San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players fighting for their futures in 2018

Jimmie Ward

It’s a shocking turn of events, but the 2014 first-rounder might find himself out of San Francisco soon. It has nothing to do with his level of play, but rather that the team doesn’t know how to use him with all of the talents on the field.

At free safety, Adrian Colbert looks to have the position secured for himself after his late-season play that impressed the coaches. He filled in effortlessly when both Ward and Jaquiski Tartt went down with injuries and commanded the defensive backfield. As far as production goes, Colbert beat Ward out convincingly when looking at their

As far as production goes, Colbert beat Ward out convincingly when looking at their PFF Edge grades (via NinersLive.net). Ward earned himself a 46.9 to Colbert’s 77.6. This was also in Ward’s first season as the team’s single-high safety after being the swiss army knife of the defense for so long. And his versatility might not help him get a starting spot either.

And with Ward’s job taken away, it’s unsure of where he can go. Jaquiski Tartt is arguably the team’s best defensive back after last season and mans the strong safety spot. Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon take over the outside cornerback positions.

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As for nickel corner, K’Waun Williams looks to have that taken care of as well after showing why he’s considered a nickel specialist and earning a contract extension.

Much like earlier in the list with Robinson, it’s a product of too many cooks. Because of this, Ward might not be used at all on the defense.