Niner Noise
FanSided

SF 49ers: 9 young players who should shine in 2021

By Akshaj Dwivedula

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 18: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a 2-yard touchdown catch during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Rams 24-16. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 18: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a 2-yard touchdown catch during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Rams 24-16. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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SF 49ers, Dre Greenlaw, Fred Warner
Dre Greenlaw #57 and Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

SF 49ers LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw

If you want to talk about obvious young stars in 2021 for the SF 49ers, look no further than Fred Warner, whose ascension to beyond elite middle linebacker play in the 2020 season has been one of the only bright spots of the season.

In recapping the SF 49ers loss to the Washington Football Team, I called Warner an eraser, a player good enough to mask the mistakes of his fellow defenders and fix plays on his own. His ability to carry defenders through the middle third of the field allows for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to tinker with his pressures and his outside coverages, knowing the middle is locked down. The only way Warner could possibly be slowed down next year is by injuries, and barring something catastrophic, this looks like the new normal and he’s a bonafide superstar at linebacker.

Dre Greenlaw is a different story. Though he has been a key member of the starting linebacking unit, taking over responsibilities in the nickel sets following former SF 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander’s injury last year, Greenlaw has been a step slow and has seemed to struggle in coverage this year. His tackling has been sure-handed as always, but his reactions and coverage have both been a tick late, which in football, is all it takes at times to struggle.

Before the season, I tabbed Greenlaw as a potential candidate for regressive performance, and while I wouldn’t say he’s hit a sophomore slump, he has dealt with a tougher challenge this year so far.

That said, Greenlaw possesses the physical skills necessary to ascend to a consistent level of Pro Bowl play, leaving only a necessity to diagnose plays stronger to get into the right position to make plays regularly.

Saleh said (h/t SI.com) that “His tackling ability, his speed and his range is up there with anyone. As he sees more and more plays and as his football IQ continues to increase, he’s only going to get better.”

Linebacking in the NFL is more cerebral than many positions, and it requires significant mental preparation and development. That’s not something that just comes without work. It’s something that comes from repetition and practice.

With more reps under his belt, 2021 will be the year Greenlaw can let the plays happen naturally and showcase his star talent.