Warner had a team-high 124 total tackles while starting all 16 games last year. The next closest player, Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, had 67. It isn't just Warner's tackle total and the linebacker starting every game that is impressive. He also handled the communication duties for the defense — as a rookie. You know, that little green dot slapped on a player's helmet to tell you who is responsible for relaying information to his defensive teammates.
Warner, who joined KNBR on Friday, is expecting 2019 to be even more fun. That improved defensive line I mentioned earlier, the one that already had Buckner terrorizing opponents from the middle, added some talented pass rushers along the edge. The 49ers traded for veteran Dee Ford in March and drafted Nick Bosa in April. The defensive line now boasts five former first-round picks.
Warner believes that the defense's woes at forcing turnovers might be solved thanks to the offseason additions.
"It's close, and the difference is so small," Warner told Greg Papa and John Lund. "I feel like we're right there but having the guys we have on this defense now, [turnovers] should be coming. They should come now.
"I don't want to make any predictions or anything, but I think the way that we're practicing and the mindset we have, it should come."
How does that bolstered defensive front help Warner?
"I could go on and on about every single guy in that room right now," Warner said. "People outside all talk about how we have such and such first-rounders. We brought in Dee Ford. It's kind of hard to put into words right now what I'm seeing. I can't wait for when we get into real live-action, but it looks sweet from my view.
"I'm able to quicken up my play clock in my head in terms of when I'm in coverage, being able to break on stuff a lot quicker. It's nice."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Warner below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers have NFL's best backup QB situation thanks to Mac Jones
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy missed eight games last season due to a turf toe injury. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, the hope is that Purdy and the rest of the roster can avoid the injury issues that plagued the team a year ago and remain healthy... -
49ers reveal Fred Warner's powerful message to Kyle Shanahan after car accident
As training camp gets underway, the San Francisco 49ers are confident they won't miss a beat despite head coach Kyle Shanahan recovering from serious—but non-life-threatening—injuries sustained in a car accident. Much of that confidence stems from a strong coaching staff... -
49ers' Fred Warner tumbles in NFL Top 100 after injury-shortened season
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is widely regarded as one of the NFL's premier defensive players. However, the four-time All-Pro's 2025 season was cut short by a significant right ankle injury, a setback that appears to have impacted his standing among his... -
49ers place four players on PUP list; Warner, Bosa cleared for training camp; Two released
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters Saturday as the team opened training camp, marking his 10th camp with the organization. Lynch provided injury updates and announced that the following four players will begin camp on the physically unable to...