3 burning questions for 49ers linebackers in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: How high is Fred Warner’s ceiling?
In 2018, Fred Warner proved he was worth more than a third-round NFL Draft pick. In 2019, Warner proved to be a team leader and ended up being a Pro Bowl alternate.
What does 2020 hold?
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It’s not hard to find praise for Warner. His coverage skills are already among the best at his position, which is vital in today’s pass-happy NFL. And he’s getting recognition, too. CBS Sports recently ranked Warner the No. 9 linebacker in the league entering 2020, while a recent ESPN panel of coaches, executives and scouts placed Warner at No. 10.
Simply put, Warner is pretty darned good yet is only 23 years old. The scary thing is there’s room for him to get even better.
Warner still had some issues last season with missed tackles — 22, according to Pro Football Focus — meaning there’s a portion to his game which could get much, much better.
If that’s cleaned up and Warner winds up being the same kind of prolific playmaker he was last season, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the former BYU product as not just a Pro Bowler, but potentially a first-team All-Pro.
Seriously, that’s the trajectory he’s on.
Next. Current 49ers players on track for Pro Football Hall of Fame. dark
Thankfully, the 49ers boast one of the best young linebackers in the league within a position made up of excellent linebackers, and this combination will look to be a vital piece to the team’s defense this upcoming season.