49ers: 5 Players Who Exceeded Expectactions in 2015

San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Who Exceeded Expectations in 2015

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Defensive back Jimmie Ward during 49ers training camp in 2014. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Back Jimmie Ward

2015 Statistics

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