San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is finally getting some long-overdue recognition. After being named to his first Pro Bowl in 2020, Warner was also awarded his first AP First-Team All-Pro nod.
Warner was one of the three off-ball linebackers alongside Seattle’s Bobby Wagner and Indianapolis’s Darius Leonard.
It’s not a huge surprise to see Warner among the NFL’s best players. He continued to put together an outstanding season despite being surrounded by a number of reserves on the 49ers’ injury-riddled defense. He was graded as the No. 1 linebacker overall, and earned the top coverage grade at his position according to Pro Football Focus.
Even Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers believed this All-Pro nod was earned.
Warner is the prototypical linebacker for the modern NFL. He’s fast enough to hang with any player in coverage, and plays effectively against the run – especially those outside the tackles.
He finished the season with a team-best 125 tackles, and tied for the 49ers team lead with two interceptions. He also notched a sack and a fumble recovery while leading a 49ers defense that finished fifth in yards allowed.
This was Warner’s first All-Pro honor, but it probably won’t be his last.
