Linebacker Fred Warner has stood out during the San Francisco 49ers' offseason. The third-round draft pick out of BYU has displayed a lot of energy and intelligence during the team's spring practices.
"He's very smart," head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week. "He doesn't make the same mistake twice, and he's a guy I'm excited to see once we get these pads on."
Warner has been so impressive that he could see time as a starter when the season kicks off. Much of that has to do with a potential suspension by the league of second-year linebacker Reuben Foster following a drama-filled offseason. It's still a testament to Warner's work ethic that he could be the first man in to replace Foster should the need arise.
Without knowing how the linebacker situation will unfold, Warner has been doing whatever is asked of him by the 49ers coaching staff. He has worked on being a reliable asset on the field who plays well consistently rather than a player who shows flashes here and there.
Warner recently discussed the two starting linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart. He had an opportunity to watch Foster with the 49ers last year.
"He's a very physical player, and something that I didn't know about him that I know now is he's probably the smartest guy in the room because this dude has the memory of an elephant," Warner said.
That's high praise from a player who has been praised by both his former college head coach and his new NFL head coach for his football IQ.
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"[Foster] doesn't have to write notes down," Warner continued. "He just retains things very quickly, and I think that's what allowed him to play at such a high level as a rookie last year besides, obviously, the physical talent. I've been able to learn a lot from him just within the last few weeks."
Warner's time with Foster has been limited compared to his other new teammates because Foster just recently rejoined the 49ers following a drawn-out legal situation. Warner is glad to have Foster in the linebacker room and have the opportunity to learn from him on the practice field.
"He's very fun to be around, and he brings the energy every day," Warner said.
Malcolm Smith, who missed all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, has been practicing at the Mike linebacker spot ahead of Warner. What has the rookie linebacker learned from the veteran entering his eighth NFL season?
"I think details," Warner answered. "A lot about details. We've worked after practice just about man coverage on tight ends or running backs even though that's not something that we even touch on even in practice or in a meeting. He wants to touch on that with me because he says, 'If you can do this, you can play on any team in the NFL.' Just stuff like that.
"I guess this will be his eighth or ninth year in the league, so he's been there, done that. He's been a Super Bowl MVP so I'm just trying to soak in as much as I can."
You can listen to the entire interview with Warner below.
