This Titans rookie is turning heads at training camp (and it's not Cam Ward)

The Tennessee Titans put the pads on at training camp earlier this week, increasing the intensity and physicality of practice. There have been some notable performances so far, and one of them is from 2025 third-round pick Kevin Winston Jr.

Winston was not selected as someone with lofty expectations as a rookie. Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods are currently ahead of him as the starters at safety. Aside from that, a major discussion point around Winston was a knee injury he suffered at Penn State in 2024.

Winston was always expected to recover from that well in time for the start of the season, but significant injuries always make you ask questions. It was super encouraging to see Winston at full strength from the first camp practice.

Based on the sample size at training camp so far, Winston looks more than just healthy. He has been out there making plays every single day, and more relieving than anything else, he appears to have the athleticism and explosiveness the Titans expected him to have when they drafted him.

Kevin Winston Jr. will be an immediate contributor on the 2025 Titans

Titans top beat reporter Jim Wyatt has referred to Winston as "the standout of camp."

Winston has made plays all over the field, from the offensive backfield, to the second level of the defense. During the open practice at Nissan Stadium, Winston had a beautiful pass break up in man coverage, and even with his back turned, did not commit pass interference.

Follow-up practices have brought more of the same, with Winston routinely making at least one eye-opening play at every session.

In Tuesday's practice, Winston made a play across the middle where he showcased his blend of speed, force, and ability to be in the right spot at the right time. It sounded like it would have been a thunderous hit had the play happened in a real game.

Winston is out there flashing pure ability. It's a big deal when you consider his recent injury. Even when you watch his movements during basic drills, the knee doesn't appear to be even remotely bothering him.

Winston is knocking on the door for immediate playing time. The more plays the rookie defensive back makes in training camp, the more responsibility he earns. With increased reps in bigger situations, he really could steal a starting job quicker than anyone else expects.