Super Bowl 54: Ranking the 20 best players playing in 49ers vs. Chiefs

12. Fred Warner, LB, 49ers

The 49ers got a steal when they selected Fred Warner in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. There were concerns about the BYU product’s production translating to the next level, but Warner silenced the doubters. Now, he’s one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

Warner played at a Pro Bowl level in 2019. During the regular season, he racked up 118 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, nine passes defensed, an interception and a touchdown. He is just 23 years old.

Kansas City’s offense will test Warner and Alexander. The two linebackers are likely targets should they be drawn into coverages against Kelce or Damian Williams. San Francisco hopes the natural play style an intuition of their young linebackers will hold strong against Kansas City’s offensive blitz.

11. Mitchell Schwartz, RT, Chiefs

Originally a second-round selection by the Cleveland Browns in 2012, Schwartz took some time to develop. Unlike his older brother, Geoff, Mitchell Schwartz started immediately for the Browns. However, he never stood out along Cleveland’s offensive line. That’s why the Browns let Schwartz walk when his rookie contract ended.

In 2016, Schwartz signed a five-year, $33 million contract with the Chiefs. It turned into one of the best decisions of his life. As soon as he got out of Cleveland, Schwartz started gaining recognition. The Associated Press selected him as a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, he earned his only First-Team All-Pro designation.

Before the 2019 season, the Chiefs gave Schwartz a restructured extension that keeps him in Kansas City through the 2021 season. Following the regular season, the Associated Press selected Schwartz as a Second-Team All-Pro for the third time.

Schwartz is without question one of the best right tackles in the NFL today. He may even be the best offensive lineman on the field when Kansas City and San Francisco square off.