Fred Warner

Summary

Fred Warner was selected in Round 1 (#7 Overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Brigham Young University. At BYU, he finished his collegiate career with 164 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors in his final season. Since entering the NFL, Warner has been a cornerstone of the 49ers defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), First-Team All-Pro honors (2021), and recognition as a team leader and defensive captain. Warner’s combination of instincts, speed, and leadership makes him a model linebacker and a trusted voice on and off the field, widely respected for his work ethic, football IQ, and character.

Strengths

• Coverage Skills: Elite ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and slot receivers. Warner is equally excellent in man and zone coverage where he showcases exceptional sideline-to-sideline speed and agility for a linebacker.

• Instincts & Football IQ: Reads plays quickly, diagnoses runs and passes, and consistently positions himself to make tackles and disrupt plays. Can play inside or outside, contribute in nickel packages, and drop into deep coverage when needed.

• Tackling Consistency: Strong form tackler and wraps securely and avoids missed tackles even in space. Effective as a blitzer in select packages; understands angles and leverage to create pressure. Just a complete football player.

• Leadership & Communication: Vocal on the field and commands the defensive front and ensures alignment and assignments.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Ceiling: Not a consistent edge rusher and relies on scheme and angles rather than pure power or burst off the edge. While disruptive in coverage, doesn’t consistently generate double-digit sack seasons.

• Size vs. Power Runners: At 6’1”, 237 lbs, Warner can struggle against bigger, downhill power backs in short-yardage scenarios, although he is entertaining in trying to anticipate snap counts in goal line and jump over the pile.

• Occasional Overpursuit: Aggressiveness in coverage or run fits can occasionally open cutback lanes.

• Dependence on Scheme: Maximized best in structured defenses that allow him to read and react and less effective in completely unstructured chaos.

Outlook

Warner is ideally suited for modern NFL defenses that require hybrid linebacker play, blending coverage responsibilities with run support and occasional pass-rushing assignments. He thrives in zone-heavy schemes, using his sideline-to-sideline speed, instincts, and communication skills to anchor the defense. Warner is also effective in sub-packages, matching up against tight ends or slot receivers, while providing leadership that elevates the play of surrounding teammates. Looking ahead, Warner projects as a franchise-level linebacker and defensive leader for years to come. While not an elite sack producer, his ability to control space, make plays in coverage, and maintain consistency across all three downs ensures he will remain a foundational piece of any defense as long as he doesn’t suffer any lingering effects from his season-ending injury in 2025. With his combination of intelligence, athleticism, and character, Warner is one of the most reliable and versatile linebackers in the NFL, capable of anchoring a championship-caliber defense for multiple seasons.