Michigan’s Chase Winovich has all the tools to be a Pittsburgh Steeler
For the segment of Steelers nation who have been waiting for a triumphant return of dominant edge rushers there’s one name in this year‘s draft class that should steer as a player in the team should pursue: Michigan Wolverines DE Chase Winovich.
A five-year player at Michigan, Winovich started his college career as a linebacker before moving to tight end and then back to the defensive side of the ball as a defensive end where he would appear in 36 games over the next three seasons.
Winovich cut his teeth as a tackling machine who often stopped opponents behind the line of scrimmage. His defensive stats listed below are also accompanied by film to also showcase his prowess as a pass rusher.
| Year | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | PD | FR | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 32 | 8.5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | 13 | 36 | 37 | 73 | 19 | 8.5 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2018 | 13 | 33 | 26 | 59 | 15.5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | 36 | 86 | 80 | 166 | 43 | 18.5 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
As a redshirt junior, he was a 2017 first team and second team All-Big Ten selection. He finished his final year at Michigan earning third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press and first-team All-Big Ten notice.
Pro Comparison
Pro scouts are already making comparisons between he and former Packer (now Los Angeles Ram) Clay Matthews:
I'm not just throwing this out there because of the blond, flowing locks, but Chase Winovich shares a similar skill set/play style to Clay Matthews. Just some school for thought.. #NFLDraftNews #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yeSgwjttaw
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Film Breakdown
Tommy Jaggi takes us through ten clips which best show the type of pro Chase Winovich could become.
Chase Winovich is very good working back inside the tackle, but needs some work on his outside rush. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/9rYUT9ORor
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 20, 2019
Chase Winovich showing he can win with speed and dip on the outside. #NFLDraft #NFLDraftNews pic.twitter.com/agpgI2veBk
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 20, 2019
Chase Winovich's 4.59 speed (94th percentile) is on display here. His backside pursuit is terrific. #NFLDraft #NFLDraftNews pic.twitter.com/HzNeKmthUA
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Chase doing what he does best – fighting through blocks. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/PHAgXDldvx
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Chase Winovich is a little slow off the line on this play, but builds speed and bullies the tackle – getting low on this rush. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/41SSf1k9oX
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Chase Winovich knifing through the line on the first play. Then uses quick hands and a inside step on the next. The tackle whiffs and falls to the ground. Chase just wants it more than anyone out there. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/nA3XhwjOvc
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Here's Chase Winovich again splitting through the O-line. He never slows down. #NFLDraft @Wino pic.twitter.com/WlGFYXTL5n
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Chase is an expert at using his hands to shed blocks. He had 34 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Z2Ezp84ED9
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Chase Winovich has excellent hand fight. I love the way he lunges at the QB. A lot of pass rushers will wait until they could wrap him up by the hips/chest. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/8GYkC2Glxq
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
Chase Winovich is so stout against the run. Play with discipline. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/6XERzLWUpw
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) March 19, 2019
