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Fred Warner 2020 Outlook: A Fantasy Starter With Coverage Upside
5 years agoSan Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner’s best skill coming out of BYU was as a coverage guy, but he has shown himself to be a surprisingly steady tackler during his first two NFL seasons as well. In 2019, Warner finished the season tied for seventh in the NFL in solo-tackles (fourth amongst linebackers), which is a valuable stat in leagues that reward solos with a full fantasy point. The 49ers’ field general also finished 2019 tied for fifth amongst linebackers in passes defended and tied for ninth in forced fumbles. This former Cougar should get stronger and be better in run support as he builds on his 23-year-old frame. He will also continue to line up behind one of the best defensive lines in football, allowing him cleaner opportunities at ball carriers and tipped-passes thrown under duress. Fantasy owners should value Warner as LB11 in their drafts rather than at his current standing as LB15, and they should take him ahead of the similarly skilled Deion Jones, who brings an injury history and a weak defensive support system with him. Feel free to elevate the 49er even higher than LB11 in leagues that place a premium on coverage stats.
