Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting which 49ers win team awards for 2021

By Nathan Bannerman

San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The defense has always been a strong suit for the 49ers. With numerous candidates for 2021, Fred Warner will stand out once again.

Back in 2019, I had named linebacker Fred Warner to the team DPOY. It was a hot take considering the 49ers had lots of players worthy of the honor. But there was something special about Warner who proved his worth in 2020 and will do the same in 2021.

The 24-year-old defender is looking to improve on his 125 total tackles from 2020. He also had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Last season under former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Warner was named to his first Pro Bowl, was named a first-team All-Pro, won NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 16, and was ranked 70th on the NFL’s Top 100.

We can only expect Warner to get better under the new defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans. From 49ers senior reporter Keiana Martin, Ryans is credited for the All-Pro’s success.

Expect Warner to not only be the 49ers’ pick for DPOY but also a candidate for the NFL’s award in February.