49ers' Warner among Brooks' best ‘off-ball' linebackers

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Fred Warner recently was rewarded with a hefty contract extension from the 49ers, and NFL Network's Bucky Brooks believes the 24-year-old is one of the best of a new breed of linebackers in the NFL.

Brooks, a former longtime NFL player and scout, ranks Warner third among the league's best "off-ball" linebackers.

"While there is still a place in the league for the downhill linebacker as a situational player, the football world covets second-level defenders who can stop the run, rush the passer and pick off passes in space. These 'three-way' players come in different packages than their predecessors, with speed and athleticism valued at a premium over size and strength, but their overall explosiveness enables them to thrive as sideline-to-sideline roamers," Brooks writes explaining the concept of an "off-ball" linebacker.

Warner comes in third, behind Seattle Seahawks star Bobby Wager and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, on Brooks' list. After Warner, fellow up-and-coming stars Devin White and Roquan Smith round out the top five.

As the NFL has changed to become such a pass-friendly league, the need for linebackers that can cover large stretches of the field and not only plug up holes in the run game but keep up with lightning-quick running backs and wide receivers has grown each year.

RELATED: How Warner celebrated signing record-breaking deal with 49ers

Not only has Warner topped 115 combined tackles in each of his three NFL seasons, but he has six or more pass deflections in each campaign.

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Brooks also believes Warner isn't far from being near the top of this list.

"As a crafty ballhawk with outstanding instincts and awareness, the 49ers' designated disruptor is quickly challenging his fellow all-stars for the top spot on the list," Brooks writes.

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