Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Originally posted by SnakePlissken:
I didn't hear a single person on TV even call this guy a reach, I don't understand where that's coming from?
He's not a popular or sexy name so a bunch of people predictably freaked out and began calling him a "reach" as a defensive mechanism because if they don't know his name, he obviously can't be good.
I think he'll be raw at the #3 CB spot, but he's got a high ceiling. In true Baalke fashion, you let the kid learn and earn his reps on the field through special teams, contributions at multiple positions, and let him evolve into a particular position.
In addition, he's a great security blanket in case Reid or Bethea encounter any injuries this year. Reid did have two concussions last year, so Ward can easily step into the FS role.
Finally, I think Ward was BPA in the secondary. There was no one else on the board at CB or S worth drafting in the 1st round than Ward.
There's so much talent available at WR (Latimer, Lee, Moncrief, Adams, Matthews, Robinson, Bryant) and DL (Tuitt, Hageman, Nix, Ealy) that the 49ers could easily move up with 2nd and 3rd for a higher pick and a 5th, and then a 2nd and 4th for a higher 2nd and 6th.
- Ward (CB/S)
- Hageman (DT/DE)
- Latimer (WR)
QB, TE, LB, and RB may be hot positions in the 2nd because the lack of selections in the 1st. So I love the chances of the 49ers getting quality picks without giving up much or anything to move into position to get them.