Bucs rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. gave his dad a shoutout on Instagram after a video of the senior Winfield’s playing days posted.
Bucs rookie offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs was the featured name from the team’s 2020 draft class, which isn’t surprising seeing as the Bucs were in search of a franchise tackle to plug in on the O-line this season.
While the Bucs’ offense, headed by new quarterback Tom Brady, will be the talk of Tampa this season, the defense could surprise some people. After solid rookie outings from guys like Devin White and Sean Murphy- Bunting, the Bucs added even more young talent to their secondary in round two of the draft by selecting Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr., whose father was a three-time NFL Pro Bowl cornerback.
Winfield Sr. was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1999 after a stellar career at Ohio State. And, it seems the younger Winfield likes to dream about what might have been had the two paired up as teammates.
You can check out the actual video below. If Winfield Jr. plays anything like his dad, the Bucs may have gotten him as a steal in round two.
Buccaneers rookie safety Antoine Winfield enjoyed a little time outside by the grill on Father’s Day.
Training camp is just around the corner, so NFL players everywhere are enjoying the last few weeks of rest and relaxation before beginning the grind towards the 2020 regular season.
While Tom Brady is the biggest new name in the Bucs’ locker room, the team also has a fresh crop of rookies ready to help Tampa Bay make a postseason run. One of those high-prized draft picks is safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who was taken in round two of April’s NFL draft (No. 45 overall).
The younger Winfield went on Instagram yesterday to wish his father, and former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback, Antoine Winfield Sr. a happy Father’s Day. And, it appears junior enjoyed some time out by the grill Sunday, too. (No word on whether or not dad joined in.)
New Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. showed his dad some love on Instagram today with this Father’s Day post.
The Buccaneers took offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs in round one of April’s NFL draft to be a force up front for new quarterback Tom Brady. But in round two, Tampa Bay chose to take one of the draft’s most dynamic defensive players to be a part of this young and promising defense in Antoine Winfield Jr.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Winfield’s father, Antoine Winfield Sr., was a Pro Bowl cornerback in the NFL, making his biggest mark with the Minnesota Vikings.
The younger Winfield knows it is his job to carry on the family name in the NFL now, and he took a moment today to wish his dad and role model a happy Father’s Day on Instagram.
We are up to debating the best Ohio State football player to ever wear jersey No. 11 in our jersey series. Who did we pick?
We’ve been going through a series here at Buckeyes Wire. It’s a debate on which Ohio State football player is the best to wear specific jersey numbers, and we’re now up to No. 11.
Before we get into all the fun, here’s an update on where we stand with all the jersey numbers we’ve debated to date:
We’re doing this because we know you’re bored looking at every square inch of your home. And while things are beginning to slowly open up, including the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, we’re all getting a little stir crazy from being cooped up due to the measures put in place to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Frankly, we’re getting a little bored of watching Ohio State beat Michigan in so many classic games over, and over, and over.
Anyway, in the long, illustrious history of Ohio State football, there is sure to be some disagreement, but that only makes it more fun.
We will continue to go as high as makes sense, or until we can get back into the Gap to buy Jim Harbaugh some ripped khakis. We’ll have the results of all of these polls further down the road, but you can get your voice heard on this one by clicking on the below Twitter poll.
Winfield’s father, Antoine Winfield, is a former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback and played with the Vikings from 2004-2012.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went offense in round one of last night’s NFL draft by selecting offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs with the 13th pick.
Tonight, in round two, the Bucs opted to improve their defense rather than add another running back to the mix, which many believed we’d see. Tampa Bay used the 45th overall pick to select safety Antoine Winfield Jr. out of Minnesota.
Winfield’s father, Antoine Winfield, is a former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback and played with the Vikings from 2004-2012.
At No. 45, the #Bucs take Minnesota S Antoine Winfield, Jr. at No. 45. A versatile DB. A run on safeties.
It’s a great selection by the Bucs as they desperately need help in the secondary. It also might mean the Bucs are comfortable enough with Ronald Jones as the primary back that they don’t mind waiting until later in the draft to take one, if at all.
Day 2 NFL mock draft: Projecting 2nd, 3rd-rounds for the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin night two of the 2020 NFL Draft and there are still several big named players still on the board.
The Eagles still have a need at wide receiver, in the secondary, and along with the interior of both lines.
Using a simulator from Pro Football Focus, the Eagles address the safety and running back position in round two and three.
In Winfield Jr., the Eagles would get a player who led the Minnesota Golden Gophers with 88 total tackles while helping them knock off Auburn in the Outback Bowl to finish 11-2 for the most wins in program history since 1904.
The Houston Texans can beef up their back end with these three safeties on day two of the 2020 NFL Draft.
A run on offensive linemen and the three best receivers falling to the middle of the first round has set up the Houston Texans to have a successful entry into the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Texans’ first pick of the draft is on day two with the 40th overall pick early in the second round. Houston also has a third-round pick at 90th overall. Here are three safeties the Texans need to target on day two to start their draft off on the right foot.
1. Antione Winfield
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The former Minnesota Gopher would be a nice complement to Justin Reid. Just as the Texans’ third-year safety has family in the NFL, Winfield comes from an NFL pedigree as his father, Antoine Winfield, also played in the league. In other words, Winfield knows the expectations of what it takes to play at a high level in the NFL.
Every first round has those players who deserve first-round grades, but are on the outside looking in. Here are the 2020 versions.
Just because teams missed you on the first day of the draft doesn’t mean that you’re not ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Second-day guys — the second- and third-rounders — are just as capable of showing their best right away. Ask Russell Wilson, who waited to the 75th overall pick in the 2012 draft, and shot his way to the top of the depth chart by the end of his first preseason.
Bobby Wagner, the Wilson of Seattle’s defense, was taken a round above his quarterback in 2012 and totaled three interceptions and 140 total tackles in his rookie campaign. The Panthers took Steve Smith in the third round of the 2001 draft, and while it took him a second to become the future Hall of Fame receiver he became, he had three return touchdowns in his rookie season — including one on the first regular-season play in which he got his hands on a regulation NFL football.
You get the point. Teams undervalue great players for all kinds of reasons, and all it takes is for the right team, and the right situation, to present themselves for good things to happen.
Here are the best players left on the boards after the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
(Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
Last season, Hurts threw 32 touchdowns to eight interceptions and completed 69.5% of his passes. So, why is he thought to be a project by so many analysts? Yes, his decision-making can be spotty, and his progression reads are a work in progress, but you could say the same things of Justin Herbert. Those who assume Hurts thrived in a dink-and-dunk offense should recognize that last season, he completed 33 of 66 passes of 20 or more air yards for 1,234 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three picks.
Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis
(Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports)
Limited sample size may have Gordon resting somewhere in the second or third round, but there’s no denying his explosive ability as both a receiver and returner. Last season, he broke 16 tackles on his 33 rushing attempts, and 17 tackles on his 38 catches. Imagine DK Metcalf also playing running back, and you’ll understand his athletic potential in the right system.
Zack Moss, RB, Utah
(Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports)
Speaking of broken tackles, nobody did more of that in the 2019 season than Moss, who eluded defenders 89 times and gained 1,042 yards after contact. Moss brings Marshawn Lynch to mind because he’s not just a brickhouse running back — he also has speed and agility, and can be a winner in the passing game.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
(Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
Mims may not have an ideal command of the full route tree yet, but when you get the ball in his hands, good things happen. At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, he has the vertical ability and physicality to make the contested catch, and he can burn defenders downfield. Imagine Josh Gordon without the unfortunate off-field issues, and that’s what Mims looks like.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
While it’s easy to say that Shenault’s lack of route complexity pushed him out of the first round, there are enough teams that fall in love with pure athletes with great developmental potential that I was pretty sure Shenault would be taken higher. Nonetheless, he’s a ridiculous athlete with remarkable after-catch potential who will be a real force in a multi-tiered passing game where he can take quick passes to the house as he works on the nuances of his position.
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
(Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)
Some analysts dinged Higgins for not being “physical enough.” which is a weird evaluation for perhaps the best contested-catch receiver in this draft class. Last season, he caught a preposterous 15 of 23 passes of 20 or more air yards for 565 yards and six touchdowns. Someone’s going to get a massive problem for enemy defenses, and a player who deserved a first-round grade.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Minnesota safety prospect Antoine Winfield, Jr.
Every NFL defense wants versatile, dynamic playmakers who can make big things happen all over the field, against both the run and the pass.
One of the most versatile defensive weapons in the 2020 NFL Draft class? Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, Jr., who can immediately transform any NFL defense upon his arrival.
Winfield recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his impressive career with the Golden Gophers, growing up with a Pro Bowler for a dad, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: You made the Academic All-Big Ten team three years in a row. You were a unanimous All-American in 2019. You also made the All-Big Ten 1st Team in 2019. What comes to mind when I read off those accolades?
AWJR: What a great year 2019 was for me. That’s what comes to mind. I think of my entire collegiate career when I hear those honors. I think of the hard work that went into it all. I had such a good time at The University of Minnesota. My time there prepared me for what’s next. It helped mold the man that I am today. It was a great college career.
JM: You leave Minnesota with nine career interceptions, seven of which came in 2019. Why did your production take such a big step forward this past season?
AWJR: I spent a lot more time in the film room. I started creating more turnovers in practice. Creating good habits is so important. If you do it in practice, you’ll do it in a game. I spent a lot of time around the ball in practice. Things were just clicking for me. My goal in practice was to create one takeaway a day. You can see how that attitude translated to my on-field play. My practice habits deserve all the credit for the takeaways I created in 2019.
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
JM: How do you look back on your time at Minnesota?
AWJR: I had a great four years at Minnesota. We went through a coaching change during my time there. Once we adjusted to the new staff, it was all smooth sailing. We kinda took off from there. I look back at my time there very fondly.
JM: Another thing that changed for you this past season was your health. You had some frustrating injuries that cost you part of both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. You played in 13 games in 2019. Did you make a change in your routine, or did you simply have better luck in the injury department?
AWJR: It’s football, you’re gonna get injured. In my eyes, there’s a 100 percent chance that you’re gonna get injured at some point. It’s unfortunate, but it’s gonna happen eventually. It’s a physical game. For me, I just tried to make sure that I was doing a great job of taking care of my body in 2019. I stayed behind a lot and did extra treatment. Even if I didn’t have anything nagging me, I just made sure I was staying ahead of things and receiving the proper treatments to stay healthy. I feel like all of the extra treatment I did this year really paid off.
JM: You spent some time returning punts at Minnesota. Is that something that you hope to continue at the next level?
AWJR: Yeah, I would love to continue returning punts at the next level. I love returning punts. Anything that gets the ball in my hands and gives me a chance to make a big play, I’m all for that.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
AWJR: It was a great experience. I’ve been dreaming about going to the combine since I was a little kid. It was amazing to finally live out that life-long dream. Every year, I sat down in front of my television and watched the combine for as long as I can remember. To finally go through that experience was awesome. I met so many great athletes and NFL coaches out there. I really enjoyed meeting and speaking with personnel members from the different organizations. It was just a great overall experience. Not everybody gets a chance to go to the combine. I was blessed to receive an invite.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you think is the overall impression you left out there?
AWJR: I hope that I left the impression that I’m a solid young man who’s excited to come in and make a difference for whichever team decides to draft me. My goal is to make an impact from day one. I hope all 32 teams left with that impression of me.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the safety position?
AWJR: I love playing in the middle of the field. You can see everything that’s going on from that vantage point. I feel like I’m the quarterback of the defense when I’m roaming the middle of the field.
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme that Minnesota ran on defense? What did your coaches ask of you?
AWJR: We ran a 4-3 defense. For me personally, I played a versatile role in our defense. I would come down and play the linebacker position sometimes. I played safety, I played a little nickel as well. I played pretty much everywhere. I’m a versatile player that can handle a lot. I’m very thankful for how I was used at Minnesota. They played me everywhere and I enjoyed it. I appreciate my defensive coordinator Joseph Rossi for putting me in such a great position to make plays. He really looked out for me. He played me in a role that allowed my versatility to shine at every spot on the defense.
JM: You had a huge impact on both the passing game and the running game. Do you have a preference there?
AWJR: No, not at all. I don’t have a preference. I love making an impact in both phases.
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
JM: When playing in coverage, do you approach a smaller, shiftier receiver differently than you do a bigger, more physical one?
AWJR: Yeah, I definitely approach them differently. It depends on what my opponent excels at. If I’m covering a faster, quicker receiver, I would probably play off him a little bit. That’s how we covered those guys at Minnesota. If you have a bigger, slower guy, you can press him a little bit more. I’d be up close and personal with him. It really depends on the opponent and what his strengths are.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 pulled everybody off the road?
AWJR: COVID-19 shut everything down. Our pro day was canceled. I didn’t get a chance to have any face-to-face interactions with anybody once the virus really started to make it’s impact. The only thing I’ve been doing is meeting with teams through FaceTime, telephone and any other video conference call applications. I wasn’t able to make any physical visits.
JM: Which teams have you met with via FaceTime and what not?
AWJR: I’ve met with the Bears, Falcons, Titans, Bengals and Chiefs. Those are the ones I can recall off the top of my head.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
AWJR: One question that threw me off while I was in the middle of an interview, one of their personnel members asked me if I liked using Instagram (laughs). That was pretty funny because we were right in the middle of getting into some deep football conversations and he just randomly threw that question out there. It just seemed kinda random. We got back to football right after that. That’s the only question that kinda threw me for a loop, more so because of it’s randomness.
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
JM: I imagine your pretty tired of dealing with the “undersized” label. How do you respond when someone brings that up?
AWJR: I don’t look at that in a negative way. It doesn’t bother me. I was born the way I was supposed to be born. Height doesn’t matter in football. You can either play the game or you can’t. It doesn’t matter how tall or short you are. I’ve never really given it much thought to be honest.
JM: Your father, Antoine Winfield, Sr., was both a terrific collegiate player, and an excellent NFL player. What’s the biggest lesson he’s ever taught you?
AWJR: He always taught me to be myself. We share the same name so he really motivated me to separate from the name and be myself. He taught me to create my own identity. He never pushed me towards football. Not one time. He told me if I didn’t wanna play football, don’t do it. I decided to play because I love the game. That’s the best piece of advice he’s ever given me. He always taught me to be unique.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
AWJR: There’s no better feeling than creating turnovers. Taking the ball away and getting it back for our offense is my favorite thing to do. That in itself is demoralizing for the opposing team. That’s my favorite thing to do.
JM: When a team uses a draft pick on Antoine Winfield, Jr., what kind of guy are they getting?
AWJR: They’re getting a guy that’s gonna come in from Day 1 and transform the defense. I’m gonna make us more versatile, and I’m gonna create turnovers for us. I’m all about creating takeaways. I’m gonna embrace a leadership role on the back end of our defense.
Antoine Winfield was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings. Would you want the team to draft his son?
Antoine Winfield Sr. started his career with the Bills, but the cornerback didn’t make the Pro Bowl until he came to the Vikings.
He ended up making three with Minnesota and ending his career with the team in 2012. He talked to ESPN about how he improved with Minnesota.
“I honed in and started taking the game seriously,” he said. “Every coach I had there in Minnesota, they preached turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. So I had to study. I told [Winfield Jr.] at a very early age that that’s how you make a name for yourself. That’s how you separate the good players and great players. Guys who create turnovers. It’s all about the ball.”
Now, his son, Antoine Winfield Jr., is one of the better safety prospects in this year’s draft class. Winfield Jr. might be a good fit for the Vikings if safety Anthony Harris isn’t with the team for the long haul.
– Via//. espn @abc @ohiostatefb
