Fred Warner Cites the Main Improvement Dee Winters has Made

That's why he's holding his own against Christian McCaffrey in practice. However, if you ask Warner what Winter's main improvement is, he won't cite pass coverage.

"I think overall the consistency and confidence in the scheme," Warner said. "I think as a young player, guys are at different spots. Some guys catch on quicker than others. For Dee, he wasn't able to be out there to get those reps. Obviously, repetition is what allows you to become more and more confident. So, that's what he's finally getting now is those reps."

"He came in (training camp) great shape with a great mindset of wanting to really hone in and take advantage of that new role being the guy. He's done it in a big way and just got to continue to get better and better as the season comes."

What it sounds like Warner is essentially saying is that Winters has improved mentally. Yes, the reps have allowed Winters to come into his own, but he's gotten everything down with his intellect.

Reps won't do any player any good if they aren't mentally sound, and that is where he's improved his game. It's how he was able to improve his pass coverage skills.

Being a cerebrally elite player is what makes Warner great, despite being physically gifted. Winters has sound physical tools, but becoming strong mentally is what will skyrocket his skills.

It's given him amazing results so far. That is why Saleh has a lot of trust in him, and it will continue to grow as he does.

When Winters inevitably gets named the starter alongside Warner, the reflections made will be how he took the mental aspect of his game to a new level.