Early in training camp, the San Francisco 49ers had something of an overstock at inside linebacker, highlighted by a no-longer-facing-long-term-suspension-or-release second-year pro Reuben Foster and the veteran, Malcolm Smith.
Before the Niners knew what the outcome of Foster’s offseason legal issues would be, they grabbed former BYU linebacker Fred Warner in Round 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Warner’s exceptional coverage skills are ideal in today’s pass-happy NFL. He’s the prototypical hybrid — a player who can cover like a safety but can still operate as a run-stuffing tackler in the box.