San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Who Exceeded Expectations in 2015
By Peter Panacy
Defensive Back Jimmie Ward
Nickel back Jimmie Ward’s 2014 rookie season was largely a year to forget as the 49ers’ first-round selection from that season struggled over the first half of the season before being sidelined with a foot injury.
But, as is often the case with young defensive backs, Ward showed plenty of improvement his second season at the NFL level. Ward appeared in all 16 games in 2015 and netted 46 tackles, six passes defended and recorded the team’s only defensive touchdown on an interception return in Week 13.
More importantly, Ward finished the season on a strong note, according to Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.
PFF's No. 1 CB over the last 3 weeks? None other than Jimmie Ward (+9.0). 3-7, 10 yards allowed in coverage with a pick six and 3 run stops.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) December 24, 2015
It’s good to see the 49ers getting a nice return on their first-round investment from two seasons ago. Ward, along with fellow defensive backs Jaquiski Tartt, Eric Reid, Kenneth Acker and Dontae Johnson, could eventually make up a very effective secondary in coming years.
And that is, very much, a positive thing.
Next: Ian Williams