ESPN didn't need to come up with a ranking of the NFL's best off-ball linebackers to remind fans that San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Fred Warner should be No. 1.
But, the sports media outlet did precisely that, and most other fanbases are probably more interested in evaluating who the other nine backers are behind Warner. That's a more compelling argument.
In compiling the data, courtesy of league coaches, executives and scouts, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler had no difficulty placing the perennial All-Pro atop the list, going so far as saying Warner is "in a class by himself" in a social media post sharing the ranking.
Well, duh.
Niners fans need no reminder about Warner's greatness, and some would argue he's quickly approaching the title of best backer in San Francisco history, currently held by Hall of Fame great Patrick Willis.
Of Warner, Fowler wrote:
"Warner -- recipient of four All-Pro first teams in five years -- dominated the voting with more than 80% of the first-place votes.
He's durable, only sitting out one game in his seven-year career. He has three straight seasons with at least 130 tackles and seven pass deflections, highlighting his pass-game prowess. He also has back-to-back years of four forced fumbles.
He's considered the best defensive game manager in the NFL but has improved his all-around game."
Related story: Baker Mayfield and George Kittle agree on Fred Warner's trash-talking ways
Interestingly enough, though, Warner ranked second behind the Baltimore Ravens' Roquan Smith, according to 20 percent of the first-place votes, which seems almost sacrilegious.
Smith is great. But, he's no Warner.
ESPN's top-10 linebacker rankings
Here's the full list of 10 best linebackers from ESPN's poll:
- Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
- Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
- Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
- Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
- Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders
- Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears
- Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- DeMarvion Overshown, Dallas Cowboys
- Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos
- Quincy Williams, New York Jets
(Sheds slight tear seeing Greenlaw on this list but not as a Niner)