Ward, better known to teammates and coaches as "Mooney," is a relatively new face on the Niners roster, signing a three-year, $42 million free-agent deal with the team last year. The cornerback earned his best overall (81.0), run-defense (91.0), tackling (90.7), and coverage (76.6) grades from Pro Football Focus in his first season with the 49ers.
Ward just made Baldinger's list, coming in at No. 10.
"An undrafted free agent signee out of Middle Tennessee in 2018, Ward is a reasonably unheralded player who has developed into the top cornerback on the league's top-rated defense," wrote Baldinger. "All the sixth-year pro has lacked is interceptions (five career INTs), but he really helped solidify the 49ers' secondary last season after being with the Chiefs for his first four pro campaigns."
Ward (6-1, 195) finished his 2022 campaign with 87 tackles, three tackles for a loss, an interception, a career-high 11 passes defensed, and a forced fumble through 17 games, per Pro Football Reference. According to Pro Football Focus, he did not miss a tackle in his first 15 games.
Baldinger added, "Ward's specialty is understanding the art of man-to-man defense. His great technique doesn't hurt, either."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Recap: 49ers display top form in dominant 38-13 victory over Bears
The San Francisco 49ers still face long odds to make the postseason this year after three months of injuries and inconsistent play, but for at least one half of football against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, they looked more than any other point this season... -
Why Ron Rivera would be wary of paying 49ers QB Brock Purdy top-market money
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face a pivotal decision in a few weeks. That's when they can start negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite some lackluster performances this season, the organization remains committed to keeping Purdy for... -
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
Kyle Shanahan reflects on 49ers' Week 15 loss vs. Rams, provides De'Vondre Campbell update
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Friday, the day after the team's 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...