Originally posted by DeUh:
Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by DeUh:
1st. Day Recap
1. Chris Culliver
- @TaylorPrice49 Follow Chris Culliver lined up with first-team defense and looked solid. You could say @Cullyinthehouse at Day 1 of #49ersCamp.
- @Ninersnation Chris Cook handled first team cornerback work opposite Tramaine Brock during minicamp team drills, but that appears to have been primarily because Culliver was finishing up his rehab. Culliver was cleared to practice in training camp, and he appears to be right back out there.
2. Jimmie Ward
- @timkawakami Follow 49ers are still practicing, but definitely impressed by Jimmie Ward. Very, very active and can tell he'll be lively when they put on pads.
- @MattBarrowsThe best way to describe Ward: rangy. He's got long arms and is quick in and out of his breaks, which is ideal for the nickel spot.
3. Nickel Back Depth Chart
- @Ninersnation 1) Perrish Cox; 2) Jimmie Ward; 3) Darryl Morris
4. Other News
http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/day-1-ward-intercepts-pass-third-play-49ers-practice
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/24/6581298/49ers-training-camp-day-1-ward.html
http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/7/24/5935261/49ers-training-camp-practice-recap-day-1-depth-chart-jimmie-ward-and
5. Pictures
http://www.49ers.com/photos/photo-gallery/First-Training-Camp-Practice-of-2014/ea23ae44-e8e5-4603-aca1-b1d3b341b7a4
Isn't this great news? Culliver already looks solid and Cook tipped a ball for an INT and overpowering smaller but quick/fast WR's like Wiley (?) on the edge which is important given the Hawk's personnel (shut 'em down!). It's pretty sweet when you consider Morris is running with the 3's and he's had the best OTA between he and Cox. And now if Ward takes the spot running imagine the depth at JUST the slot position! Happy to hear the big committment and hunger by Brock as well and it sounds like we also have keepers in Johnson and perhaps Acker as well (maybe even DJ Campbell and LJ McCray for ST and real depth at S). Ward is going to turn out to be a GREAT pick/fit!
Yes ! 
Two other noteworthy news.
1. Vance McDonald
- @49erspressdemocrat Didn't drop one pass today. He also made the catch of the day, reaching up and snagging a pass between two defenders near the sideline.
2. Stevie Johnson
- @bayareasportsguy He ran precise routes and made several catches that showed his hand strength.
- Jimmie Ward about Stevie Johnson: "I noticed he's got really quick feet. He's got quick hands, his hands are really good."
Cool side story
@sfo.scout.com At one point during individual drills, Crabtree beat Ward pretty badly on a curl route. Afterwards Ward went over and spoke to Cox about technique. Minutes later, Ward was covering the shifty Johnson, who tried to beat him with a series of moves before breaking to the inside on a slant. Ward made a great play on the ball without interfering with Johnson and broke up the pass. He went off to the sideline and received a high-five from Cox.
I told everyone from day 1 this could be a VERY dynamic secondary with a ton of depth and they can all play physical press AND our off coverage schemes. The only question is how quickly they will come together as a team/unit/communication. Reid, Brock, Culliver, Cox, Morris all have plenty of experience in our system...they can just "play." Bethea, Cook and Johnson/Acker will have to pick up the scheme as quickly as possible. As proof, Bethea is already slated to be calling the assignments/alignments (not Reid).
McDonald is going to be a beast now that he's developed his pass catching timing with CK and it's already evident. Now he doesn't need to "think." If we use him in the soft zones and get him out in space like the underneath routes against the Hawks, he is going to be a beast. We just need to use him more than x1 a game (if that). Johnson has some of the quickest short-area quickness I've seen since a healthy Mario Manningham. That skill set is what made Jerry Rice the GOAT. The other WR's should take notice!
I get that feeling to.
