San Francisco 49ers: Season-End Awards for 2015

Most Improved Player – Jimmie Ward

Serious concerns were raised about 2014 first round-pick Jimmie Ward following his play in his rookie season in which he was roasted by Brandon Marshall in a Week 2 loss to the Chicago Bears before being eventually being placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury.

However, Ward enjoyed an excellent bounce-back year in 2015, shedding the ‘bust’ tag with consistent performances that saw him end the season with the highest PFF grade of all San Francisco’s defensive backs.

Proving to be both a strong cover man and good tackler from his spot at nickel corner, Ward was thrown at 60 times in 2015 and allowed 44 catches but for an average of just 9.7 yards per reception. Only nine players in the league gave up less yards per catch, per PFF.

Ward also gained redemption with his pick-six in the Niners’ overtime win in Chicago in 2015 and had a solid outing at safety in the Week 17 success against the team then known as the St. Louis Rams, indicating he can also fill in at the position he played in college if needed. The arrow is pointing up for Ward.

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