Kyle Shanahan is keping his options open as to one the questions about the 49ers’ new defense: Is former first-round draft pick Jimmie Ward a cornerback or a safety?
“I’m not sure yet,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “But that’s definitely the subject of discussion. Because I know he’s capable of doing both.”
That Ward, a college safety who was moved to cornerback last year, could be switching back to safety underscores how important the position is in the 49ers’ new defense. The team may see Ward in the mold of Seahawks Pro Bowler Earl Thomas, a free-ranging safety with the instincts and athleticism to cover ground deep down field in the passing game and the aggressive nature to wallop ball carriers in the running game.