49ers star Fred Warner names young defensive breakout candidates

San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner is preparing to enter his ninth NFL season. Yet it doesn't seem that long ago that he was a newcomer quickly making a name for himself on an evolving 49ers defense.

Warner spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan at his youth football camp in San Mateo this week and identified several potential breakout candidates as the 49ers look to build on last season's positives and contend for a championship in 2026.

"We've got a lot of guys who are due to make that jump on the defensive side," Warner said. "You talk about [CB] Upton Stout, and the things that he brought to our defense at the nickel position. Love his game. Love who he is as a person. Can't wait to see what he does going into this year.

"A three-headed monster at D-line in Alfred Collins, CJ West, Mykel [Williams] coming off injury. I think all three of those guys have an opportunity to really take a next step. Mykel, even coming off the ACL, I think his mindset, the way that he looks right now, I think he'll be great when he does come back."

Warner also highlighted second-year safety Marques Sigle before acknowledging that he was probably leaving out a few other young players poised to make an impact.

"I think all those guys are going to do really good this year," Warner added.

The 49ers strengthened their defensive front by acquiring veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys in a trade this offseason. So far, he's been as good as advertised.

"Osa's been great," Warner said. "I think everybody's kind of sung his praises because of how he's come in, and he's worked, and just been steady Eddie, Mr. Consistent. I think that's awesome.

"That's what we need for our team, and especially at that position. And I think he'll do a great job. I've heard nothing but great things, and seen nothing but great things when he was in Dallas, and being disruptive on the inside, and we're going to need that in a big way for what we're trying to do on defense."

As for the linebacker room's goals in 2026, Warner didn't hesitate.

"My goal is for us to just be the best in the world," he said. "That's what it is every year."

Warner's comments signal confidence in the 49ers' young defensive talent. San Francisco's defensive growth could be one of the team's biggest storylines during the 2026 season.