NFL Can Wait: Chase Winovich should return to Michigan

When it comes to NFL scouts, not every player will receive the recognition and draft grade Michigan defensive lineman Maurice Hurst has. Redshirt Junior Chase Winovich may face that fate if he declares for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Make no mistake, Winovich was a certified badass for Michigan in 2017, racking up 17.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 74 total tackles (29 solo), and 2 forced fumbles. Those are elite numbers.

Winovich returning or not will hinge partly on the grade he receives by the NFL College Advisory Committee (CAC), which reviews prospects film and lets them know where they will rank in the draft. The CAC will review up to five players film per college team, and it’s likely Winovich would be one of the five for Michigan.

Winovich would be used a bit differently in the NFL, at 6’3” & 253 pounds he’d likely be a 4-3 defensive end or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. The versatility could help or hurt him, being what scouts would call a “tweener”.

What will help Winovich stock is being a Michigan player coached by Jim Harbaugh, the NFL wants Harbaugh’s players and they come off the board sooner opposed to later. Winovich would likely have an above average combine, excelling in drills that would showcase his speed. Anyone who’s seen Winovich play has witnessed his impressive lateral speed.

Winovich is strong too, he can bull rush well and has a handful of other moves in his arsenal. He’s also a high character guy with good charisma and a love for the game, he will impress teams when interviewed by them.

I’ve noted nothing but positives about Winovich thus far, so why shouldn’t he just go to the NFL? His stock could become much higher.

Don’t get me wrong, Winovich may wind up being drafted in the first three rounds if he declares for the 2018 draft... but if Winovich stays for a final season at Michigan and in all likelihood dominates, he would be a lock to be drafted in the first round. More risk to stay, but a lot more money to be had if the risk works out.

Henry Poggi is doing his best to seal the deal on Winovich returning

Winovich said he will be evaluating his options and go from there. The question is, will he be going anywhere or will he be staying in Ann Arbor for the 2018 season?