San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 rookie seasons in the Kyle Shanahan era

No. 3: 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (2018 NFL Draft)

This is a guy who I personally think will be considered as one of the league’s best linebackers within the next couple of seasons if that isn’t already the case.

This is, of course, none other than 2018 third-round pick, Fred Warner.

Warner may have been a rookie in 2018, but he definitely didn’t play like one. His leadership on the field was evident from day one, as well as his impact as a versatile defender. It was evident right away to everyone around the league that the 49ers got a steal in Warner in the third round.

Warner posted a very impressive stat line in his rookie season, producing six pass deflections, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 125 total tackles in 16 games (where he was a starter in all 16).

The next time you see Warner make a big play, you can thank the Chicago Bears for providing the 49ers with the ammunition to grab Warner in the draft (remember that Niners trade down with Chicago back in 2017?).

It can’t be denied Warner is one of the leagues most promising young defenders, who displayed his ability to lead a defensive unit in his rookie year under Kyle Shanahan.