SANTA CLARA — Rookie Fred Warner has a legacy to follow, regardless of whether he has to replace fellow 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster at any point this season.
Warner is a third-round draft pick. The 49ers have had pretty good luck drafting linebackers in that round in their history, from long-time starters Bill Romanowski (1988), Jeff Ulbrich (2000) and NaVorro Bowman (2010) to short-timer Chris Borland (2014).
“I’m hoping to come in and follow their lead,” Warner said, in particular to Bowman and his former sidekick Patrick Willis (2007 first round).
Warner makes his practice-field debut Friday for a two-day minicamp with the other eight members of his draft class, 13 undrafted players who’ve signed and several others trying out for future consideration.