San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is eager to see how some of the team's newest additions will contribute in the upcoming NFL season. Entering his eighth year in the league, Warner is not only one of the 49ers' most experienced veterans but also one of its most respected leaders. A four-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, he's widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in the NFL.
Among the team's newcomers is rookie linebacker Nick Martin, a third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State. The 49ers are hopeful that Martin can help fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw, who signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason.
Speaking with reporters during organized team activities (OTAs) this week, Warner shared his early impressions of the young linebacker.
"I've loved everything that Nick's been about since he's arrived," Warner said.
Earlier this offseason, Warner discovered that Martin had long looked up to him—his jersey being the only one Martin ever owned. Now, the veteran is stepping into the role of mentor for his fan-turned-teammate.
"With some of those situations, guys don't want to seem like they're the whole 'too cool' thing," Warner shared.
However, Martin has taken the right approach to start his professional career, showing up eager to work and willing to lean on the veterans around him.
"He's come in and he's asked me every single question known to man," Warner added. "Like, 'Fred, how are you doing this? What are you doing after practice? What are you doing after you lift?' And wanting to be a part of those things and not being afraid to ask those questions.
"I mean, I've seen the athletic ability flash already on the field, and the way that he closes. [He] closes space really quickly, and he already has the great mindset of wanting to learn. So, I'm really happy with where he's at."
Warner is also encouraged by the attitude and approach of Mykel Williams, the 49ers' first-round pick out of Georgia. The rookie defensive end was selected No. 11 overall and has already made an impression with his effort and willingness to do whatever it takes to make an immediate impact.
"He's made of the exact right stuff, too," Warner said. "He's telling me, he's like, 'Man, I just want to play with great effort.' That's the thing that he's talking to me about. Like, 'Man, I just want to run to the ball.'
"And, as a young player who has seen a lot of success over at an SEC school like Georgia, and you're coming onto a team as a first-round draft pick, 11th overall, and you're talking about running to the football, you don't see that very often.
"So that just tells me that we got the right kind of guys in the building, that we're drafting the guys that are going to see a lot of success because of what they're made of."