San Francisco 49ers veteran linebacker Fred Warner isn’t easy to impress. A leader on one of the NFL’s most feared defenses, Warner has seen it all — from playoff heartbreak to Super Bowl showdowns. But as training camp gets underway, even Warner admits there’s something special happening among the team’s newest faces.

“They’re playing like they’ve got something to prove,” Warner said in a recent interview, referring to the rookies and young players stepping into key roles. “And that’s exactly what we need.”

Every NFL season brings turnover — veterans leave, rookies arrive, and depth charts shift. But what separates good teams from great ones is how quickly young talent adapts to the league. In Warner’s eyes, the 49ers’ current rookie class isn’t just adjusting — they’re making an impact right away.

“There’s a level of urgency that’s hard to teach,” Warner continued. “These guys are flying around, asking questions, staying late after practice. You can see it — they want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Among the most talked-about rookies in camp are [insert names of standout rookies or draft picks here]*. From high-motor defenders to speedy wideouts and poised young linemen, the early signs point to a group that’s not only talented, but also mentally locked in.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed Warner’s praise during a recent press conference. “What stands out isn’t just their physical ability — it’s how they’re approaching every rep,” Shanahan said. “They’re competing hard, they’re coachable, and they’re pushing our veterans to stay sharp.”

For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, that push is critical. Depth has always played a key role in the 49ers’ late-season success — especially when injuries inevitably arise. Having rookies who are “game-ready” adds a layer of confidence for both coaches and teammates.

Fred Warner, entering his seventh season, sees the long game. “In this league, it’s not just about who starts Week 1,” he said. “It’s about who steps up in Week 14 when the playoffs are on the line, or when someone goes down in the NFC Championship. That’s when this rookie energy becomes real value.”

Warner knows the grind of proving yourself — he was once a young player fighting for snaps. Now, as a leader, he’s guiding a new generation with encouragement, accountability, and the same fire that’s kept him at the top of his game.

As camp rolls on and the preseason looms, the message from the 49ers’ locker room is clear: these rookies aren’t waiting for a chance — they’re taking it.