The controversy around San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward continued as he was not ranked as a top-ten NFL safety in a recent ESPN survey that polled NFL executives, coaches, scouts and players about the top players at the position.
ESPN poll for Safetieshttps://t.co/MIyd9RExWu
1) Justin Simmons
2) Minkah Fitzpatrick
3) Kevin Byard
4) Derwin James
5) Budda Baker
6) Jessie Bates
7) Harrison Smith
8) Marcus Williams
9) Antoine Winfield
10) Jamal Adams*I think Mathieu, Diggs and Poyer should also be listed pic.twitter.com/Lim7el2Kun
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 9, 2022
However, Ward was an honorable mention on the list, missing out on the top-ten due to durability concerns, according to an AFC executive.
"I've always loved his game when he's out there, it's just hard to trust him to be out there year-to-year," an AFC exec said.
In the article, Ward wasn't without praise though, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted his versatility, as well as his ability in coverage.
"Ward is still one of the most versatile safeties in the NFC West, with the ability to cover pass-catchers from multiple spots and angles."
Additionally, Ward received high praise from an NFC defensive coach, who shared his belief that the veteran safety has the best coverage at the position.
"He's the best man-to-man coverage safety in the league."
Ward has been underrated for years, and appears to have overcome the one hurdle that thwarted the beginning of his career—injuries.
Ward played 16 games last season, and was the main reason why the secondary wasn't as underwhelming as it appeared on paper, given his multi-dimensional talent.
With a chip on his shoulder heading into a contract year with the 49ers, it wouldn't be surprising if Ward finally received the accolades that his play deserves prior to entering free agency.