ESPN crowns 49ers' Fred Warner as the NFL's best linebacker

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has released his latest installment of position-by-position NFL rankings, and it confirms what San Francisco 49ers fans have long believed—Fred Warner is the best off-ball linebacker in the league.

Fowler's annual rankings are based on input from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, offering an inside look at how players are viewed across the league. Warner claimed the No. 1 spot on the off-ball linebacker list after another standout season from the four-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection.

This marks the third consecutive year that Warner has claimed the top spot. Fowler notes that the 49ers linebacker dominated the voting with more than 80% first-place votes.

"He's durable, only sitting out one game in his seven-year career," Fowler wrote. "He has three straight seasons with at least 130 tackles and seven pass deflections, highlighting his pass-game prowess. He also has back-to-back years of four forced fumbles.

"He's considered the best defensive game manager in the NFL but has improved his all-around game."

One NFL coach is in awe of Warner's play.

"I think Fred has gotten much more productive defeating core blocks and tackling with more physicality," an NFL coordinator told Fowler. "He's always been the best in the world in the passing game -- range, instincts, ball production. But he was incredible last year, and then you factor that with the forced takeaways, durability, and all the other rare intangibles, he's the best."

Now entering his eighth NFL season, Warner remains the heart and soul of San Francisco's defense. The 49ers demonstrated their continued faith in the veteran this offseason, signing him to a three-year, $63 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2029 season.

In 2024, Warner recorded 131 tackles (five for a loss), two interceptions, a touchdown, seven passes defensed, a sack, and four forced fumbles. He started all 17 games, despite playing much of the season with an ankle fracture, further proving his toughness and dedication to his teammates.

Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Warner has recorded at least 118 tackles in each of his seven seasons. His consistent production and leadership have made him the unquestioned centerpiece of the 49ers' defense.

In April, Warner issued a bold warning to the rest of the league.

"I promise you, you ain't seen nothing yet," he declared. "I'm just getting started."