Pats sign RB George Winn, an UDFA from Cincinnati

[jmt57]

The legend of George Winn continues​

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The article below goes into much further detail, complete with 16 still photos broken down with diagrams and explanations from four plays from last season.

The Sixth Man: Undrafted Patriots Halfback George Winn | NEPatriotsDraft.com

Was he seen as a byproduct of a high-volume college workload? He rushed the ball 243 times last season.

Was he seen as a one-year wonder? He spent his previous years behind current St. Louis Ram Isaiah Pead, taking a total of 78 handoffs between 2009 and 2011.

Was he seen as a man of inferior size, power and speed? Winn measured out as 5’11”, 210 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He benched 22 reps of 225 pounds, leaped 119 inches in the broad jump and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds.

Whatever attributed to his detracted value, Winn’s football fate will be decided by more than what’s on paper. To grasp an understanding of what Winn can do, it’s important to take a look at what he has done.

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There is little hesitation in Winn’s game. He is a decisive runner who relies on his eyes to cut through defenses.

As a result, Winn was able to establish himself as the beast of the Big East last season, leading all rushers in terms of yardage and touchdowns.

In the Belk Bowl against the Duke Blue Devils on Dec. 27, 2012, Winn’s vision-first approach was on display.

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Winn is at his best when he’s running perpendicular to the line. When he’s running parallel to the line, he has a difficult time getting out of first gear.

In layman’s terms, he’s a downhill runner. He’s better off charging tacklers than dancing around them, waiting for a runway to open up.

Facing the University of South Florida on Nov. 23, 2012, this sentiment was apparent.

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Winn caught 15 passes for 128 yards in 2012. In the three previous seasons, he caught a grand total of four passes. That stat line may give off the impression that he is a non-factor in the passing game, yet that’s actually a little shortsighted.

To give credit where it’s due, Winn is an asset when it comes to pass protection. He backed that up on Sept. 29, 2012 versus the Virginia Tech Hokies.

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Winn may not have the size of your prototypical goal-line back, but he does have the leg drive. And more often than not, that leg drive doesn’t give up without a fight.

On Dec. 1, 2012 versus the University of Connecticut, Winn showcased that lower-body strength as the Bearcats neared the goal line.

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The ability to keep your feet moving through contact is a vital trait for a running back. It can turn negative plays into positive ones; or in this case, two-yard gains into four-yard scores.

It’s about more than power or muscle.

It’s about effort.

For Winn, effort is everything. According to Jon Moore of RotoViz.com, he led all BCS conference backs in games with a rush of 18-plus yards last season. He did so without burner speed, elite change of direction or wrecking-ball type power.

If Winn flashes enough during training camp, he may just find a way to stick around Foxboro on the 53-man roster or the practice squad. But the sheer quantity of talent at the position — a group which accrued 2,022 rushing yards and 22 overall touchdowns last season — will make it very difficult to do so.

Regardless of what transpires between now and Sept. 1, there’s a lot to like about the hard runner from Southfield, Mich.

He’ll find a spot in this league, even if it’s not with the Patriots. And he’ll do so because he can get the most out of his ability.​

 

[Danger Zone]

Re: Re: Pats sign RB George Winn, an UDFA from Cincinnati

It’s about effort.

And this is probably 99% of the reason why Belichick is bringing the kid in.

 

[manxman2601]

And this is probably 99% of the reason why Belichick is bringing the kid in.

Actually I think it's more than just effort. In my post about him, I said he personifies "do your job" and I think that, at the end of the day, is why he has a really good chance of winning a final 53 place. Blount, for example has more wiggle but can't pass block to save his life. I just think Winn can perform a number of roles (pass blocking RB, short yardage back, game clock runner outer, special teams) to a pretty high level and will "do his job" on every one. That's what BB cherishes in my view.

 

[jah]

So confusing...a lot of hype around an UDFA who has already been cut by one team.

 

[manxman2601]

So confusing...a lot of hype around an UDFA who has already been cut by one team.

the Texans did sign four UDFA RBs - someone was going to be on the out. As for him being an UDFA, Patriots have had some success with UDFA RBs so a 5 page thread is probably warranted (considering the attention #3 QBs are getting ).