Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 potential breakout players in 2017

By Adam Trovato

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-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
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. 1: Jimmie Ward

Remember defensive back Jimmie Ward getting lit up for three touchdowns by Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall in his second game as an NFL corner?

That was enough to write Ward off for many 49ers fans, only to have him creep back into all their good books. Since that game, Ward has been one of the most reliable, exciting, and explosive 49ers on the roster.

All of this, playing two positions that are unnatural to him.

Ward, who played safety in college, played both nickle corner and outside corner in 2015 and 2016. He will now go back to his natural position as a free safety under Saleh’s 4-3 under defence. As a free safety in this Cover 3 defence, Ward will play the centre fielder.

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This position requires sideline-to-sideline range, strong positioning and football IQ, sounds tackling and the ability to blitz. Ward has displayed his football IQ and athleticism through his versatility in college and the NFL, while proving he can make adjustments at the pro-level.

The centre fielder in this defensive scheme is one of the most important positions in the secondary and is relied on heavily to provide help to the cornerbacks who are forced to play aggressively.

Next: Predicting the 49ers 2017 depth chart and 53-man roster

Ward is not only the best fit on the roster to fill this position, but will develop into a top-end safety by season’s end.