SANTA CLARA
Here are 12 observations – most of them with a defensive twist – from the 49ers’ Wednesday OTA practice:
u25aa Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil said the 49ers have liked what they’ve been seeing from Jimmie Ward at cornerback and will keep him there this week. Like last week, Ward lined up at the right cornerback spot with the first-team defense. Unlike last week, he didn’t move inside to slot (nickel) cornerback when the 49ers switched into their nickel defense. He remained on the outside with Chris Davis playing nickel. Ward looked very strong, at one point leaping to the inside to deflect a deep pass intended for receiver Quinton Patton.