Ward, better known to teammates and coaches as "Mooney," is a relatively new face on the Niners roster, signing a three-year, $42 million free-agent deal with the team last year. The cornerback earned his best overall (81.0), run-defense (91.0), tackling (90.7), and coverage (76.6) grades from Pro Football Focus in his first season with the 49ers.
Ward just made Baldinger's list, coming in at No. 10.
"An undrafted free agent signee out of Middle Tennessee in 2018, Ward is a reasonably unheralded player who has developed into the top cornerback on the league's top-rated defense," wrote Baldinger. "All the sixth-year pro has lacked is interceptions (five career INTs), but he really helped solidify the 49ers' secondary last season after being with the Chiefs for his first four pro campaigns."
Ward (6-1, 195) finished his 2022 campaign with 87 tackles, three tackles for a loss, an interception, a career-high 11 passes defensed, and a forced fumble through 17 games, per Pro Football Reference. According to Pro Football Focus, he did not miss a tackle in his first 15 games.
Baldinger added, "Ward's specialty is understanding the art of man-to-man defense. His great technique doesn't hurt, either."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers named among top Vita Vea trade fits—but there's one reason for hesitation
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea appears to have grown tired of waiting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to finalize a contract extension and has reportedly requested a trade. As is often the case when a star player becomes available, speculation has quickly made the San Francisco... -
Where 49ers TE George Kittle landed in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026
The NFL continues its countdown of the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, with San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle checking in at No. 46. The ranking represents a notable drop from last year's No. 31 spot and his No. 14 ranking in 2024. Despite the decline, Kittle is still... -
Top storylines from Day 3 of 49ers Training Camp
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their third open practice of training camp on Wednesday. Some good things happened, but there was also some bad news to start off the day. Here are some of the top storylines from day three of 49ers training camp. Ricky Pearsall is... -
49ers' Trent Williams climbs in NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings
A fourth San Francisco 49ers player has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list. Twelve-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams came in at No. 40, climbing five spots from his No. 45 ranking in 2025. No. 40 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@49ers OT...