San Francisco 49ers: Analyzing the 2018 rookie NFL Draft class one year later
No. 1: Fred Warner, Linebacker
2018 season ranking: 2nd
What I said:
"I love this pick. I really, really love this pick. Aside from Mike McGlinchey (spoiler alert,) whom we’ll get to in a moment, Fred Warner is the only rookie I think can be a Week 1 starter. With Reuben Foster seemingly likely to return to the team on a very short leash, given the recent developments on his legal troubles that supposedly exonerate him with video evidence, Warner can still partner him at the WILL linebacker position (Foster plays the MIKE position). Even if he doesn’t start, Warner can be rotated in on passing downs with his amazing coverage ability. Warner isn’t perfect, he has tackling issues and won’t accumulate many sacks in his career, as he is much more a coverage linebacker than a blitzing one. But he can learn in camp to tackle properly."
2018 production:
Linebacker Fred Warner did indeed start in Week 1 (and every game of his rookie season) and the results spoke for themselves.
After Reuben Foster was released, Warner took over the mantle of the young draftee that the 49ers could base their new linebacker corps around, and he did not disappoint.
Warner was so impressive, that he was given the responsibility of being the defensive play caller. While defensive coordinator Robert Saleh calls the actual plays, if the mic cuts out or the offense plays a hurry-up offense it is Warner who has that responsibility.
Clearly, the Niners have found a future defensive captain and a player of incredibly high IQ in what can only be described as a steal in the third round.
Warner finished with 124 tackles and proved how adept he was in coverage with six pass deflections. He also forced a fumble and was credited with two quarterback hits.
McGlinchey might be the pick for the best rookie of the 2018 class, but I think Warner did so much more by taking on responsibilities you wouldn’t expect a rookie to take. That’s why he has my spot as the top rookie of 2018.
2019 status:
Like McGlinchey, Warner is not in any danger of losing his starting role.
With the addition of the talented Kwon Alexander and the intriguing potential of rookie Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers could very well have found their talented linebacker group they’ve been seeking with Warner at the helm as the young leader.
Next. 3 storylines to watch during Week 2 of 49ers’ 2019 OTAs. dark
The 2018 draft class was very impressive, and every single pick is still on the team and has a chance of making the 53-man roster. We can only hope that 2019 is no different, and the 49ers get a strong contribution from the rookies this upcoming season.