The 6 biggest 49ers NFL Draft steals of the last decade
Let's take a look at the best draft steals the 49ers have had there in the last decade.
By John Porter
LB Fred Warner, Round 3 (2018)
On the heels of Reuben Foster's quick departure came the drafting of linebacker Fred Warner in the third round in 2018. Normally, third-round picks aren't classed as steals, largely because an NFL side would still be expected to find starter-level talent on Day 2.
However, what makes Warner a steal is what he became: not just a plus starter, not just a well-liked player by the fanbase, but possibly the best off-ball linebacker in all of football.
Together with Dre Greenlaw (more of him later), Warner has led and fashioned the 49ers identity on defense since starting for the team from his rookie season.
He can cover like a defensive back (evidenced by multiple interceptions, including a career-high four in 2023), and hit like a train, and allows the 49ers defensive coordinator freedom to scheme up some very exotic packages with his multi-faceted skill set.
Also, while some have suffered injuries around him, Warner has been incredibly durable, missing only one game throughout his career.
To say he was the ninth linebacker taken in this draft almost seems laughable, while the five-year, $95 million contract he was handed in 2021 now looks cheap by comparison, especially considering the bigger deals handed out to lesser players in the intervening years.