At BYU, Fred Warner played a special position in the Cougars defense, a sort-of hybrid safety/linebacker position in which he mostly was in pass coverage.
Yet the 49ers saw something special in Warner and believed he could be a difference-maker at linebacker, as good at stuffing the run as shadowing receivers.
So far, it appears the 49ers scored well on using a third-round pick on him.
Warner ranks No. 9 in the NFL in tackles with 77 (58 of them solo) and three for losses. He’s also forced a fumble, has a fumble recovery and five passes defensed.
In the 49ers’ most recent game, a loss to the New York Giants this past Monday night, Warner was strong against both the run and pass. He defended two passes intended for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and had three run stops, including one on Giants standout running back Saquon Barkley on third down in the red zone.
The 6-foot-3, 236-pounder was all over the field, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said it was just one more positive in a rookie season that has exceeded expectations.
“He’s done a hell of a job leading our defense all year as a rookie, just making the calls and being out there every single week, too,” said Shanahan, after the Giants game. “We’ve been real happy with Fred this year. From what I saw, it looked like he did some good things in the game.”
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Not only is Warner physically gifted, able to hit like a linebacker and move like a defensive back, but he’s smart, too. As Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reported recently, Warner had the highest score on the Wonderlic intelligence test among all linebackers at the NFL combine last spring. That’s one reason why the 49ers were confident he could be their defensive play-caller.
Said veteran All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman of Warner’s play-calling: “He’s done a phenomenal job. … He’s stayed locked in. He’s stayed poised. He knows situations, and you’ve got to tip your cap to him.”
The 49ers, 2-8, have a bye this week. They return to action next Sunday, Nov. 25, against the 3-6 Buccaneers.
