After Wednesday's practice, Charvarius Ward spoke with reporters and offered his insights on several San Francisco 49ers teammates—primarily on defense, with one notable mention on offense.
Deommodore Lenoir, a rising defensive star, has made a strong impression during training camp. Many expect the fourth-year cornerback to have a breakout 2024 season, potentially earning a significant contract extension. Ward clearly has high expectations for Lenoir.
"I think he's playing at the highest level he's ever played at," Ward said for his defensive teammate. "He's definitely comfortable around the team. Off the field, on the field, he's just being himself, being a dog, being Demo, you know, the hyena, making plays. [He's] a true playmaker inside and outside. So, I'm excited to see what he's going to do this season, for sure."
Ward also shared his thoughts on tight end George Kittle, who had an outstanding practice on Monday, catching several passes from quarterback Brock Purdy and proving once again that he's a reliable target in an offense loaded with playmakers.
"I think he can do it all," Ward said of Kittle. "Great route runner, physically in the run game. Definitely one of my favorite teammates, one of my best buddies in the NFL. So I think George, he's fast, he's got tricky speed, shifty. He can do it all. Best tight end, for sure."
Kittle surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career and the first time since 2019, finishing the 2023 season with 1,020 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He was also Pro Football Focus' highest-graded tight end.
Ward then discussed newcomer Leonard Floyd, the veteran defensive end signed in free agency. Floyd, a consistent pass rusher, has recorded at least nine sacks in each of the past four seasons.
"True professional, OG," Ward said. "He's been around probably, what, 10 years now, a long time. I've been watching him for a while, when he was in Chicago and everything, and I just know he can get after to the quarterback. That's definitely what we need on the defensive line, penetration, and guys that can rush, pin their ears back and play hard. He's gonna go balls to the wall, to the whistle. So he's definitely gonna be a big help to us this season."
Additionally, Ward spoke about rookie cornerback Renardo Green, noting that he showed promise and solid coverage skills in his first preseason action.
"Good effort, not scared," Ward continued. "Pretty confident in himself. Obviously, it's his first game. He can learn a little bit from certain plays, but I think he's got a bright future ahead of him, for sure."
Discussing Green's ability to play on the outside and inside, Ward praised the rookie's intelligence and added, "He done look good at both positions. I think he's got a real good body to be an outside corner. He's got the quickness to be inside corner as well. He feels good. He can tackle. Because in our defense, as a nickel, you're like another linebacker, so you've gotta be able to tackle and you've gotta be able to cover as well. So I think Renardo, I think he can do it all."
