San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who could be first-team All-Pros in 2020

No. 4: 49ers Linebacker Fred Warner

The next player on the list of possible Niners first-team All-Pros has a much longer path towards achieving this mark than George Kittle.

But it’s certainly not out of the question third-year linebacker Fred Warner would receive this lofty accolade. After all, Warner was also named on the NFL 100 list, albeit at No. 70, even though his ascent as one of the league’s best linebackers is certainly worth monitoring.

Warner was named a Pro Bowl alternate last season, which is indicative of him being recognized for his exemplary defensive abilities and rising status among the league’s elite. True, Warner had some issues tacking last year and wasn’t quite as potent against the run. But in a league where pass-defending linebackers are becoming more and more valuable, it’s logical to assume Warner will back up his stellar 2019 efforts (118 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception and a defensive touchdown) with an even greater stat line in 2020.

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly’s retirement thins out some of the competition at the position this season, although Warner will still have to contend with the likes of the Indianapolis Colts’ Darius Leonard, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt, the Minnesota Vikings’ Eric Kendricks and the Seattle Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner to stand a chance.

That said, a true breakout year from Warner could put him in this elite category for the first time.