NFL analyst Brian Baldinger admits that when he watches film of the San Francisco 49ers defense, one player immediately stands out—star linebacker Fred Warner. Baldinger holds the veteran defender in high regard and believes Warner might be one of the best players in the entire NFL.
Warner has been exceptional through two games this season, recording 16 tackles, including one for a loss, a sack, an interception, two passes defensed, and three forced fumbles.
According to Pro Football Focus, Warner's 95.8 defensive grade over the first two weeks leads the league, putting him on track for a standout season. Fortunately for the 49ers, Warner is under contract through the 2026 season.
Baldinger joined Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game to explain what makes Warner a remarkable player.
.@49ers @fred_warner is on a MISSION..he wants the ball...he has put the whole @NFL on alert...he is hunting for the 🏈🏈🏈. The 🏈 is Life. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/L1j1HFydqu
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 17, 2024
"This is Fred Warner's seventh season," Baldinger said. "By the way, his first game as a Niner was in Minnesota. I'm out there talking to [GM] John Lynch on the sideline, and I'm like, 'Who's the Mike?' All he did was rave about Fred Warner. He's played every single game since that first game in 2018; started every single game.
"When you talk about the level of consistency ... there isn't a more consistent player at any position in this league. When you rate the top 100 players ... there's not a more consistent player that plays at a higher level than Fred Warner.
"And already, the splash plays that he's made this season, he's just filling up a stat sheet, and the numbers just keep adding up to the point where—I don't want to compare him to anybody, to Ray Lewis or anybody that's ever played the position—but he's one of the top 10 greatest players in this league. And right now, he might be in the top five the way that he's playing."
While acknowledging the many impressive linebackers in the NFL, Baldinger believes none can match Warner's football instincts. He highlighted Warner's ability to force fumbles, pointing out the linebacker's vision and split-second reaction time, allowing him to punch the ball out based on the ball carrier's movements.
"There's nobody in this league right now at any position that plays at a higher or more consistent level than Fred," Baldinger concluded.
You can listen to Baldinger's full interview below.