Warner selects young 49ers player who starred in offseason program that originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – If awards were presented to the top players during the offseason program, 49ers linebacker Fred Warner knows who would get his vote.
Warner, a three-time All-Pro selection, did not participate in fieldwork during the organized team activities of the mandatory minicamp.
But he had a front-row view and was impressed with linebacker Dee Winters, who is entering his second season in the NFL.
“I think Dee probably had the best OTAs of anyone on the team,” Warner said Wednesday at the end of the team’s offseason program.
Winters, a fifth-round pick out of TCU in the 2023 NFL Draft, played in 15 games last season, mostly on special teams. He was on the field for only 60 defensive moments.
Warner said Winters’ improvement is noticeable.
“I feel like he’s come a long way since last year,” Warner said. “I remember him coming in as a rookie and struggling to learn the plays, get in shape and all those little things you have to learn as a professional.
“He came in this year and has been at it, left and right.”
Winters saw action on the first day of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Tuesday when he intercepted a Brandon Allen pass intended for tight end Eric Saubert in the end zone.
“He was in great shape this OTA, so he prepared for a great training camp,” Warner said of Winters. “He will train hard this summer and have a chance.”
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