Prospects the Arizona Cardinals should watch from the BIG10

Chase Winovich, EDGE

Winovich posted some outstanding advanced statistics while donning blue and yellow. His Pro Football Focus grade finished at a 90.2, which puts him in the likes of Nick Bosa and Josh Allen. His 21.0 sacks, 36 quarterback hits, and 80 hurries while with at Michigan, per Pro Football Focus, are also rather impressive.

While watching his tape, one of the most notable traits to Winovich’s game is his technique while rushing the quarterback. He has uncanny ability to knock down offensive lineman’s hands quickly and cleanly. His bend while careening the edge, and outstanding technique is also more developed than other pass-rushers in the 2019 class.

But Winovich isn’t just a productive pass rusher. In terms of run defense, he has excellent gap control and is quick to the ball. Per PFF, he ranks second in run stop percentage with 11.8% rate. During his 2018 campaign, he tallied a total of 40 solo tackles (98 in his career) along with ten assisted tackles (31 in his career).

However, Winovich may not get his name called until day three because of subpar explosive athleticism. While he tested well at the combine in the 40-yard-dash (4.59 seconds), the tape shows a player struggling to get around the more fleet-footed linemen.

Final Verdict

With his competitive toughness and never-ending motor Winovich will be a starter by years end. He does need to work on his tackling ability as looks for the big hit too often but his game is NFL-ready. If he is available in the third or fourth rounds and if the Cardinals do not take Bosa with No. 1, Steve Keim should make this call.