The Tennessee Titans are expecting big things from their 2025 NFL Draft class in 2026. That starts with franchise quarterback Cam Ward making a sophomore jump, but it doesn't stop there. Fellow sophomore Kevin Winston Jr. is being promoted to a starter at safety.
The Titans drafted Winston with the 82nd pick in 2025 after acquiring a third-round selection in a trade back with the Seattle Seahawks. Winston was available that late partially because he was still recovering from a partially torn ACL injury he suffered at Penn State.
Winston's rookie season was derailed by that injury as the lingering effects forced him to miss the start of the 2025 campaign. He eventually ended up making 10 appearances. Winston flashed high-level traits that has everyone believing he'll be a sophomore breakout stud in 2026.
Titans S Kevin Winston Jr. is a potential breakout star in 2026
The Titans fully bought into Winston's developmental arc this offseason. Despite not needing the money, Mike Borgonzi cut starting safety Xavier Woods in a cost-cutting move that netted just a little extra cap flexibility. The real intention behind releasing Woods was to create a clear pathway for Winston to get into the starting lineup opposite Amani Hooker.
The Titans also accomplished very little at safety this offseason. They signed veteran safety Tony Adams, who is reuniting with head coach Robert Saleh. Adams possesses a high-level understanding of the defensive playbook after playing for the New York Jets. His familiarity and relationship with Saleh will get him on the field as a third option.
Winston notched 34 tackles and two pass breakups as a rookie. He's a physical safety with a balanced and versatile skill set. Winston can thrive in coverage, but he's especially impactful when asked to utilize his physicality around the line of scrimmage. That should make him the ideal running mate for Hooker, who wants to generate takeaways as a ball hawk.
Winston possesses every trait required to develop into a multi-year starter for the Titans. His skill set indicates he's even a potential difference maker. Coach Saleh is hoping to see Winston establish himself as a star defense in his 2026 defense.
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