ESPN recently ranked the NFL's top 25 players under age 25 for 2020, the young players emerging as the next faces of the league. The ranking does not include rookies since their sample size of work remains low.
At No. 13 on the list, you will find San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner, the first linebacker listed.
"Many were shocked when the 49ers gave up on pricey 2019 free-agent acquisition Kwon Alexander earlier this offseason, but Warner's emergence as one of the league's best linebackers made the move much easier to stomach," wrote ESPN's Mike Clay. "A third-round pick back in 2018, Warner stepped into an every-down role in his first NFL game and hasn't looked back. He has played 97% of the 49ers' defensive snaps since his debut, and has been on the field for nearly 800 more plays than any of his teammates. How's that for reliable?"
Warner has recorded a team-leading 85 tackles, four for a loss, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, and three passes defensed through 11 games this season. He has played 100 percent of the defensive snaps in seven of those games.
"Warner, of course, has also been very effective, as his [327] tackles rank 10th in the entire NFL since he was drafted. He also has 3.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, 18 passes defensed and three interceptions during the span. The 24-year-old has emerged as the anchor of one of the league's top defenses."
Warner is in his third NFL season, and the 49ers likely will look to extend him beyond next year, which is the last of his rookie deal.
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers met with QB C.J. Ogbonna at Buffalo Pro Day
By David Bonilla
52 mins
The University at Buffalo held its Pro Day on Thursday, March 13, with quarterback C.J. Ogbonna drawing interest from several teams ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, according to The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler.
Fowler reports that the San Francisco 49ers were among the teams that...
49ers claim former Rams CB Tre Tomlinson off waivers
By Site Staff
Mar 7
The San Francisco 49ers have claimed cornerback Tre Tomlinson off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams, the team announced.
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Tomlinson (5-9, 177) was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round...
Mock draft projects Toledo DT Darius Alexander to 49ers
By David Bonilla
Mar 7
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft, and like many, he has the San Francisco 49ers addressing one of their biggest needs—the defensive line. After a disappointing 6-11 season, the Niners hold the 11th overall pick, and Fornelli has Toledo defensive...
Should the 49ers pursue recently-released DT Jonathan Allen?
By David Bonilla
Mar 7
The San Francisco 49ers are in dire need of reinforcements along the defensive line, and a prominent name just hit the market. The Washington Commanders are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, freeing up an estimated $16.5 million in salary cap...
