The 49ers have added linebacker depth in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Dee Winters out of Texas Christian University (TCU). …

With the departure of Azeez Al-Shaair during the offseason, the 49ers were in need of reinforcements at the linebacker position. The team hopes that Winters can help fill the void and continue the development of their linebacking corps.

At TCU, Winters demonstrated his versatility by playing both inside and outside linebacker positions. He has a good combination of size, speed, and athleticism that should translate well to the NFL. Winters also showed impressive tackling ability, recording 89 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks in his senior year at TCU.

However, despite his impressive college statistics, Winters will have to earn his spot on the 49ers roster. He will be competing with Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for a spot on the team. Burks, a former third-round pick, has struggled to establish himself in the NFL so far, but his potential upside could give him an edge over Winters. Flannigan-Fowles, on the other hand, has been a solid special teams contributor for the 49ers but has yet to prove himself as a reliable linebacker.

It remains to be seen whether Winters will be able to make an immediate impact for the 49ers, but his selection indicates that the team is committed to continuing the development of their linebacking corps. With a strong defensive scheme and coaching staff, Winters will have the opportunity to learn and develop alongside some of the best in the business. Overall, the 49ers’ decision to draft Winters in the sixth round looks like a solid move to address their need for linebacker depth.