SF 49ers: 3 players who’ll help DeMeco Ryans most in 2021

No. 3: SF 49ers DB Jimmie Ward

Safety Jimmie Ward is the longest-tenured member of the SF 49ers on either side of the football and, in fact, has been with the team three years longer than Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and most of their staff.

This would be reason alone to mark Ward as a key player Ryans can lean on heading into 2021, but Ward has also been one of the defense’s top performers during Saleh’s tenure as defensive coordinator.

The 2019 season was likely the best of Ward’s career and was just the second time he finished the year on the active roster, although he did not play 16 regular-season games.

In 2020, Ward missed two games due to injury and struggled at times when on the field but ended the year on a strong note, playing some of his best football over the back half of last season.

One of Ward’s most useful skills is his versatility, something that caused him to bounce around from outside cornerback to slot corner, to safety, and back throughout his first few seasons. The last few campaigns have seen Ward locked in at free safety, but he does possess strong cover skills that allow him to slot into other roles as needed.

And so it will be up to Ryans to utilize Ward in his best position — likely remaining as the team’s free safety — but also using Ward’s experience to help build the defense the SF 49ers’ defensive coordinator wants.