2014 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select Jimmie Ward

With the 30th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected safety Jimmie Ward out of Northern Illinois.

Vitals: 5'11, 193 lbs, 31" arm length, 9 3/8" hands

Bio: While many expected San Francisco to draft a wide receiver - especially with USC WR Marqise Lee still on the board - the 49ers went a different direction to claim Jimmie Ward out of Northern Illinois.

Ward is an extremely mobile, active ball hawk on defense who can snuff out the run and make plays all over the field. He's deceptively explosive, but there are concerns over his size and ability to make the jump from MAC football to the NFL level.

A surprising pick with upside, the 49ers will hope that Ward can develop into a field general able to lead their secondary for years to come.

Check out Ward's highlight video for a closer look into what he brings to the 49ers:

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8toLecbxgs[/embed]

For all the latest San Francisco 49ers draft news, check out our 49ers draft page.