Fred Warner Named Top ESPN Off-Ball Linebacker

As ESPN continues to list their top ten players at each position, San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner is named the top off-ball linebacker in the league. In 2023, Warner ranked second and has made it to the top of the list this year. Here is a look at Warner’s career, and why he is deserving of this spot.

Fred Warner’s Career (So Far)

Warner spent four years at BYU, starting for three of those seasons. The linebacker then declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. It was there that the 49ers selected him in the third round with the 70th overall pick. He is one of the top day-three picks the team has done well with drafting. Warner quickly became the starting middle linebacker with the 49ers. Although the 49ers still showed their struggles throughout the 2018 season, Warner was the beginning of what the defense is today.

In the second year of Warner’s career, he made the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. Though they did not win, he made an impact on the defense. Up until the fourth quarter, the defense held off the Kansas City Chiefs offense. In his six years in the league, Warner has made it to two Super Bowls and four NFC Championship Games.

In the regular season, Warner has had 766 combined tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, and nine sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. The linebacker also has eight regular-season interceptions and six fumble recoveries.

The 49ers star linebacker is a three-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection. Warner is now entering his seventh season in the league with his sight still set on his first Super Bowl ring.

Is Fred Warner Deserving of First?

While everyone has their opinions, the next question is if he is deserving of the number one spot. There are other great linebackers in the league such as Baltimore Ravens, Roquan Smith who came in second. There can be arguments for others in the league to be higher on the list as well. But when answering if Warner is deserving, the answer is yes.

The linebacker is an all-around great player on the defense. While skill matters, it is the energy he brings that makes an impact. Warner is one of those players who when out of the game, the lack of his presence is felt. Warner follows the ball no matter where it is on the field. He gives it his all on every play, even if it means flying like Superman to make the tackle. Whether it is stopping the run game or preventing the passing game, Warner is a game changer.

If there is one way to describe Warner, it is a leader. He is the quarterback of the defense. Before every game he leads the team huddle, hyping up everyone on the field. Warner is a player who is always looking out for his team. He has even adjusted his contract to vet minimum in the 2024 offseason to help the team retain as many of their stars as possible. Warner has one goal in mind and it is winning it all.

There is a reason that Warner is one of the captains for the San Francisco 49ers each year. Given his skills on the field and the proof that he is a leader and game-changer, Warner is well deserving of his ranking as the number one off-ball linebacker in the league.