2020 NFL draft: Introducing Robert Windsor, Penn State’s gem of a DL prospect

Every year in the NFL draft, teams are trying to find late-round prospects who can still make an immediate and sustained impact at the next level. Penn State defensive lineman Robert Windsor is one such prospect in this year’s class.

Windsor recently spoke exclusively with MCM about his time at Penn State, which teams he’s met with throughout the predraft process, and why a team should take a chance on him in the 2020 NFL Draft.

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

RW: I had a great experience. I was very happy with my performance. I was blessed to receive an invite. It gave me a chance to meet with some NFL teams in-person and perform in front of all 32 teams before the spread of COVID-19 shut everything down.

JM: What do you feel is the overall impression you left out there?

RW: I think I proved that I’m an athletic guy for my size. I’m a big guy but I move well. I’m quicker and more athletic than I look.

JM: You mentioned the impact that COVID-19 has had on this predraft process. Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before the shutdown?

RW: Unfortunately, I was not. Everything was planned for after my Pro Day which was canceled.

JM: That’s pretty consistent with what I’ve heard from most prospects. I imagine you’ve moved things to the phones since then. Who are some of the teams that you’ve met with via FaceTime and Zoom?

RW: I’ve met with the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals. Those are the ones that come to mind right now.

JM: Do you have a preference when it comes to playing in the passing game or the run game?

RW: I really don’t have a preference. They go hand in hand. You have to be able to do it all to play this game at a high level.

JM: What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?

RW: I’m a strong, smart guy. I have a go-to move or a counter move to go along with every pass set an offensive linemen might show me. Rushing the passer is kind of like a chess game to me.

JM: How do you try to demoralize an offensive linemen?

RW: I just take what he gives me. Does that make sense? If he’s playing to stop my speed rush, I’m gonna hit him with power instead. If he’s playing to stop my power, I’ll hit him with speed.

JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen that you’ve gone up against?

RW: Ben Bredeson from Michigan immediately comes to mind. I think he’s a very good player. He’s not getting enough attention right now. That’s a very underrated player right there.

JM: He’s a good one. How can you keep an offensive linemen on his toes?

RW: I just have to be versatile with my rush plan. I need to switch up what I’m doing. I can’t become too predictable out there.

JM: Do you have a favorite moment in a Penn State jersey?

RW: I’ll never forget winning the Big 10 Championship. That was definitely the highlight of my Penn State career.

JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?

RW: There were a few odd questions during the psychological testing. I remember being asked if I rather finish first in a sprint or second in a marathon. Do you love to win, or do you hate losing?

JM: How did you answer that one?

RW: The right answer is that you hate to lose. If you hate to lose, you love to win. That’s just the way it works (laughs).

JM: I love that. What’s the biggest any coach at Penn State ever taught you?

RW: Wow, that’s a tough question. I learned a lot throughout my time at Penn State. I would say that the biggest lesson I ever learned at Penn State was how to approach things the right way. My defensive line coach Sean Spencer brought a lot of energy to the practice field every single day. He showed me how important a consistent approach is.

JM: If you were going to war tomorrow and could only bring one teammate with you, who would it be and why?

RW: I would bring Yetur Gross-Matos with me. We played right next to each other. We spent a lot of time in the trenches together. We had each other’s backs out there. We just have that sort of bond. I would definitely bring him with me.

JM: I’ve appreciated your time today, Robert. In closing, why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Robert Windsor?

RW: If you draft Robert Windsor, you’re getting a kid with a vision to be great. I’m gonna make choices that line up with pursuing that vision.