49ers: Top 20 NFL Draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 NFL draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 20: San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during a press conference where Chip Kelly was announced as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 11: Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Trent Baalke sure loved defensive backs, and many fans were probably a bit shocked when he used the team’s first-round pick in 2014 to select former Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward.

Ward was meant to address San Francisco’s needs at nickel back, and the Niners had historically put rookie corners at this spot in year one.

But Ward’s first year didn’t exactly get off to a hot start. Big-bodied receivers, like Chicago Bears’ Alshon Jeffery, torched him early. And Ward’s rookie campaign ended up being cut short by a foot injury.

Ward bounced back nicely in 2015, though. And by 2016, he was receiving compliments from future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Like another defensive back within the top 10, Ward has a number of injury issues preventing him from being ranked any higher. Yet, after a sluggish start, he has emerged as one of the better defensive backs within San Francisco’s secondary.