Fred Warner admits doubting Dee Winters before impressive NFL career turnaround

SANTA CLARA — Dee Winters had a standout performance in the team’s 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, but at one point, Fred Warner was unsure of the young linebacker’s chances to make the team. “It’s been a huge, huge improvement,” Warner said on Wednesday. “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.’ But he actually has shown me that you can’t judge a rookie by the first impression.”Winters sat behind Warner and now Denver Broncos’ Dre Greenlaw in 2023, not earning his first start until Week 5 of the following season. Injuries slowed his development, but now, after a healthy offseason, the Texas Christian product has started to show his abilities on the field. Winters received the highest coverage grade on the team from ProFootballFocus.com, allowing four receptions on four targets, but only for 20 yards. The third-year linebacker also registered seven solo tackles, five stops and a quarterback pressure.“It was amazing, amazing to see,”...