns praise for OTA/minicamp performances
The Titans selected Winston at 82nd overall during the 2025 NFL Draft despite him suffering a partially torn ACL injury during his final season in college. A related fallout from that setback limited him in training camp as a rookie, delaying his Titans debut until Week 6 last season. Once Winston finally got on the field, his long-term potential became obvious.
Another setback eventually landed Winston on season-ending IR when the Titans' campaign was effectively over. In 10 appearances as a rookie, he recorded 34 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups. It was evident that Winston could be a really good player for this Titans defense.
That is now the expectation with the defensive-minded Saleh overseeing the unit. Coach Saleh has helped developed some fantastic safeties throughout his NFL career. Winston, who looks bigger, stronger, and faster this offseason, could be next in line.
Don't underestimate the value of being healthy. Winston was robbed of a proper offseason as a rookie due to the lingering effects of his collegiate injury. That isn't the case this offseason, and Winston possessed a noticeable spring in his step throughout OTAs and minicamp.
Winston possesses every trait required to develop into a legitimate difference maker on defense. That's the expectation in 2026. OTAs and minicamp strongly suggest that Winston is headed for a massive breakout season.
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