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Time for another debut 🙌@49ers safety Jimmie Ward makes the #NFLTop100 for the first time at 96! pic.twitter.com/rUL6ckvuX4
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 15, 2022
"After eight seasons in the league, the underrated Ward makes his debut in the Top 100," wrote NFL.com. "The veteran defensive back did not allow any receiver to reach 50 yards in a game against him last season. The Northern Illinois product also had a career-high 77 tackles. Ward is a strong tackler, reliable run-defender, extremely versatile and is elite in coverage. He is one of the top players at his position, even if he doesn't get the recognition that he deserves."
NFL Network is revealing its Top 100 players of 2022, announcing Nos. 91-100 on Sunday. Players vote on the list. It is based on performance during the previous year and predicted performance during the upcoming season. This year's list is the league's 12th.
San Francisco drafted Ward (5-11, 195) out of Northern Illinois with the No. 30 overall pick in 2014. Per Pro Football Reference, he registered 77 tackles, a tackle for a loss, six passes defensed, two interceptions, and a touchdown through 16 starts with the 49ers last season.
The safety has long acknowledged that he doesn't get the respect he feels he deserves.
"... Derwin James, he's a great safety. Don't get me wrong on that. But I don't see him guarding more than just Keenan Allen, from what I've seen. ... You check my resume; it's not too many people getting me in coverage, whether it's a wide receiver or tight end."
Kyle Juszczyk also made the Top 100 list, landing at No. 100, a three-spot drop compared to 2021. Last and this year are the only times the 49ers fullback ranked in the top 100.
🗣JUUUUUUUICE @49ers FB @JuiceCheck44 starts off the countdown for the #NFLTop100! pic.twitter.com/JKuF6ghdPu
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 15, 2022
"Selected to his sixth straight Pro Bowl following another stellar campaign, Juszczyk continues to display exactly why the fullback position can be of great value in a league with fast defenses," wrote NFL.com. "The 31-year-old signed a five-year extension last year to become the highest-paid player (again) at the position. Arguably the league's top fullback, San Francisco will hope to continue exploiting the defenses of the NFC West using Juszczyk's versatility."
The Baltimore Ravens made Juszczyk (6-1, 235) a fourth-round selection (No. 130 overall) out of Harvard in 2013. He has been named to six consecutive Pro Bowl rosters.