Many expected the Niners to use the considerable amount of selections they possess to move up to a better spot in the first round. That did not happen, but the bigger shock was the player San Francisco chose to select with pick No. 30.
Baalke opted to go with Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward, a move that initially raised eyebrows among fans that had eagerly awaited the announcement of the 49ers' pick.
However, Ward put together an extremely impressive collegiate career, and there are a number of reasons why the 49ers opted to take him with their first choice. Here is a quick profile on San Francisco's newest recruit.
Size: 5'11", 192lbs
Collegiate Statistics (courtesy of Sports Reference)
A third-team All-American in 2013, Ward enjoyed an outstanding final year with the Huskies, recording 95 tackles and seven interceptions with one returned for a touchdown.
Despite his outstanding production, the Niners' decision to select him looks an odd one on the face of things, especially considering that San Francisco brought in Antoine Bethea to replace the departed Donte Whitner in free agency.
Yet this is a versatile and talented playmaker who projects as a good fit for a 49ers' defense in need of help in the secondary.
And it is that versatility that played a big role in San Francisco's move to bring Ward to the Bay Area.
Ward operated primarily as a strong safety in college, but spent a substantial amount of time at nickel cornerback, which was an area of need for the 49ers heading into the draft following the exits of Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Ward will compete with EricWright and Perrish Cox for the nickel spot while they develop him at safety, meaning that he will have the opportunity to contribute right away.
A violent hitter with good speed and strong coverage skills, Ward has the ability to mature into an excellent NFL safety while giving San Francisco added depth and versatility in the secondary. Some may be underwhelmed, but this is another smart and perhaps underrated pick by the 49ers.
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