Jimmie Ward had practically nothing to prove when the San Francisco 49ers drafted him in the first round of the 2014 draft.
The Niners’ previous starting slot cornerback, Carlos Rogers, had signed with the Oakland Raiders during free agency, and the Niners didn’t have a replacement for him. So when the Niners took Ward in Round 1, it was clear he was Rogers’ replacement. Ward had no competition.
“We believe (Ward) will compete as a nickel for us as well, which is a very important position,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh shortly after Ward was drafted, according to Taylor Price of 49ers.