49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Linebacker Fred Warner

The San Francisco 49ers picked up linebacker Fred Warner as insurance for Reuben Foster in 2018, and the former is now a key cog in a developing defense entering 2019.

Looking at hindsight, it’s awfully good the San Francisco 49ers drafted former BYU linebacker Fred Warner in Round 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

At the time, Warner was seen as both insurance and a complementary piece to the Niners’ previously drafted linebacker, Reuben Foster, who would last with the team only into late November of Warner’s rookie season.

By the year’s end, Warner led all San Francisco defenders with 124 tackles, holding down the vital middle (MIKE) play-calling linebacker spot throughout the season.

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/18/2019.

Warner had his share of early struggles, yes. By in large, though, he’s looking to be quite the cog in San Francisco’s defense heading into his second season.

And there are plenty of reasons to assume he only gets better in 2019 and beyond.

Why Fred Warner Improves in 2019

The 49ers tabbed Warner for a number of reasons, but his coverage abilities signify the desire to have linebackers capable of handling pass-defense duties — a necessary trait for the position in today’s pass-happy NFL.

According to Pro Football Focus, Warner’s coverage grade was a solid 67.7 last year. A full year immersed into the league, one should expect that number to rise in 2019.

There’s also some room for improvement elsewhere, notably in the tackling department. When last year was finished, PFF pegged Warner as the team leader in missed tackles (16). But the vast majority of those came early in the season, and Warner seemed to improve significantly in that category as the year wore on.

Again, a full year at the NFL level only serves to improve that stat.

Why Fred Warner Regresses

While there are certainly more reasons to be excited about Warner’s 2019 potential, there are a couple of things to monitor in terms of a possible regression.

Tackling issues were something listed on Warner’s NFL.com draft profile, too. So while there’s hope the improvements he showed late in 2018 in this area are signs of things to come, it’s also feasible he is something of a tackling liability as well. That remains to be seen.

Additionally, Warner will need some time to jive with his new linebacking partner, Kwon Alexander, who’ll take over the weak-side (WILL) duties, as well as adjusting to the strong-side (SAM) bumping back to more of a “stack” backer because of the defense’s switch to a wide-9 alignment.

Speaking of that alignment, expect opposing offenses to attempt more interior runs this season, meaning a lot more pressure on Warner.

Expected Role and Impact with the 49ers in 2019

Warner had a minor knee procedure during the offseason and missed organized team activities. He’s expected back by training camp, though, so that’s a good thing.

The Niners are looking for more consistency at linebacker this season, featuring a regular crop of starting linebackers instead of the makeshift, alternating group alongside Warner for much of 2018.

This could take a lot of pressure off Warner to be the go-to tackler at the second level this season. So it wouldn’t be too shocking if Warner’s tackling numbers take a bit of a dip.

He could still be around the 100-tackle range in 2019, though.

It’s going to be fun watching Warner hone his coverage abilities, however, as those were already key to his skill set as a rookie. The proverbial improved jump from years one and two at the pro level typically is a good one, meaning Warner could even find himself in the Pro Bowl conversation once the regular season draws to a close.

San Francisco fans everywhere would be thrilled with that.