The 49ers are in the midst of their six-week break between the end of the offseason program and the start of training camp in late July. Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have a far more solidified roster heading into Year 2 of their tenures. Fewer spots are up for grabs. Most of the heated battles will come on the margins.
Let’s take a look at some intriguing competitions that are going to crystalize when the team returns for training camp.
Jimmie Ward vs. the rest of the secondary
The only thing we know about Jimmie Ward, San Francisco’s first-round pick in 2014: his future is uncertain. He worked at cornerback throughout the offseason program in Richard Sherman’s place while Sherman recovered from two Achilles surgeries. Sherman is expected to be healthy in time for the start of training camp after returning to practice last week, albeit only in individual drills.
If Ward doesn’t return to starting in the slot or free safety, he would be a do-it-all backup, which is an unlikely role for the defense’s highest paid player. He’s guaranteed $8.5 million after his fifth-year option was picked up in May 2017.
(49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward (25) – Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
“Jimmie can help us out most where he’s needed the most, which is a very good thing for a team to have,” Kyle Shanahan said. “It’s a very big compliment to say to Jimmie that he’s capable of helping us out at nickel, corner and safety. Where do we need him the most? We’re not quite sure yet.”
Injuries are inevitable, which could be another way of saying a prominent role for Ward is inevitable. However, at just 5-foot-11 and 193 pounds, he doesn’t look anything like the team’s other cornerbacks, who all hover around 6-2 with 32-inch arms.
The 49ers might prefer Tyvis Powell or rookie third-round pick Tarvarius Moore if something happened to one of the starters at corner given their size and long levers. The only thing we know for sure is Ward would likely be the top backup to free safety Adrian Colbert and to nickel corner K’Waun Williams.
