Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked the San Francisco 49ers' linebacker unit No. 2 in the NFL heading into the 2024 season, trailing only the New York Jets. But after an offseason of major roster turnover, including the loss of standout linebacker Dre Greenlaw, the unit has slipped five spots in PFF's 2025 preseason rankings, landing at No. 7.
The still-respectable ranking is largely thanks to Fred Warner, the heart of the 49ers' defense. A four-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Warner remains one of the league's elite defensive players.
"Just having Fred Warner as the centerpiece of a linebacker unit merits a high spot in these rankings," PFF's Dalton Wasserman wrote. "His 89.2 PFF overall grade in 2024 ranked second in the NFL, behind Philadelphia's Zack Baun. Warner's 92.3 PFF overall grade over the past five seasons leads the NFL, and he is quickly building a Hall of Fame case as each season passes by."
While Warner continues to shine, the rest of the linebacker corps remains a question mark. The 49ers' offseason overhaul has opened the door for a camp battle featuring third-year pro Dee Winters, rookie Nickolas Martin, and others fighting for the right to line up alongside Warner.
"The 49ers need to figure out what they have at the position beyond Warner," Wasserman added. "Dee Winters earned a solid 80.0 PFF coverage grade in limited work last season and could be the favorite to start alongside the star. Tatum Bethune and third-round rookie Nickolas Martin could also compete for the starting role. This competition is likely to be one of the 49ers' most intriguing camp battles."
49ers' defensive line ranking plummets
Just like the linebacker unit, the 49ers' defensive line had high expectations entering 2024. PFF ranked the group No. 2 in the NFL at the time—again, behind the Jets. However, heading into 2025, the ranking has plummeted, with the defensive line falling to No. 21.
The drop reflects significant changes across the unit. Gone are Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. In their place, the 49ers brought in rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West through the draft.
"Once considered to be the best defensive line in football, the 49ers' unit now relies mainly on star edge rusher Nick Bosa," PFF's Zoltán Buday wrote. "The Ohio State product earned a 91.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, which ranked fourth among edge defenders. The rest of the group leaves a lot to be desired."
To reinforce the pass rush, San Francisco traded for defensive end Bryce Huff, who is familiar with the scheme being reinstalled under returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
"The 49ers must hope that Bryce Huff can find his old form as he reunites with [defensive coordinator] Robert Saleh," Buday added. "Huff was among the best situational pass rushers in the league during his time with the Jets."
The new faces this offseason have created uncertainty around both position groups, and each will be closely scrutinized during training camp.