49ers roster: 3 players who break out in a big way in 2021
By Tee Epps
The 49ers aren’t just turning to their star players to shoulder the load in 2021. In addition, these three players could end up breaking out.
The 2021 NFL season is fast approaching with OTAs having concluded and teams preparing for training camp later this summer. As for the San Francisco 49ers, they ended their offseason program a week early due to a couple of season-ending injuries.
Despite those losses, there are players who break out in a big way in 2021.
Some players are finally getting the chance to assume greater roles, while others have already made their impact known across the league. But for one reason or another, they just haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve.
Perhaps the upcoming season changes that.
Let’s take a look at three such players who wind up making a bigger name for themselves over the course of the year.
No. 3: 49ers Safety Jimmie Ward
The first breakout choice I’m deciding to nominate is seven-year pro safety, Jimmie Ward.
Throughout his tenure with the team, Ward has been a valuable asset to San Francisco. Appearing in 78 games during his career, Ward has been a huge benefit to the organization. Instead of revamping the entire secondary, the team has the flexibility to only add pieces around their hybrid defensive back.
The one big knock on Ward, aside from a rather unfortunate injury history, has been his lack of generating turnovers. Up to his point in his career, Ward has just two total interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Despite his lack of creating extra possessions for his team, Ward has excelled at being more of a leader and somewhat of an enforcer for that young defense.
The 49ers have done a solid job of retaining most of their coveted pieces to the secondary puzzle. However, without a true veteran presence to help stabilize this young group, guys in the locker room will look to lean on Ward. He’s a great communicator for the defense, possesses extremely sound techniques and has the ability to jump inside and play slot corner if needed.
Just like the rest of the team, if Ward can stay healthy, his production may take a significant jump.