NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan caught up
with San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner at his youth football camp in San Mateo earlier this week.Warner spoke about the young players on the 49ers roster and a few who could potentially break out in 2026:
“We’ve got a lot of guys who are due to make that jump on the defensive side. You talk about Upton Stout, and the things that he brought to our defense at the nickel position. Love his game. Love who he is as a person. Can’t wait
to see what he does going into this year.”
Last week, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris spoke about the influence Warner had on Stout, citing how he’s always around the second-year pro, helping him think and behave in the same ways Warner does. Morris said, “Can’t get Stout to smile, but he has such a serious demeanor, and he’s picking up all things from Fred.”
Warner continued: “A three-headed monster at D-line in Alfred Collins, CJ West, Mykel coming off injury. I think all three of those guys have an opportunity to really take a next step. Mykel, even coming off the ACL, I think his mindset, the way that he looks right now, I think he’ll be great when he does come back; I think all those guys are going to do really good this year.”
Those three were incredible run defenders last season. The 49ers run defense allowed a 42% success rate and a 4.9% explosive run rate with Williams on the field. When he wasn’t playing, those numbers skyrocketed to 52.9% and 11.8%.
Collins and West taking on and holding their ground against double teams last year were one of the bright spots along a defense that didn’t have many. It’s a sign that those two can be building blocks in the middle.
Speaking of the middle, Warner shared his thoughts about Osa Odighizuwa:
“Osa’s been great. I think everybody’s kind of sung his praises because of how he’s come in, and he’s worked, and just been steady Eddie, Mr. Consistent. I think that’s awesome. That’s what we need for our team, and especially at that position. And I think he’ll do a great job. I’ve heard nothing but great things, and seen nothing but great things when he was in Dallas, and being disruptive on the inside, and we’re going to need that in a big way for what we’re trying to do on defense.”
Odighizuwa on his own would’ve been a game-changer. Odighizuwa paired with three terrific run defenders complements everybody we’ve mentioned, and gives Raheem Morris one of the deepest groups the 49ers have had along the defensive line in a few seasons.
