‘He’s Always Been the Best in the World’: NFL Coordinator Has High Praise for 49ers Linebacker

As the 49ers navigate a transitional phase marked by offseason departures, Warner stands as the team’s enduring leader. Ranked No. 38 overall in PFSN’s top 100 players of 2025, he is the highest-ranked 49er and continues to set the tone for the defense. His durability—missing just one game in seven seasons—adds to his invaluable presence.

An NFL coordinator recently highlighted Warner’s excellence, noting his superior range, instincts, and ability to create turnovers. Beyond his physical talents, Warner’s leadership as the defensive captain ensures that his teammates are consistently in the right positions. This combination of tactical awareness and execution has earned him widespread respect across the league.

Anonymous NFL Coordinator Drops Major Praise for San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner

Warner received a positive review from an unnamed coordinator in the league. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.

Warner — recipient of four All-Pro first teams in five years — dominated the voting with more than 80% of the first-place votes.

He’s durable, only sitting out one game in his seven-year career. 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.

“I think Fred has gotten much more productive defeating core blocks and tackling with more physicality,” an NFL coordinator said. “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.”

Warner’s inclusion in Pro Football Focus’ top 50 players further underscores his influence, as he remains the only 49er on the list. His ability to excel in both run defense and pass coverage sets him apart in a league with few standout linebackers. This dual-threat capability makes him indispensable to San Francisco’s success.

With the 2025 season approaching, Warner’s role as a leader and playmaker will be vital to the 49ers’ playoff aspirations. His contributions on and off the field continue to define him as one of the NFL’s most complete players.