Niner Noise
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Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward (25) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward (25) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Cornerback

Starter: Jimmie Ward

Backup: Dontae Johnson

Instead of being shifted from a nickel position back to his natural spot at safety, defensive back Jimmie Ward will be tasked with occupying one of the two starting cornerback positions entering 2016.

Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil, courtesy of the team’s website, stressed how Ward was one of the best 11 players on defense and the Niners needed to get him on the field as much as possible.

Indeed, Ward had a tremendous second year at the NFL level and finished with a plus-4.8 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, which ranked highest among all San Francisco defensive backs.

So, instead of keeping him at nickel or removing an established safety, the 49ers will operate with Ward opposite fellow corner Tramaine Brock.

Fellow corner Dontae Johnson still gets the backup call. He’s flexible enough to play either side of the field and can even occupy slots on the inside in nickel and dime packages.

Next: Right Inside Linebacker