With the sixth pick (No. 70 overall) in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected BYU linebacker Fred Warner.
In four seasons with the Cougars, Warner registered 262 combined tackles, 32.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, seven interceptions, two touchdowns, 13 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, according to Sports Reference. In his last two seasons with BYU, he recorded 173 total tackles, 19.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and four interceptions. In 2016, Warner was named a first-team All-Independent. Last year, he had three games with at least 10 combined tackles.
The 49ers hosted Warner for a pre-draft visit on April 16.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-3 and 236-pound Warner had a 40-time of 4.64 seconds, a vertical jump of 38.5 inches, a broad jump of 119 inches, completed the three-cone drill in 6.9 seconds, had 21 reps in the bench press, a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.28 seconds, and a 60-yard shuttle time of 11.77 seconds. Other measurables for Warner include an arm length of 32 inches and hands that measure 9 3/4 inches.
NFL.com projected Warner to be a third- or fourth-round draft pick.
ESPN offered the following pre-draft analysis on Warner:
"Warner has above-average closing speed, is athletic enough to develop above-average man cover skills and can threaten off the edge as a rusher. However, he's a subpar tackler who grades out as nickel LB or safety who contributes on special teams."
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who compares Warner to Alani Fua, wrote the following about Warner within his scouting report:
"Warner's future success could largely depend on who takes him and how they use him. While most will view him as an outside linebacker, Warner moves around like a big safety. With his instincts and cover skills in space, finding a hybrid role in sub-packages might be where he is best utilized. Warner's size, speed and workout at the Combine may play into his draft value more heavily than many other prospects. Warner should find immediate work as a backup who can help on special teams."
Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst wrote the following the following about Warner within his scouting report:
"Warner is a terrific run-and-chase linebacker who consistently makes positive plays in space. He's a nickel defender who will be productive during third-down passing situations."
Measurables
Height: 6-3
Weight: 236 lbs.
Arm length: 32 inches
Hand length: 9 3/4 inches
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