Jeremy Chinn – Page 24 – Syndication Server

Colts can steal a safety prospect on Day 2 of NFL draft

Colts can find safety value on Day 2.

After a few shocks in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a very interesting position as the second round opens up on Friday.

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As the owners of the Nos. 34 and 44 picks, the Colts have unique positioning to draft two players who can have immediate impacts. One of those picks could come at the safety position.

After no safeties were taken off the board in Round 1, there are plenty of value picks in the early portion of the second round. Here are a few options for Chris Ballard and Co. to take with their first two picks of this draft:

Grant Delpit, LSU

Some saw it as a surprise that Delpit did not get picked on Thursday night, but many teams will be thankful that he didn’t. As a three-year starter for LSU, Delpit has won two Consensus All-American awards and was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection.

Delpit would bring an interesting combination of elite coverage skills mixed with run-stopping ability. He would fit in the Colts secondary and could help on stopping the run while blitzing as well. He is a very versatile prospect.

Xavier McKinney, Alabama

McKinney falling out of the first round was also a shock to many around the league. The junior safety out of Alabama was an All-SEC selection in 2019 and decided to leave the Crimson Tide a year early after having a breakout year.

McKinney is great in downfield pass coverage, but where he shines is in blitz packages when he is able to rush the quarterback. He is very fast and has great vision for reading a QB for an interception.

Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

This pick would most likely be at No. 44, but Winfield is no consolation prize. He decided to forego his final two years of eligibility for the Golden Gophers after his breakout year in 2019 where he earned the honors of Unanimous first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.

As a talented safety, Winfield has great coverage skills and excels in zone coverage when he can come across the field for a pick. His ability to read the quarterback and undercut routes is very rare at his age and level of play.

He is also a talented punt returner, which highlights his ability to read the field and use his speed to his advantage. As a very versatile athlete, he is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps.

After a multitude of reports came out about the Colts possibly trading Malik Hooker this week to move up in the draft, many thought the Colts would need to draft a safety coming up in the second round. What nobody thought, however, was the quality of safeties that would still be on the board.

Hooker’s inability to stay healthy is still a concern as he heads into the fourth year of his rookie contract and has yet to receive an extension or a fifth-year option.

Could this be the spot where the Colts make a decision on their future at the safety position? Could other safeties like Jeremy Chinn and Ashtyn Davis be options too?

Either way, the Colts have many options on what to do with their two second-round picks. The way this draft has gone so far, I would not be surprised to see a couple more shocking moves on Day 2 and beyond.

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4 don’ts for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things Bears GM Ryan Pace should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for Pace and co. ahead of this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DON’T: Trade up

Pace has a reputation for seeing his guy and doing whatever it takes to get him. For better or for worse. Although, typically, for worse. For every Khalil Mack there’s a Mitchell Trubisky. For every Eddie Jackson, there’s a Leonard Floyd.

Pace has traded up each of the last four drafts, including twice in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he traded up to select Floyd and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. In 2017, Pace traded up to grab Trubisky and Jackson. Then in 2018, he traded up to draft receiver Anthony Miller, and most recently in 2019, to select running back David Montgomery. Pace isn’t shy about trading up to select guys high on his board, but there’s a belief that changes this year.

Considering the Bears are already thin with the draft capital they currently have — they have just two selections in the first four founds — Chicago can’t afford to be relinquishing picks. Now, trading down on the other hand, that would serve to benefit the Bears and perhaps lock up a third or fourth-round selection.

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4 do’s for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things GM Ryan Pace and the Bears should do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for how Pace should address this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears need to do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DO: Trade down

The one thing Bears fans certainly don’t want to hear is that Pace is trading draft capital to move up and draft someone in the first round. Something that he’s been known for in the past — with mixed results.

The Bears have just two selections in the first four rounds, which doesn’t leave them a lot to work with amid several roster concerns. While Pace has been prone to trading up to get his guy, we could see a change in the guard when it comes to trading draft capital.

Pace should try to trade one of those second-round picks to acquire additional picks — perhaps an extra selection in the third or fourth round that would allow them to nab a prospect that winds up falling in the draft — before their five selections in rounds 5-7. While Pace has had mixed results in the first round, Pace has found some gems in the later rounds.

That certainly sounds like it could be the case, as Brad Biggs reported Chicago is expected to try and trade back at least one — maybe both — of their second-round picks in order to gather additional picks.

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5 safeties the Bears should target in 2020 NFL Draft

In a weak safety class, the Bears need to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety. Here are five prospects that fit the bill.

With the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the Chicago Bears have a starting safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.

Right now, Deon Bush, Jordan Lucas and DeAndre Houston-Carson figure to battle it out for the starting strong safety spot, presumably alongside a rookie.

Many draft analysts have the Bears targeting a safety with one of their two second-round picks, and in a weak safety class, Chicago needs to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety.

Let’s take a look at five safeties the Bears could target in the NFL Draft:

1. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

Chinn’s athleticism, size and speed make him an intriguing prospect, and he proved to a defensive playmaker for Southern Illinois. Chinn’s stock has been on the rise since his impressive outing at the Senior Bowl, and he’s now projected to be a Day 2 pick. Chinn has made it clear that he’d love to play for the Bears, and they appear to feel the same, as they’ve met with him twice during the pre-draft process.

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Who would be ideal top two picks for Bears in 2020 NFL Draft?

While you can never plan for things to fall exactly in place, who would be the Bears’ ideal top two picks?

With the 2020 NFL Draft just one week away, NFL clubs across the country, including the Chicago Bears, are finalizing plans and strategies for the three-day affair that will welcome in a slew of new players.

But those plans don’t always pan out like teams would like. That’s just the name of the game, and even the best draft experts can’t predict how the chips will fall.

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter and Lance Zierlein decided to pretend that’s not the case as they pinpointed the ideal top two picks for each club, including the Bears.

It’s no secret that the Bears have a number of needs on offense and defense, including offensive line and defensive back. Reuter and Zierlein believe that Chicago’s ideal scenario would involve bringing in Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz with the 43rd pick and Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn with the 50th selection.

Chicago is without a first-round pick again this year due to the trade for sack artist Khalil Mack. Fortunately, they have a couple second-round picks, including one from the Raiders in the Mack deal, that they can use to address two major areas of need: center and safety. Ruiz is an athletic player who has the football intelligence to step into the starting role on Day 1. Chinn’s size and hitting ability will allow him to play in the box when Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson is in centerfield, while his overall athleticism will enable him to handle deep coverage duties and work in the slot.

It’s more of an expectation that Chicago will address the offensive line in this draft, and Ruiz would be a player that you could plug in from Day 1. Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, but he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. The Bears have a vacant right guard spot to fill with Kyle Long’s retirement, and Ruiz could certainly occupy that role.

The Bears also have a starting strong safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro-Bowler Eddie Jackson. Chinn has been someone that the Bears have shown interest in, having met with him twice this pre-draft process. Chinn’s stock has risen since his performance at the Senior Bowl, and he’s someone that would be a great fit opposite Jackson.

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Meet Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois’ dynamic defensive weapon

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Southern Illinois defender Jeremy Chinn

Every year, the NFL draft features a few small-school prospects who dominated in college, and have the skills to do the same thing at the game’s highest level.

Jeremy Chinn made big plays all over the field for Southern Illinois, no matter where he lined up, and he’s got the talent to make the same kind of impact in the pro ranks.

One of the top defensive prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Chinn recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his impressive college career, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.

JM: 13 interceptions, 31 pass break-ups and six forced fumbles. You spend a lot of time around the football. What is it about your game that lead to that ball production?

JC: I’m always looking for the quickest route to the ball. I take a lot of pride in that production. I’m a high effort player. I believe there’s only one way to play the game, and that’s fast and physical. The game evolves around the ball, so I might as well get my hands on it by any means possible.

JM: How do you look back on your time at Southern Illinois?

JC: I progressed a lot throughout my time there. I was able to get into the starting lineup as a true freshman. My production seemed to take a step forward every year. I got smarter and better on a consistent basis. I made less and less mistakes as the years went by. It’s really all about instincts for me at this point.

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

JC: It was cool. I’m a local, I’m actually from Indianapolis. To actually get a chance to go to the combine, it was the coolest experience in the world for me. I enjoyed getting around all of the different coaching staffs, scouts and general managers. All of the big decision makers were definitely in attendance. I finally hit the field on the Sunday and I was ready to go.

JM: First of all, the measurements are off the charts. You stand in at 6-3 and 221 pounds. Your arms measured in at over 32 inches. When it came to the testing, you hit a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash and a 138-inch broad jump. Did you expect to test as well as you did?

JC: Yeah, I actually expected to run a little faster in the 40. Throughout training, my 10-yard and 20-yard splits were a bit faster than what I actually tested at. I planned on running faster. I planned on jumping a little higher as well. I was pretty happy with my broad jump though.

JM: What were the splits looking like in training?

JC: My 10-yard split was about a 1.50 flat and I ended up getting a 1.55 at the combine. It may seem like a small difference, but it can be the difference between the 4.45 I hit in the 40 and the 4.40 I was running in training.

JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you think is the overall impression you left out there?

JC: I think everybody out there realized that I love to compete. I love the game of football. That’s the impression I was hoping to leave out there. I’m a competitive guy. Like I said earlier, I believe there’s only one way to play the game. That’s how I approach the game every single time I hit the field. I’m gonna come in and make the team better. I’m gonna live around the ball. It doesn’t matter how they choose to use me, I’m gonna positively impact the game for us. I’m coming in ready to work. I’m ready to win.

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the safety position?

JC: I had a really great defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois. When you watch the film on me, you see me moving all over the place. I played in the slot, I played single-high, I played in the box. During my junior year, I actually played a lot of cornerback on the outside. I love being able to play so many different spots. That’s my favorite aspect of playing the safety position. I’m rangy enough to play up high and make those interceptions, or I can come down in the box and blitz or impact the run game. There’s so many beautiful aspects to playing the safety position. I get to do so much on the field.

JM: Do you have a preference when it comes to impacting the run game or passing game?

JC: I can’t say that I have a preference. I’m a competitor. Whenever I’m on the field, it doesn’t matter which spot I’m playing, I feel like it’s my time to shine and make a play. I’m always looking to make an impact.

JM: You mentioned playing a little cornerback on the outside. Do you approach a smaller, shiftier receiver any differently than you do a bigger, more physical one?

JC: Yeah, I definitely approach those guys a little differently. Thankfully for me, I have the athletic ability. When they first see me, I’m a 6-3, 220 pound guy, they don’t think I can run fast but I’m just as quick and fast as anybody out there. I don’t have a problem matching their speed. I really try to get my hands on those smaller guys. You have to disrupt them a little bit. Most of them don’t like it when you’re physical with them, especially since I’m a big guy. I understand how to use my arm length and reach to my advantage.

JM: We’ve touched quite a bit on your defensive coordinator, and how he was creative in the way that you were utilized in the defense. What can you tell me about the overall scheme?

JC: We primarily ran a quarters defense. We had two high safeties most of the time. We played a lot of Cover 3 as well. I played all over the field and often roamed the middle. I really played everything.

JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?

JC: Everything started to shut down immediately after my pro day. I wasn’t able to get any of those private meetings in unfortunately. I’ve been able to stay in contact with teams through FaceTime and Zoom.

JM: Which teams have you met with via FaceTime and Zoom?

JC: Out of respect for the teams, I’m choosing to keep that information private at this time. I will say that from the Senior Bowl to now, I’ve met with all 32 teams in some capacity.

JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?

JC: I didn’t get asked anything too strange. Somebody asked me if I was more like a cat or a dog. I just said I was more like a dog. I’m always in attack mode. I can be a bully or a protector.

JM: Throughout all of your team meetings, has anyone brought up the small-school competition? If so, how did you answer that?

JC: No team has really brought that up. I think when you turn on the film, you can see the type of player that I am. When we played against the big schools, schools like Ole Miss and Memphis, those were two of my best games throughout my career and I played against those guys during my junior and sophomore years. I don’t think anybody will really question me because of the level of competition. The film speaks for itself.

JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

JC: I don’t know that I can pick just one way (laughs). I’m always prepared for my opponent. I’ll say that. It’s important to study the film before going up against that team. I’m always ready to outwork my opponent. I’m more physical than you are. It’s a physical game. I’m not gonna let my opponent win the physical battle.

JM: When a team uses a draft pick on Jeremy Chinn, what kind of guy are they getting?

JC: They’re gonna get a leader. They’re getting a high impact player. I love the game of football and I love learning new things. I’m always working to get better. I love the work that comes with it. That’s really what I’m most excited about as I continue to prepare for the next level. I can’t wait to get better.

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Bears target o-line, safety, tight end in new 5-round mock draft

With the 2020 NFL Draft just about a week away, we’re close to seeing what Bears GM Ryan Pace does for this roster.

With the 2020 NFL Draft just about a week away, we’re close to seeing what Bears general manager Ryan Pace does for this roster with needs on both the offense and defense.

In Sports Illustrated’s new five-round mock draft, Kevin Hanson has the Bears addressing three important needs in offensive line, safety and tight end.

With the 43rd overall pick, Hanson has Chicago landing Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz. While Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. Considering the Bears have a starting right guard job up for grabs, Ruiz could battle it out amongst Germain Ifedi, Alex Bars and Rashaad Coward.

Then the with the 50th overall selection, Hanson has the Bears targeting Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn. Chinn’s athleticism and ball skills make him one of the best safeties in this draft class. And with the Bears looking to fill the starting strong safety spot opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, Chinn would be a great fit paired with one of the NFL’s best safeties.

In the fifth round, with the 164th overall pick, Hanson has Chicago taking Stanford tight end Colby Parkinson, which addresses the Bears’ need at a position of need without targeting one too early in the NFL Draft. Parkinson serves as an extra receiver out on the field, and at 6-foot-7, he’d be a big target for Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles, especially in the red zone.

The Bears currently have seven draft picks, but they only have two selections in the first four rounds. The Bears have two second-round picks, as well as one pick in the fifth round and two picks both in the sixth and seventh rounds.

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2020 NFL Draft rankings: Safeties

Not the best year to need a safety but some of these guys could thrive in the right situation

The Cleveland Browns are going to be extremely focused on adding a new offensive tackle to protect Baker Mayfield, but they will also be looking at the safety position long and hard. They currently only have one-year rentals roaming at the back end of the defense. This safety class is one of the worst we have seen in recent years at the top, but there is still some talent that can provide help.

I grade players extremely generous and like to think with an open mind. Most writers only rank 20-25 first round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

1st Round

1. Grant Delpit, LSU, 6-2, 213 pounds

Delpit possess the ideal instincts for a starting-caliber safety and has the athletic ability and ball skills to capitalize on said instincts. The major concern with Delpit is that his play appeared to plateau in 2019 and the 2018 version was better. Comparing his stats from the past two years is just one piece of evidence to his obvious dip in play.

2. Xavier McKinney, Alabama, 6-0, 201 pounds

McKinney is an extremely versatile defender. He has the necessary range to be effective in coverage and the instincts to be in the right place at the right time as a run defender. The biggest flaw with McKinney’s game is his lack of elite athleticism, which may hurt his abilities as a single-high safety.

2nd Round

3. Ashtyn Davis, California, 6-1, 202 pounds

Davis is the opposite of McKinney, as he is a freak athlete with track star speed that can allow him to thrive in single-high. Davis would have a first-round grade, but he is built thin. He is close to the same size as McKinney, but Davis does not have the same frame and might be maxed out already.

4. Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne, 6-1, 217 pounds

Dugger was an absolute stud during Senior Bowl week where he washed away nearly all doubt that he can hang with the big boys after coming from such a small school. He has shown that his athleticism is rare no matter the level of competition. With all that said, Senior Bowl week was just one week and playing in the Division II ranks is still going to raise some questions.

5. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota, 5-9, 203 pounds

Winfield can be a starting-caliber free safety in the NFL and like his dad, Antoine Winfield Sr., has elite instincts that allow him to overcome his small stature and play larger than his listed size. With that said, you can’t just ignore his less than ideal size and lengthy injury history. That is the reason he is this far down the list.

6. Terrell Burgess, Utah, 5-11, 202 pounds

Burgess has fantastic athleticism to go with impressive instincts. Those make him the total package at safety able to work wonders in a zone-heavy scheme. He can also stick to receivers in man like few safeties can. Like Winfield, Burgess lacks the ideal size you want starting on the back-end and his frame appears tapped out.

7. Brandon Jones, Texas, 5-11, 198 pounds

Jones is a former High School All-American and lived up to that hype with 30 career starts and despite his listed size, has the body to play strong safety in the NFL with an impressive physique. Jones has a ton of tackles to his name, but he is not the most fearsome tackler and rarely gets a solid hit on anybody with the ball instead electing to bring them down by the ankles.

3rd Round

8. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois, 6-3, 221 pounds

Like Jones, Chinn is a perfect fit for the strong safety role in the NFL. Despite coming from an FCS program, Chinn showcased his ability to hang with the big boys during Senior Bowl week. He has the type of attitude and personality to win over a front office. The biggest obstacle in Chinn’s way is still the fact that he played against lower competition in college.

9. Julian Blackmon, Utah, 6-0, 187 pounds

Blackmon has some great film, especially when he is tasked with covering the running back. He can be a versatile weapon for any defense as he can play nickel CB at a high level in addition to safety. Blackmon did have an injury during the PAC-12 Championship that warrants deeper investigation and he doesn’t always have flawless footwork in coverage.

10. K’Von Wallace, Clemson, 5-11, 206 pounds

Wallace is a prototypical free safety, but is versatile enough to lineup wherever asked, just like he demonstrated at Clemson. He was truly the unsung hero of that defense with a resume that includes 36 career starts and a school-record 59 career games played. Wallace does lack ideal size though and his frame appears to be maxed out.

11. J.R. Reed, Georgia, 6-1, 202 pounds

Like Wallace, Reed checks many of the boxes you want in a starting free safety, but he also plays with a unique aggressiveness and can impact the game from the box. He maybe the best safety in this class against the run. Despite being a better fit at free, Reed is not the smoothest in coverage and really struggles when tasked with man assignments.

4th Round

12. Geno Stone, Iowa, 5-10, 207 pounds: Has good instincts in coverage, but needs to clean up tackling.

13. Brian Cole II, Miss. St., 6-2, 213 pounds: Intriguing upside as a strong with limited experience as he transferred from Michigan as a wide receiver to East Mississippi Community College then Miss. St.

14. Jordan Fuller, Ohio St., 6-2, 203 pounds: Has solid range, has to play free as he struggles in the box.

15. Josh Metellus, Michigan, 5-11, 209 pounds: Moves where he wants to with great speed, but sometimes goes to wrong spot.

16. Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn, 5-11, 191 pounds: Instincts make him arguably the best in the class in zone, but his lengthy injury history hurts his stock.

5th Round

17. Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland, 5-11, 220 pounds: Former linebacker still plays like it and is best when moving towards the line of scrimmage, most obvious fit at strong.

18. Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame, 6-0, 205 pounds: Ideal fit with zone reliant team, but is not the smoothest tackler.

19. Alohi Gilman Notre Dame, 5-10, 201 pounds: Former Navy transfer, fairly versatile with athletic limitations. Best game was against Clemson in 2018 and his best fit is at free.

20. Kamren Curl, Arkansas, 6-1, 206 pounds: Starter since freshman season, provides some versatility, but better fit at strong. Fairly low ceiling but decently high floor.

21. Shyheim Carter, Alabama, 5-11, 194 pounds: Versatile with the ability to play nickel, but lacks ideal athleticism.

6th Round

22. David Dowell, Michigan St., 6-0, 199 pounds: 36 consecutive starts and eight career interceptions isn’t too shabby. Solid free fit.

7th Round

23. Myles Dorn, North Carolina, 6-2, 205 pounds: Solid athlete but too often gets lost, best fit is at free.

24. Jared Mayden, Alabama, 6-0, 205 pounds: Didn’t start until senior season. Fairly versatile, best fit is at strong.

25. Levonta Taylor, Florida St. 5-10, 190 pounds: Great athlete with the versatility and experience to play free safety or corner, but has lengthy injury history.

26. Kenny Robinson, St. Louis (XFL), 6-1, 202 pounds: Decided to go the XFL route after West Virginia, best fit is at strong.

27. Jaquarius Landrews, Mississippi St., 6-0, 200 pounds: Had okay week at NFLPA Bowl, could play strong.

28. Khaleke Hudson, Michigan, 5-11, 224 pounds: Great blitzer, too small to play linebacker and too slow to play safety.

29. Reggie Floyd, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 222 pounds: Like Hudson, stuck as a tweener linebacker/safety, obvious fit at strong.

Priority Free Agent:

30. Jaylinn Hawkins, California, 6-1, 208 pounds

31. Douglas Coleman II, Texas Tech, 6-0, 173 pounds

32. Luther Kirk, Illinois St., 6-4, 194 pounds

33. Jalen Julius, Ole Miss, 5-10, 192 pounds

34. D.Q. Thomas, Southern Miss, 5-10, 220 pounds

35. Daniel Thomas, Auburn, 5-10, 215 pounds

36. Xavier Lewis, Southeastern Louisiana, 5-11, 200 pounds

37. Alijah Halliburton, Wyoming, 6-0, 197 pounds

38. Patrick Nelson, SMU, 6-1, 215 pounds

39. Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal, 6-3, 198 pounds

40. Nigel Warrior, Tennessee, 6-0, 192 pounds

5 safeties for the Philadelphia Eagles to consider in the 2nd-round of 2020 NFL Draft

5 safeties for the Philadelphia Eagles to consider in second-round of 2020 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles will certainly address their glaring wide receiver needs in next weekend’s NFL draft, but it’ll be interesting to see if Howie Roseman chooses to add a young safety to the roster after switching Jalen Mills’ position and signing Will Parks.

The safety position is not as deep as cornerback or edge rusher, but the Eagles could land a pretty good player in the second round.

With the draft stacked at receiver, the Eagles would be better-served targeting a safety early on, with a talented receiver still likely to be on the board in the later rounds.

Here are five safeties the Eagles should consider in the second round.

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Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

Winfield Jr. announced that he was skipping his final two years of eligibility after earning consensus All-American honors and tying the single-season Gophers record with seven interceptions.

Winfield led the 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.

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10 Players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-2 of 2020 NFL Draft

10 players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-2 of the 2020 NFL Draft

[jwplayer 25TEMUeW]

The NFL draft is now just under two weeks away and although the intrigue has been about what the Eagles will do with their first-round pick, there’s plenty of drama surrounding the second-round as well.

The Eagles will again have pick No. 53 and if Howie Roseman chooses to stand pat, there are a number of intriguing options, including a bevy of talented wide receivers.

The Eagles could choose to go cornerback, safety or linebacker with the pick as well.

We’ve provided a list of ten players the Birds could target in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Chase Claypool — Notre DameMandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Considered a second- or third-round pick before the 2020 NFL Combine, Claypool brought back visions of Calvin Johnson with his movements.

.@NDFootball WR Chase Claypool runs a 4.42 official 40-yard dash!

He joins @CalvinJohnsonjr as the only wideout 6’4” & 235 pounds or bigger to run a sub-4.45.

📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/FMuqq5UQ5k

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2020

At 6-4, 240-pounds with the ability to line up as a tight end, Claypool may have given coaches pause about a position change after he ran a 4.42, making him the first receiver over 230 pounds to run sub-4.45 since Calvin Johnson in 2007.

Claypool is strong, can jump out the gym and could be an option for the Eagles if they move on from Alshon Jeffery.

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