6 safeties the Vikings could select in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota)
Measurements:
- Height: 5-foot-9 | Weight: 203 pounds
2019 Stats:
- 83 tackles (3.5 tackles for a loss)
- 7 interceptions, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles,1 pass breakup, 1 touchdown
Plenty has already been said about Antoine Winfield Jr. Not only is he a former Golden Gopher, which will endear him to Vikings fans, but he’s also the son of Viking legend, Antoine Winfield.
Like his father, he is small in stature at only 5-foot-9. However, he does have a thick frame weighing in at 203 pounds. Though he’s short, he makes up for it with his speed and his knowledge of the game.
Winfield grew up with football. He watched his dad closely over the years and he has been studying film since he was in diapers. He is the definition of a football player and that knowledge puts him in spots to make big game-changing plays.
In his career with the Gophers, he had nine interceptions, two of which he took to the house. He also recovered three fumbles and forced two more. There is no reason to think this playmaking ability won’t carry over into the pros.
The question is are the Vikings in a spot where they can take Winfield? It’s probably too early to take him at No. 22 or 25. He likely will not be on the board when they pick in the second round either.
So if Minnesota wants Winfield, and they should, they should look to trade back into the first round or move up in the second round. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman isn’t afraid to move around the board. He has the ammunition to make it work this year and bring this kid home to where he belongs.