Fred Warner of the 49ers Is Voted as the Top Off-Ball Linebacker in the NFL by an AP Panel
Warner received about 70% of first-place votes and stayed No. 1 after an ankle injury limited him to six games last season, ESPN said.
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner topped ESPN's annual off-ball linebacker rankings this week, securing the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive year.
- An ankle injury limited Warner to six games last season, yet he earned a 93.2 defensive grade and 91.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, both highest among all off-ball linebackers.
- Surveying coaches, executives, and scouts, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler found Warner secured around 70% of first-place votes, reflecting the league's top players entering the 2026 season.
- Ranking second, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith led challengers, while Cleveland Browns rookie Carson Schwesinger debuted on the list, with one executive calling him " Kuechly reincarnated."
- Expected to be fully cleared for training camp, Warner plans to anchor a revamped 49ers defense, aiming to lead San Francisco back into Super Bowl contention during his ninth season.
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Associated Press News
Fred Warner of the 49ers is voted as the top off-ball linebacker in the NFL by an AP panel
Fred Warner managed to play only six games last season for the San Francisco 49ers before a broken right ankle ended his season prematurely in Week 6.
Ravens' Roquan Smith Turns Heads in ESPN's Top 10 Rankings
Roquan Smith has been one of the most consistent players in the NFL. In a recent ESPN article, Smith was ranked number 2 in ESPN’s top 10 off-ball linebackers list.The list is compiled of some of the best linebackers in the league according to coaches, executives, and scouts.“Smith has been a model of consistency over […] The post Ravens’ Roquan Smith Turns Heads in ESPN’s Top 10 Rankings appeared first on HEAVY.
Fred Warner was only able to play six games last season with the San Francisco 49ers before a right ankle fracture ended his campaign prematurely at Week 6.
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