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Dee Winters

Dee Winters Player Profile

Summary

Dee Winters was a high-energy linebacker for TCU, emerging as a defensive leader during the Horned Frogs’ 2022 run to the National Championship Game. A converted safety, Winters’ game is built on speed, range, and coverage ability, making him an ideal fit in modern NFL defenses that prioritize versatile linebackers who can cover ground and defend against the pass.

Drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft (pick 216), Winters joined one of the league’s most talented linebacker groups, learning behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. His blend of explosiveness and football IQ gives him developmental upside as a potential long-term starter in a fast, aggressive defensive scheme.

Strengths

  • Sideline-to-Sideline Range: Excellent lateral quickness and burst; closes space rapidly and can chase plays down from behind.
    (Source: NFL.com)

  • Coverage Ability: Background as a defensive back gives him strong instincts in zone coverage and the agility to match up against running backs and tight ends.

  • Explosiveness: Shows sudden acceleration through gaps and on blitzes; was a disruptive force in TCU’s playoff run (notably 7 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT vs. Michigan in the CFP semifinal).
    (Source: ESPN)

  • Football IQ: Diagnoses plays quickly; communicates well pre-snap and understands spacing in coverage.

  • Effort & Motor: Relentless competitor with a non-stop motor; plays bigger than his size.

Weaknesses

  • Size & Play Strength: At 5′11″ and under 230 lbs, he can struggle to disengage from bigger blockers and hold ground against interior runs.
    (Source: Draft Network)

  • Tackling Consistency: Occasionally overruns plays or fails to wrap up cleanly due to aggressive pursuit angles.

  • Run Fits: Needs to improve discipline when reading misdirection or RPO plays — can be caught out of position.

  • Developmental Processing Speed: Still learning to process NFL play speed; adjusting to timing and leverage against more complex blocking schemes.

  • Limited Experience on Special Teams (Pre-NFL): Will need to continue developing this area to carve out an early role in San Francisco.

Fit & Outlook

Dee Winters projects as a high-upside rotational linebacker with the speed and instincts to develop into a full-time starter in a fast-flowing defense. His athletic profile and coverage traits align perfectly with what San Francisco asks from its linebackers — range, speed, and versatility.

If he continues to refine his tackling technique and learns to play with more control at the second level, Winters could become a long-term contributor alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. In the short term, expect him to make his mark on special teams and sub-package roles while he adjusts to the pro game.