Why 49ers LB Dee Winters has the inside track to start

The San Francisco 49ers invested a third-round pick in Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, it might be a sixth-round selection from 2023, Dee Winters, who earns the coveted starting weak-side linebacker job next to All-Pro Fred Warner.

On Tuesday, Winters showcased impressive coverage skills while matched up against one of the NFL's most dangerous offensive weapons, Christian McCaffrey. Known for his elite receiving ability out of the backfield, McCaffrey was the target on a deep pass from quarterback Brock Purdy. Winters blanketed the All-Pro running back and ensured the ball never reached its intended target.

That type of versatility has seemingly positioned Winters as the frontrunner to replace Dre Greenlaw, who is now with the Denver Broncos.

"His coverage ability is as good as anybody," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said of Winters. "You trust him in those situations. Normally, with a guy like Christian on the field, you're not going to want to be in a call that puts it back one-on-one. But we gave him the opportunity, and he won."

A linebacker covering McCaffrey is typically considered a mismatch. However, Winters' strong performance in coverage may give San Francisco one of the league's best linebacker tandems. Last season, Warner earned the team's top coverage grade (88.4) from Pro Football Focus, while Winters ranked second with an 80.0.

That emerging skill set could give Winters the inside track to a starting role in 2025.

"With every passing day, he builds more trust that he can do that," Saleh added. "The more he shows that he can, it just creates openings for everybody else, especially from a blitz standpoint, where we can send extra people in at their protection knowing that we have guys all over the place that can handle the different athletes that the league has to offer."

Winters' growth in coverage and versatility could make him a key factor in the 49ers' defensive plans in 2025.