Wasserman notes that modern NFL offenses have taken a toll on NFL linebackers, with defenses more often deploying five defensive backs on the field and the same time. That means linebackers are asked to do more than they were in previous years, being depended on in coverage.
In Wasserman's opinion, which unit best represents the modern NFL and is the overall best? That would be none other than the San Francisco 49ers' linebackers.
"They finished second in the NFL in run-defense grade (90.7) and led the NFL with an outstanding 88.5 coverage grade," wrote Wasserman.
"The 49ers boast two legitimate stars in Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Warner is the NFL's most consistent coverage linebacker and posted a career-high 89.7 run-defense grade this past season, too. Greenlaw had a career year in 2022, earning a 79.6 overall grade bolstered by a nearly 20-point jump in coverage grade."
Pro Football Focus recently ranked Warner as the league's best linebacker. Greenlaw came in at No. 8 on the list. But the unit is more than a two-person show.
"The group lost situational run defender Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency, but Oren Burks seems poised to take over that role," Wasserman continued.
"The 49ers have the best pair of linebackers in football and the depth to fill in if one of them were to suffer a short-term injury. They are the current gold standard at the position."
The Chicago Bears followed the 49ers at No. 2. The Baltimore Ravens were listed at No. 3.
As for the rest of the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks came in at No. 7, the Arizona Cardinals sit at No. 23, and the Los Angeles Rams were last in the league at No. 32.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add Trent Williams successor in latest PFF 2026 mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are being linked to a long-term successor for future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams in the latest 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Focus. College football analyst Max Chadwick has the 49ers using the No. 27 overall pick to strengthen the... -
49ers vs. Titans PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 10-4 after a 37-24 win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers: Offense Trent... -
49ers in Week 16 power rankings: Experts cautiously optimistic about San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to four games with a 37-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The win improved San Francisco's record to 10-4, though the team still trails the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks—both 11-3—in the tightly... -
49ers buzz: NFL insider predicts strong trade market for QB Mac Jones
Several quarterback-needy NFL teams could come calling this offseason to gauge what it might take to acquire San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones. Pressed into action as Brock Purdy's backup, Jones made the most of his opportunity in 2025. In eight starts, the former...