Why Warriors' Draymond Green compares himself to 49ers star LB Fred Warner

Why Warriors' Draymond Green compares himself to 49ers star LB Fred Warner originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Having a defensive presence sets the tone for your team’s identity. The Warriors and 49ers share one thing in common: they know their defensive anchor.

Former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green, on the latest episode of his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” made NBA-to-NFL player comparisons, and chose another legendary Bay Area athlete for his.

“I think the way that Fred Warner at linebacker can completely f–k up an offense,” Green said. “He hasn’t been your typical linebacker, and yet he created his path and became great. I would say the Fred Warner comp is none other than myself. A guy who would absolutely f–k your entire team’s offense. Not quite the status quo of what everyone was looking for at that position. And yet, come out, and kind of recreate.”

Coming out of college, neither prospect was expected to develop into the impact player they ultimately became. Green, a second-round pick out of Michigan State, had to earn his minutes with relentless effort on both sides of the floor. Warner, a third-round pick out of BYU, was in a similar boat.

It didn’t take long for Warner to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches. He was first named a captain ahead of the 2020 NFL season.

“Everybody’s looking for the next Fred Warner,” Green continued. “I kind of recreate that space, you know. Played the position at such a high level that everybody’s looking for that next one. But wasn’t touted that way. I got it out the mud and became that.”

Fred Warner is the king of the punch out pic.twitter.com/qjEdZgpGLU

— Alex Tran (@nineralex) September 20, 2026

Green impacts the game in many of the same ways as Warner. The 36-year-old single-handedly sent the Clippers home last year in the NBA Play-In Tournament with a defensive masterclass.

DRAYMOND GREEN WITH A PAIR OF INCREDIBLE STEALS IN THE CLUTCH.

WARRIORS KEEP THEIR SEASON ALIVE. https://t.co/8SITELoXjEpic.twitter.com/7Hre7jG5TX

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2026

Positionless basketball has been a trend in the NBA for years now. Players are becoming more and more versatile, and Warner shares those qualities on the football field. He can line up in different spots and be just as effective in different ways.

The 49ers are hoping Warner can be the defensive difference-maker who helps bring a championship to San Francisco, much like Green did four times with Golden State.

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