Dee Winters' NFL Turnaround: Fred Warner Admits Initial Doubts
Dee Winters, the San Francisco 49ers linebacker, has impressed teammate Fred Warner after a strong performance in their 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Warner initially doubted Winters' potential during his rookie minicamp but now acknowledges the young player's significant improvement and valuable contribution to the team.
Warner's Evolving Perspective on Winters
Warner confessed that his first impression of Winters wasn't positive. "I remember when Dee came in as a rookie, and seeing him in OTAs and rookie minicamp, and I’m thinking, ‘Boy, I don’t know. I don’t know if he’s got a chance.'" However, he’s been proven wrong. Injuries had initially slowed Winters’ development, but a healthy offseason has allowed him to demonstrate his abilities on the field.
Winters, drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was initially seen as a developmental player behind Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Now, with Greenlaw having moved on to the Denver Broncos, Winters has the opportunity to solidify his place in the 49ers' defensive core.
Winters' Performance and Impact
Winters received the highest coverage grade on the team from ProFootballFocus.com in the game against Seattle. He allowed only four receptions on four targets for a mere 20 yards. He also recorded seven solo tackles, five stops, and a quarterback pressure. Warner praised Winters, stating, "It was amazing, amazing to see. I’m not surprised at all. He earned that moment to go out there and make a lot of plays for us. And we are going to need him in a big way going forward."
Winters' Versatility and Skill Set
Winters' college experience at TCU, where he played in an unconventional 3-3-5 stack defense, has prepared him well for the NFL. He thrived in a system that demanded versatility, playing both as a traditional linebacker and in slot coverage against wide receivers. His speed, short-area explosiveness, and coverage ability make him a valuable asset to the 49ers defense. His ability to disguise pressure and retreat into passing lanes is particularly rare and valuable.
Warner's Final Thoughts
Warner believes Winters is "just scratching the surface" of his potential. Acknowledging he can be tough on teammates, Warner stopped short of declaring that Winters has fully arrived as an NFL player but made it clear the rookie is on the right track. According to Warner, Winters has "earned that moment" and they will need him "in a big way moving forward." Winters' development has taught Warner a valuable lesson — to not judge every book by its cover.
