The Reason Texans’ Schultz thinks Warner is the best linebacker in the NFL. first broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers have established a reputation for having a tough defense over the last few seasons, especially at middle linebacker.
Speaking to Laura Britt of NBC Sports Bay Area on Thursday at Super Bowl LVIII Radio Row in Las Vegas, tight end Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans heaped accolades upon the 49ers defense, particularly on middle linebacker Fred Warner.
In response to a question about what makes playing against Warner and fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw difficult, Schultz quickly outlined the qualities that make Warner exceptional.
“Fred Warner, he’s the best Mike linebacker in the game,” Schultz said. “Like he’s so good, he can make every play. He’s such a challenge, he’s a good tackler, he’s great in coverage and he’s asked to do a lot in the scheme.
“Seeing what that scheme is and practicing against that scheme every day, knowing how much the mike has to do and then watching Fred go out and just, like, execute it to the highest level. That’s why I think he’s the best.
“It’s a matchup that puts a lot of pressure on the offense to execute because Greenlaw and Fred are two of the best backs in the league.”
Schultz played a few games against the 49ers during his first five seasons in the NFL, mostly in the postseason when San Francisco defeated Dallas in the 2022 divisional playoff round and in the wild-card round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The defensive team’s quarterback, referred to as “Mike,” is the middle linebacker, who occupies the middle spot on the field and calls defensive plays and shifts.
Warner has emerged as one of the league’s top linebackers since the 49ers selected him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Warner has been named to three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.
In Super Bowl LVIII, Warner and the 49ers’ defense as a whole will try to slow down quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the potent Kansas City Chiefs offense.
