There is little doubt who the superstar of the San Francisco 49ers' linebacking unit is: Fred Warner is a four-time Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro selection who was recently rewarded for his standing as the best linebacker in the NFL.
So, when it comes to the linebackers for the Niners, the questions begin after you mention Warner, especially now that Dre Greenlaw is in Denver after joining the Broncos this offseason.
After Warner, things get a little less certain, with an interesting yet undefined mixture of young players and veterans all fighting for playing time next to the All-Pro. With an every-down spot open, this group will be working to prove themselves once training camp begins.
However, based on what we know about the team's makeup, it isn't too early to try to guess how the depth chart will come together once the roster is pared down to 53 players before the start of the regular season.
The 49ers have typically kept five linebackers on the roster — three starters, a depth guy, and a special teams ace — although depending on how things shake out, it wouldn't be out of the question for a sixth guy to make the list.
For now, the focus will be on building the depth chart using five as the number, with indications of guys who might be on the cusp of taking up a spot based on training camp and preseason games.
49ers' starting linebackers
The 49ers use a 4-3 front on defense, so there are technically three "starting" linebacker slots, although the weakside (Will) linebacker will be the guy who subs out when defensive backs are added in nickel or dime packages.
With this in mind, the starting linebackers, at this juncture, appear to be:
Fred Warner (MLB)
Dee Winters (SLB)
Nick Martin (WLB)
Yes, the much-heralded rookie gets a starting job right away, albeit as the third linebacker, at least for now. Others for contention here would be Tatum Bethune, Curtis Robinson, Jalen Graham, and rookie Stone Blanton.
49ers' depth/special teams linebackers
This is a much easier mix, because these are guys that are going to be mostly relied upon as special teams players, but who could slide in on defense if needs arise.
Tatum Bethune
Luke Gifford
If the 49ers opt for six linebackers, add newly-inked Chazz Surratt to this mix. The other players listed above could also be in the running, although none have the special teams experience of Gifford and Surratt.
A lot could change between now and the initial cuts to 53, but given what we know, this feels like the most likely group at linebacker heading into the 2025 season.
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