49ers’ 5 most important defensive players entering 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Linebacker Fred Warner
Linebacker Fred Warner solidified himself as a great find by the 49ers in 2018, eventually leading the team with 124 tackles his rookie season.
Warner did have some issues tackling early on, but those were largely rectified during the second half.
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He’ll be under more pressure to retain that prowess in 2019.
San Francisco’s switch to a wide-9 front has some trickle-down impact. It does take the strong-side (SAM) linebacker off the line of scrimmage, which should help alleviate some pressure off Warner a bit. But one of the drawbacks is it opens up the possibility for more interior runs, instead of those bumping to the outside.
Warner’s role as a MIKE linebacker means he’ll be responsible for handling a lot of the second-level run-stopping duties this season and likely beyond. A slightly more-open defensive front means opposing offenses are going to attempt these interior rushes against the 49ers on a more frequent basis.
If Warner gets into some trouble with tackling again, this switch could create something of a liability.
If his run-stopping abilities stay strong, however, the Niners may not see a massive increase in their rush-yards-against-average from last year (4.1), while using the new defensive formation to create better pass-rushing opportunities, too.