49ers: Identifying the 5 Cornerstones on the Roster for 2017

San Francisco 49ers: Identifying 5 Cornerstone Players on 2017 Roster

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Defensive Back Jimmie Ward

Remember what we said about defensive back Jimmie Ward’s 2014 rookie campaign?

Well, it was ugly. 2015 and 2016, however, were not.

Ward finished second on the Niners defense with 12 pass breakups. And his 75.8 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, was second highest within the defensive backfield only to cornerback Tramaine Brock (81.8).

Brock, given his burn frequency, isn’t a realistic part of the 49ers’ long-term plans. Ward is.

What also makes Ward special is his ability to play on the outside, at nickel and even at his natural safety position.

San Francisco has decent depth at safety entering 2017. Although it wouldn’t be a bad idea to move Ward back to this spot, freeing up space for the next crop of Niners defensive backs.