49ers roster 2021: Fred Warner more important than ever

Fred Warner’s projected outlook for 2021

There’s no getting around the fact Fred Warner is easily the most important player to the 49ers defense heading into 2021.

And with all due respect to Nick Bosa, Warner is probably the best overall player on the defense, too.

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What’s great about Warner’s ascent is the fact he’s now fully recognized as one of the very best at his position in the entire league, no longer just a well-known name among the Niners fanbase who’ll occasionally garner recognition in national circles.

While great, what’ll matter most is just how much of an impact Warner will have for San Francisco in 2021 and beyond. A defensive captain, who is also versatile with his pass-coverage skills, blitzing abilities, run-stopping prowess and playmaking skills, Warner is going to be one of DeMeco Ryans’ key linchpins for the defense this season, helping ease the transition to a modified scheme while not letting up on the overall impact this unit is expected to make this season.

Considering how young Warner still is and the fact he’s only reaching the prime of his career, future Pro Bowls and All-Pro nods are still very much in play.

The 49ers will need as much of that play as they can possibly get, too.