San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who must improve

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: A detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet is seen resting on the field during an NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on November 5, 2017 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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2. Jimmie Ward

In 2014 the 49ers took a safety out of Northern Illinois, his name is Jimmie Ward but to call him a safety would simply be false. Outside cornerback, nickle cornerback, safety… let’s just day defensive back. Where there is value in being versatile and being able to play anywhere in the secondary, there is also something to be said about being a “master of none.”

Ward’s versatility is is calling card, but word is that he may not even be a starter in 2018. Kind of odd that such a talented player cannot even earn a starting spot, instead assume the role of a rotational substitute. Maybe this points at the 49ers having more talent at corner and safety than they used to. Or, it points at Ward not having what it takes to be a starter in today’s NFL.

A quality season in 2016 that included an interception and 12 pass deflections had fans expecting a lot in 2017. Unfortunately, a broken arm derailed his season before it could really get going. Ward only appeared in seven games, six as a starter… and all when the 49ers couldn’t buy a win. Ward has to show up in 2018 and improve upon his 2017 season.

With plenty of talent on the roster, Ward also needs to be a leader to the younger guys. Richard Sherman will help with that, but Ward has been in San Francisco for four seasons now and knows the system. Ward needs to earn his keep and prove to Shanahan that he deserves to be there. A career year in 2018 would be the easiest way to send that message.