Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, stats for 2018

By Aaron Tan

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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PROVO, UT – OCTOBER 6: Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos is brought down by Fred Warner #4 of the Brigham Young Cougars during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 6, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
PROVO, UT – OCTOBER 6: Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos is brought down by Fred Warner #4 of the Brigham Young Cougars during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 6, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Linebacker Fred Warner

This is probably my favorite 49ers pick of the NFL Draft.

Linebacker Fred Warner out of BYU is not going to bring you the thump Reuben Foster does, but what he is is a tackling machine who can play excellent coverage on any receiver.

If Foster is found guilty of his alleged offseason charges or is suspended, Warner will slide right into the starting lineup. He is better than the aging Malcolm Smith, and I believe that he is better as Brock Coyle, even as good as he was playing last year.

If Foster is found innocent, which is looking very likely, Warner will join Foster in manning the middle of the field. I could see this linebacker duo having the potential to be equally as dangerous as Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman together.

I predict Warner to garner 90 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions in the 2018 season.

Boy, am I excited about this kid.