Ranking 49ers 10 most important players entering 2022
By Timmy Gibson
No. 5: 49ers Linebacker Fred Warner
Since he is one of, if not the, best linebackers in the NFL, it should come as no surprise Fred Warner makes this list. But Warner’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. Warner is the key to everything San Francisco does on defense.
What distinguishes Warner from nearly every other linebacker in the NFL is his ability to defend the pass.
Fred Warner has been one of the most effective linebackers in coverage since entering the NFL in 2018.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 27, 2022
Almost half of Warner's career targets (49%) have come against WRs, the highest rate of any LB over that time span and 1.5 times the LB average (33%).#SFvsLAR | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/CwdQ1R02u8
NFL offenses often look to take advantage of defenses by forcing linebackers to cover the pass. Warner makes it so much harder because he can cover the pass so well, he generally has the advantage. Warner’s ability to defend the pass helps the 49ers to control the middle of the field.
Of course, while Warner stands out the most in pass defense, he is a stellar run defender as well, and his elite, well-rounded skillset is why Pro Football Focus ranked him as the best linebacker in football.
Finally, as a middle linebacker, Warner is one of the most important Niners by position alone. The middle linebacker is often referred to as the quarterback of an NFL defense, as he typically communicates with the coaching staff and calls out plays to the rest of the team. Warner’s role as the leader of the team’s defense, combined with his on-field prowess easily cements his status as one of the most important players San Francisco has.