Dee Winters was 49ers’ defensive standout in joint practice vs. Raiders

HENDERSON, Nev. — Dee Winters appears as if he not only is in line to be a Week 1 starter, but is taking complete control of the 49ers’ weakside linebacker position.“He came to camp in great shape with a great mindset of wanting to hone in and take advantage of that new role of being the guy,” 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner said. “So he’s done it in a big way.”Winters made his presence felt during the 49ers’ joint practice Thursday morning with the Las Vegas Raiders.No live tackling is allowed during a joint practice, but Winters delivered a couple of pops that sent Raiders offensive players to the ground.“As he should,” Warner said, laughing. “That’s why we’re playing football.”Winters’ first big hit came against Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He later sent Raiders tight end Michael Mayer to the ground after a short reception from Geno Smith during a 7-on-7 period.Winters, a third-year pro, has created significant separation in the competition for the job in the 49ers’ defense that Dre Greenlaw held in the past. Greenlaw...