There isn’t a linebacker in the NFL better than Fred Warner. Now according to the NFL top 100 list, there aren’t many players at any position better than him. Warner landed at No. 15 on a list voted on by NFL players and released on NFL Network.
The jump to No. 15 is a 32-spot climb for the All-Pro linebacker after he was voted 47th before last season.
It’s hard to dominate a position as well as Warner dominates it. He’s a superb run defender, he’s excellent in coverage, and he combines elite athletic traits with a football IQ that allows him to orchestrate everything on the defensive side for the 49ers.
Last season Warner posted 130 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one interception and 10 pass breakups, and he earned his second Pro Bowl nod along with his second First-Team All-Pro selection.
A player like defensive end Nick Bosa is always going to get most of the shine because of the position he plays, but the fact Warner is in the top 15 of a list created by NFL players speaks to just how vital he is to a dominant San Francisco defense.
He joins LB Dre Greenlaw (79), SS Talanoa Hufanga (78), WR Deebo Samuel (61), RB Christian McCaffrey (35), TE George Kittle (19) and LT Trent Williams (14) on the top 100 list.