Tatum Bethune Steps Up as 49ers' Defensive Leader, Guided by Injured All-Pro Fred Warner

Tatum Bethune is rapidly developing into a leader for the San Francisco 49ers' defense, now serving as the "quarterback of the defense" following Fred Warner's season-ending ankle injury. The seventh-round pick (No. 251) from the 2024 NFL Draft, who previously played mostly special teams before Week 5, recorded 16 tackles (8 solo) in the Week 9 win over the New York Giants. Bethune maintains close contact with Warner, texting him after games for feedback and speaking with him during therapy sessions, valuing Warner's honest assessments. While his transition to starting middle linebacker is ongoing, Bethune aims to improve his takeaway generation, acknowledging the defense's minus-6 turnover margin. He faces a significant challenge against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, with Warner continuing to provide crucial guidance.