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.
RELATED
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.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why 49ers rookie Romello Height has defensive line coach excited
The San Francisco 49ers used a third-round draft pick on defensive end Romello Height, hoping the rookie can help bolster a pass rush that lacked consistency last season. Height is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign at Texas Tech, where he recorded a career-high 10 sacks and... -
49ers' Mac Jones has no regrets about his contract decision
Mac Jones could have positioned himself for a sizable payday this offseason had he signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers instead of the two-year contract he agreed to last year. After spending a season under head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, the veteran... -
49ers' Trent Williams has two-word reaction to Rams landing Myles Garrett
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams will be among the players responsible for slowing down star pass rusher Myles Garrett when the team faces the Los Angeles Rams in its Week 1 international matchup in Australia. On Wednesday, the veteran offensive lineman—widely... -
Why 49ers coach quickly fell in love with rookie LB Jaden Dugger
The San Francisco 49ers selected linebacker Jaden Dugger out of Louisiana in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. During the pre-draft process, Dugger stood out as a prospect with the athleticism, instincts, and upside to develop into an impact defender at the NFL level. One...