Looking at hindsight, it’s awfully good the San Francisco 49ers drafted former BYU linebacker Fred Warner in Round 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
At the time, Warner was seen as both insurance and a complementary piece to the Niners’ previously drafted linebacker, Reuben Foster, who would last with the team only into late November of Warner’s rookie season.
By the year’s end, Warner led all San Francisco defenders with 124 tackles, holding down the vital middle (MIKE) play-calling linebacker spot throughout the season.
Warner had his share of early struggles, yes.