Jimmie Ward’s position versatility has evolved into an annual debate about where the San Francisco 49ers defensive back best fits into the team’s secondary. That question arose once again this week at the NFL Combine.
So is Ward a cornerback or a safety?
Ward, a safety in college at Northern Illinois, began his career at the position after the 49ers selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. But Ward didn’t begin to see significant playing time until he moved to nickel cornerback. In 2016, Ward was moved to a starting outside corner, while still spending plenty of time covering the slot depending on the matchup.