Niner Noise
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K’Waun Williams and 4 other 49ers defenders to watch vs. Seahawks

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Tanner McEvoy #19 of the Seattle Seahawks can't bring in a pass against cornerback K'Waun Williams #24 and safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Tanner McEvoy #19 of the Seattle Seahawks can't bring in a pass against cornerback K'Waun Williams #24 and safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Linebacker Fred Warner

With Kwon Alexander no longer in the 2019 picture, there’s going to be increased pressure on second-year linebacker Fred Warner.

True, the Niners will field rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw in Alexander’s stead on the weak side of the defensive formation. But Warner needs to be the bigger playmaker in Alexander’s absence.

Especially considering San Francisco’s aforementioned issues defending against the run.

Warner currently leads the 49ers defense with 48 tackles, including two for a loss. He has also been excellent defending against the pass, which isn’t surprising. He was essentially a safety back during his collegiate years at BYU.

But according to Pro Football Focus, Warner has been less than stellar defending against the run, posting a lowly 29.7 grade in this particular category.

Warner could be taking a lot of the blame for San Francisco’s run-defense struggles this season, and PFF’s metrics here aren’t always perfect. Yet it doesn’t change the fact Warner will be another player to watch in the 49ers’ efforts in stopping a player like Chris Carson.