From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today we’ll be profiling TCU Linebacker Dee Winters.
#13 DEE WINTERS, LB, TEXAS CHRISTIAN (JR.) 5110, 227LBS.
Combine invite
MEASURABLES
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Dee Winters | 5’11 / 227 | 8 5/8″ | 31 5/8″ | 75 3/8″ |
| 40 Yard Dash | 10 Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| 4.49 | 1.54 | 4.46 | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| 116″ | 30 1/2″ | 20 |
THE GOOD
— Speed to cover ground quickly and effectively
— Strength and athleticism to pick up RBs and TEs in coverage
— Does well keeping his eyes in the backfield to read QB when in coverage
— Has the trigger speed to fire downhill and crash on the football with urgency
— Moves well laterally to cover and defend sideline to sideline
— Fluid mover in space to effectively cover ground in zone coverage
— Effective blitzer who was utilized both through the gaps and off the edge
THE BAD
— Lacks the patience to let play develop and unfold before trying to make a play on the football, resulting in mistakes and allowing big plays
— Undersized with 5’11 227-pound frame
— Average testing athletically outside of speed
— Play diagnosis needs to improve
— Inconsistent angles to the football when trying to make a tackle
— Too often gets stuck in blocks and wiped out of play
— Processing needs work, too many missteps and bites on the football, which leads to him being out of position
BIO
— Birthday is October 17th, 2000 (22 years old)
— 3-star recruit out of Burton, Texas, ranked 689th nationally by 247sports
— 36 career starts, team captain in 2022
— Named first-team All-Big 12 in 2022
— 2022 Stats: 79 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pass deflection
TAPE BREAKDOWN
To start off we see Winters lined up as the off-ball linebacker closest to the screen. Despite the play progression seeming obvious that it would lead to the outside, he works back to the inside. There is a chance he was taking this to defend a potential cutback, but that seems like something that would be on #57 to handle. Winters appears to have just gotten ahead of himself and jumped too early upfield, missing the chance at the football.
CONCLUSION
Dee Winters will win teams over with his speed and quick trigger with the chance for those to be unlocked into more consistent playmaking with more time and experience in the NFL. That experience is much needed as there are still many issues in terms of processing in his play. Not to mention the limitations due to his frame and play strength could hold him back from ever securing a full-time role at linebacker.
For the Steelers specifically, Dee Winters likely wouldn’t resolve the need at linebacker, but if they decide to double dip at the position getting someone like Winters who could also rotate and operate as a speed rusher off the edge could bring intriguing value worth grabbing in the later rounds.
Projection: Day 3
Depot Draft Grade: 7.2 – Rotational Player (4th Round)
Games Watched: vs Oklahoma (2022), vs Kansas State (2022), vs Michigan (2023)
