They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That’s certainly true about the new 49ers linebacker Oren Burks.
“I’m a big seafood guy. I grew up right outside of D.C. and that’s the one thing I’ve kind of been looking forward to,” Burks replied when asked what he’s most looking forward to moving from Green Bay to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Burks is very familiar with San Francisco. In addition to playing the 49ers six times during his four seasons with Green Bay, Burks has spent time with some of his new teammates.
During the last few years, Burks has spent the offseason working out in Nashville. One of the players he’s worked out with during this time is the 49ers’ tight end, George Kittle.
Burks also has a relationship with Fred Warner. The Packers selected Burks 88th overall in 2018, only 18 spots after San Francisco took Warner. The two got to know each other during the run-up to the draft, going through the Senior Bowl and scouting combine together.
What role does Burks expect coming into 2022?
“Definitely special-teams,” said Burks. “For my career, that is something I can hang my hat on, and I’ve kind of got some notice around the league. So definitely being a leader on special teams and competing to play linebacker.”
Over four seasons in Green Bay, Burks played 59 regular-season with seven starts. In 2021 Burks had a career-high 36 tackles, including 12 on special teams.
Charvarius Ward also met with the media Thursday. What made him choose to join San Francisco?
“It’s a talented team, great coaches, great players,” said Ward. “It felt like a great fit.”
Ward entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018, signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas traded Ward to Kansas City during training camp.
In 2019, Ward started every game for the Chiefs including their Super Bowl victory over San Francisco.
Ward is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. This past season he allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete only 51% of their passes into his coverage and a passer rating of 79.4.
Having played mostly on the outside during his time in Kansas City, Ward is ready to do whatever is asked of him with San Francisco.
“I’ve got experience doing everything. I’ve been in the NFL four years. I’ve covered inside and outside. I’ve blitzed a little bit,” said Ward. “Whatever this coaching staff wants me to do, I promise I am going to do it to the best of my ability. They won’t be disappointed, nor will the fans.”
Per a tweet from Alejandro The Great, which I can’t argue with, “Raiders have paid their best defensive player (Mad Maxx) a big contract, traded (for) and paid Devante Adams, still have Carr under contract, signed Chandler Jones. (Meanwhile), the 49ers can’t trade Jimmy G, still haven’t extended Bosa, Deebo, and made some ehhhh FA pick ups so far.” Winning another Super Bowl under the Yorks??? You betcha, 49ers faithful!