5 bold predictions for 49ers defense in 2020

No. 2: Fred Warner Receives a First-Team All-Pro Selection

This isn’t a prediction list solely for the 49ers defensive line, OK?

Instead, let’s move to one of the team’s deepest units, the linebacker corps, which has three players as perfect starters: Dre Greenlaw, Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner.

Out of that trio, Warner has the brightest light after backing up a promising rookie season in 2018 with an even more impressive campaign last year, earning recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate and a respectable 66.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Warner is one of the rising stars of the game, and his 89 solo tackles last year put him tied for sixth best in the NFL. Tack on three forced fumbles and three sacks, it’s safe to say Warner’s prowess is exemplary.

Simply put, Warner is around the football a lot.

But what separates Warner from a lot of linebackers out there is his ability in pass coverage. Warner’s PFF pass-coverage grade stood out in a big way, coming in at 76.4.

This all-around effort is putting Warner into the same category of the Seattle Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner or the Minnesota Vikings’ Eric Kendricks, who were both first-team All-Pros last year.

Let’s put Warner into that trio of All-Pros in 2020.