How Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw Compare to Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman

Which duo is better?

From Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw to Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, the 49ers have had some of the best linebacker duos in NFL history.

Which duo is better?

Willis and Bowman formed one of the most athletic and violent linebacker duos ever. They were big and fast and could blitz and cover and run sideline to sideline -- they could do it all. Willis was a five-time All Pro and Bowman was a four-time All Pro. Both could end up in the Hall of Fame, although Willis has a better chance because he had fewer injuries. Both players retired at 29-years old. And despite their early exit from the league, few linebackers can match their accolades.

Warner and Greenlaw both are 26 -- right in the prime of their careers. And Warner is a two-time All Pro and universally regarded as the best linebacker in football, while Greenlaw never has gone to a Pro Bowl and is one of the most overlooked and underrated players on the 49ers.

Let's start with Greenlaw. He's like a mini Patrick Willis. Two inches shorter. Ten pounds lighter. But just as explosive and violent. Greenlaw always is the most violent player on the field, just as Willis was. 

Warner is nothing like Willis or Bowman. Warner didn't even play linebacker in college -- he was a nickelback. The 49ers moved him to middle linebacker because of his ability in zone coverage. He's 6-3, and it's extremely tough to throw the ball over him when he's standing in the middle of the field. As a result, opponents rarely throw over the middle against the 49ers. That's the Warner Effect. I've never seen a linebacker shut down the middle of the field as well as Warner -- not even Willis or Bowman.

Warner's unique ability in coverage, plus his leadership and smarts make him and Greenlaw a one-of-a-kind duo. With a few more seasons of elite play, they could surpass Willis and Bowman.