| BYU linebacker Fred Warner is off to San Francisco (Jeffery D. Allred, AP). |
As expected, Fred Warner is the newest BYU Cougars football player to be drafted by the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers selected Warner in the third round of the draft with the 70th overall pick. The initial reaction to the 49ers selecting the three-year starter is good, and the bay area is a good landing spot for several reasons.
Warner being taken at this spot in the draft feels about right when looking at recent BYU draft history. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy was taken in the second round of the 2014 draft with the 40th overall pick. As good as Warner was in blue and white, he was still a clear step down from Van Noy. Bronson Kaufusi was the last BYU defensive player drafted before Warner. The Baltimore Ravens selected Kaufusi in the exact same spot (70th overall) as Warner. Like Warner, during Kaufusi's college career, it was clear he was an NFL talent, but he wasn't a dominant player.
The fact that Warner and Kaufusi were both taken 70th overall raises the concern that their might be a Cougar curse unfolding. Kaufusi's career has not been as productive as one would hope. The instant analysis, however, doesn't lend support to that concern.
CBSsports.com (B) and SI.com (B-) assigned a letter grade to the 49ers decision to grab Warner at this point in the draft. SI.com also offered the following analysis.
"This might be the 49ers hedging against the uncertain Reuben Foster situation. Warner, because of his value in coverage (where many of a linebacker's responsibilities lie these days), could be seen as a possible upgrade over ex-Seahawk Malcolm Smith. But Smith was signed just last year; cutting him in 2019 would bring more than $4 million in dead money against the cap.
"Scouting Report: A long, fluid athlete, Warner's value is on passing downs, where he has the ability to counter a lot of flexible matchup pieces in coverage, and has some value on the blitz. He'll have to prove he's physical enough for early-down play, even as a 4-3 WILL candidate, but he should have value as a sub-package LB with a potential to develop into something more."
ESPN.com's Steve Muench thinks Warner "will likely compete for a starting spot on the outside," and thinks that "Warner has the skill set to help a defense that ranked 30th in opponents' third down percentage last season."
NBCSports.com's projected role isn't as rosy. Warner is seen more as "an insurance policy" for "depth at the inside linebacker position." However, the projection goes on to include several positives, "He can play all three downs because of his coverage skills. He can be an immediate contributor on special teams. ... Warner fills a need and is intelligent enough to quickly grasp coordinator Robert Saleh's defense. When he met with the team on a recent visit, Warner was told that the mike linebacker position was probably his best fit."
NBSsports.com then provided a few quotes from Warner and the 49ers' general manager and head coach.
"Man, they showed me so much love when I was out there (for a visit), just with what the coaches were talking to me about. Going around and seeing the facility, it just felt right. Obviously, I didn't know who was going to be giving me the call, but I'm so excited, so happy it was the 49ers. I fit their defense so well." --Fred Warner
"When I was meeting with the linebackers coach (DeMeco Ryans) and the D.C (Saleh), they went over film about how their linebackers play. And they really like my ability to be able to break on balls, use my hands to strike defenders and tackle, of course. I feel like I can fit in right away and do some damage," --Warner
"His skill set mimics what we do. He's comfortable playing in space. He's a very efficient linebacker. He uses his hands well." --49ers GM John Lynch
"We play a lot of zone. You have to read the quarterback and when that hands come off, you break. There are numerous clips that fit what we do. He's a guy we all really appreciated the more and more we watched." --Lynch
"In terms of what we ask those two (inside linebacker positions) to do, there's very little difference. We want linebackers who can run. We put them in some tough spots. They have to cover a lot of ground in what we call 'the hook area.' You need the quickness." --49ers coach Kyle Shanahan
One final analysis comes from NFL.com's Mick Mayock. "A good, solid pick, get another off-the-ball fast linebacker."
Aside from all the analytical reasons, San Francisco offers other positives for Warner. He is a California native. Warner came to BYU from San Marcos, near San Diego. While that is still a good drive down the coast from San Fran, Warner shouldn't experience any culture shock as he tries to assimilate into the NFL lifestyle.
The 49ers organization has momentum. After the surprising trade with the New England Patriots for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco finished the season on a five-game win streak. With a young franchise quarterback now in place, Warner could be part of a long run of success in the Bay Area.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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