ESPN on Friday concluded its position-by-position rankings by looking at the top 10 NFL safeties. The lists, compiled by writer Jeremy Fowler, were created by conducting an extensive poll involving 50 league executives, coaches, scouts, and players.
So far, the names representing the San Francisco 49ers on the list for their respective positions are George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Fred Warner. Friday's list took a look at safeties.
Unfortunately, 49ers safety Jimmie Ward just missed the top-10, but it was close. Very close.
"As usual, the last spot required a tiebreaker," wrote Fowler. "This time, [Micah Hyde of the Buffalo Bills] edged out Jimmie Ward and Landon Collins. Ward, who's basically a co-No. 10 based on the voting, is a smoother athlete, but Hyde is more complete and more durable."
While Ward didn't officially make the top-10 list, he did receive honorable mention because of how close he was to doing so.
San Francisco drafted Ward out of Northern Illinois with the No. 30 overall pick in 2014. He registered 65 tackles, a sack, and eight passes defensed through 13 starts with the 49ers in 2019, per Pro Football Reference.
"Smooth in coverage," one NFL coordinator told Fowler while describing Ward's play. "Watch him against the Rams last year. He was dominant. He can play all four DB spots and is great in the slot."
Ward has recorded 251 tackles, three sacks, 29 passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown, and two forced fumbles through his six NFL seasons.
The 49ers in March re-signed Ward to a three-year deal worth up to $28.5 million.