San Francisco 49ers: 6 Players Who Will Break Out in 2016
Jimmie Ward
The early days of Jimmie Ward’s career with the 49ers were not pretty. He endured a hugely disappointing rookie year that saw him shredded by then-Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall and was ended by a Jones fracture to his right foot after being picked in the first round in 2014.
Fast forward to this year’s OTAs and Ward is being viewed as one of San Francisco’s best defensive assets after responding excellently to his underwhelming first year in the league with an impressive sophomore effort.
Ward produced consistently strong play from the nickel cornerback position last term and is now getting work as a starting corner on the outside in OTAs.
The former Northern Illinois defender has quickly made a significant impression on defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil, who views Ward as one of the best 11 players on the unit:
"We don’t know what Jimmie is going to be right now. I know he’s one of our best 11 (players). That I do know. So we’re trying to find ways to get our best 11 on the field. Athletic ability, football knowledge, what his skill set brings to our defensive system. He’s a guy that, just watching him and the way he’s practiced and the way he’s attacked the meeting rooms, he’s a guy I know we have to get on the field."
It is no surprise Ward has been getting glowing reviews from O’Neil given how he performed in 2015, when he defended both the run and the pass very well, excelling down the stretch in coverage and receiving positive grades from Pro Football Focus in four of the last five games.
Jimmie Ward's last five weeks of 2015, and why the #49ers are trying to get him on the field 100% of the time. pic.twitter.com/J738FkAwhV
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) May 25, 2016
Ward also brings physicality to the 49ers’ defensive backfield and was able to play to a high standard from both the nickel spot and safety – which is arguably his most natural position — in 2015 and — according to Cohn — kept potential No. 2 receiver Quinton Patton without a catch on Wednesday.
His versatility is rightly highly valued by the 49ers and — while some may question his 5’11” stature and ball skills after one interception in 24 games — there is plenty to suggest Ward is set for a season in which he will blossom into a player capable of locking down receivers from a variety of positions on the field.
Next: DeForest Buckner