Summary

Andrew “Dewey” Wingard went undrafted in the 2019 class out of the University of Wyoming, where he was a three-time First-Team All-Mountain West selection and finished his college career with 454 tackles, ranking second in school history and tied for most in Mountain West Conference history. Despite being undrafted, Wingard has survived with the Jaguars through multiple coaching staffs, crests and troughs. Over his seven seasons in the NFL, he has compiled over 300 total tackles, 6 interceptions, 21 passes defensed, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries, while serving mostly as a rotational safety, spot starter, and core special teams contributor. Wingard is somewhat of a cult hero in Jacksonville due to his high-energy, hard-working, and “glue guy” mentality.

Strengths

• Tackling and Physicality: Reliable tackler who plays with good leverage and willingness to come downhill in run support and is core special teamer despite sporadic starting roles.

• Instincts & Football IQ: Recognizes offensive tendencies quickly, which helps in zone coverage and supporting run fits. Has shown ability to break up passes and snag interceptions, making plays on the ball when in position.

• Versatility Across Safety Roles: Comfortable in multiple safety alignments — centerfield deep help, box support, and slot coverage in certain packages. Wingard even aligns at linebacker at times under current coordinator Anthony Campanile.

• Work Ethic & Character: Revered for his determination, effort, and leadership in practice and games as an undrafted player who carved out a long NFL tenure.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Elite Athleticism: “Hustle guy” who does not possess standout speed or burst compared to the top tier of NFL safeties, which can limit range on deep balls and in coverage.

• Coverage Limitations at Times: Can be caught out of position or slow to react in man coverage against quicker receivers or tight ends.

• Consistency Issues: Production and performance have fluctuated year-to-year, with impact plays often spiked rather than steady elite play.

• Size & Physical Limitations: At ~6’0”, 200 lbs, doesn’t bring the size some schemes prefer for heavy-hitting, in-box safety roles.

Outlook

Wingard projects as a valuable rotational safety and versatile secondary piece in defensive schemes that emphasize multiple safety looks and situational coverage packages. His blend of instincts, tackling ability, and willingness to play all over the field makes him a good fit in zone-heavy defenses and sub-packages that require interchangeable backsides. Though not elite in range or one-on-one matchup coverage, he thrives when utilized in defined roles — particularly as a depth safety, veteran rotational starter, or special teams asset. Given his proven longevity as an undrafted pro and his continued ability to make plays when called upon, Wingard should remain a reliable toggle between starter and key backup, especially in systems that accentuate team-oriented assignments rather than full responsibility for coverage isolation.