The choice is notable because Wagner didn't even crack ESPN's top 10, earning only honorable mention. ESPN's list, compiled by insider Jeremy Fowler, relied on input from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.
Te'o, however, offers the perspective of a former NFL linebacker, giving his opinion its own unique weight.
"Naturally, the 35-year-old has slowed some, recording three of his lowest Pro Football Focus coverage grades in the last four seasons," Te'o admitted, "but his ability to move efficiently has allowed him to stay near the top of the league in tackling, blitzing and run-stuffing."
Even if you disagree with Wagner's placement at No. 1, Warner finishing second is still an impressive nod to his continued dominance. The 49ers linebacker battled through an ankle fracture for most of last season and still earned an 89.2 Pro Football Focus defensive grade, the second highest of his career.
San Francisco rewarded Warner this offseason with a three-year contract extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid linebacker. Te'o praised Warner as a "freak athlete who routinely finds ways to impact the game."
"His experience playing a hybrid linebacker/safety role in college helped him become a skilled player in coverage, but he can also lower the boom in the backfield and turn the ball over," Te'o added. "The unquestioned leader of San Francisco's defense has compiled at least 125 tackles in five of his seven seasons, earning first-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors four times.
"Warner shows no signs of slowing down in Year 8 and should continue his playmaking ways with Robert Saleh back as his defensive coordinator."
Interestingly, Warner's former teammate, Dre Greenlaw, grabbed the No. 3 spot in Te'o's ranking. Greenlaw signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason.
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