In his latest piece for NFL.com, writer Eric Edholm has unveiled a ranking of linebackers, highlighting standout draft values from the millennium. Acknowledging the significant impact of players from the 2018 NFL Draft, Edholm placed San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner at No. 3 on his list. This esteemed position follows Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David, both of whom are considered legends in their own right.
Edholm noted that while Warner is still early in his career, he is on a path toward potential Hall of Fame recognition, similar to Wagner and David. Over his first seven seasons, Warner has proven to be an exceptional three-down linebacker, consistently contributing on all fronts and rarely leaving the field. Along with Roquan Smith, who was the No. 8 overall pick in 2018, Warner is regarded as one of the finest defenders to come from that draft class, which also featured prominent talents like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
The 28-year-old linebacker has made an indelible mark on the field, recording at least 118 tackles in every season. To date, he has amassed a total of 897 tackles (36 for loss), along with impressive defensive statistics including 30 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, 10 interceptions, and 15 forced fumbles.
Warner’s versatility shines through his exceptional coverage skills, earning him an impressive 88.4 coverage grade last season— the highest among 49ers defenders. Even while dealing with an ankle fracture, he maintained his standout performance. Edholm underscored Warner’s well-rounded abilities, which include being a formidable run defender and blitzer, and praised his reliability, as he has only missed one regular-season game throughout his career.
Fred Warner exemplifies the qualities of a modern linebacker, showcasing dependability and impact that is vital to the 49ers’ defensive strength. His progression suggests a promising future, potentially leading to continued success on the football field, further solidifying his place among the elite in the NFL. Warner’s trajectory serves as an inspiring reminder of how young players can evolve into cornerstone athletes for their teams.