49ers defenseman Jimmie Ward heads for the free hand. And he may need to go elsewhere if he wants to return to his favorite position of free security.

GM John Lynch recently stated that Ward wasn’t thrilled about moving from the security to the slots corner in 2022. And Lynch knows Ward wants to return to San Francisco’s last line of defense.

Lynch recently spoke about Ward’s initial reluctance to play Slot Corner.

“At first he thought we were crazy,” Lynch said of NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan. “He wanted out, but Kyle [Shanahan] did a good job. I know they had a meeting and convinced him to stick with it. He did that and it sounds like he’s trying to get back to safety, but I think it helps who he is as a player when he shows that he has that kind of versatility.

Lynch believes playing the corner helped Ward get the ball more often, addressing a long-standing criticism of Ward’s overall game.

Ward, a 49ers first-round pick in 2014, said he was told he would be benched if he didn’t change positions.

“Kyle doesn’t quite remember it that well,” Lynch said. “We never benched Jimmie. I think he was more trying to sell him why it was a good thing for him and our team.”

Both Ward and free safety Tashaun Gipson will become free agents in 11 days. If Ward wants to play safety again, he may have to go elsewhere – if Gipson re-signs with the 49ers.

And there is an interesting fold in the Ward/Gipson question. According to NFLPA records, they are represented by the same agent. So maybe Ward will know what Gipson is up to, and Gipson will know what Ward is up to.

Lynch says the team wants both Ward and Gipson back. When that happens, you’re on the bench – or you’re playing Slot Corner.

After moving to the slots corner, Jimmie Ward wants to be safety again, originally appeared on Pro Football Talk

The post After transferring to fit nook, Jimmie Ward needs to be a security once more appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

49ers defenseman Jimmie Ward heads for the free hand. And he may need to go elsewhere if he wants to return to his favorite position of free security.

GM John Lynch recently stated that Ward wasn’t thrilled about moving from the security to the slots corner in 2022. And Lynch knows Ward wants to return to San Francisco’s last line of defense.

Lynch recently spoke about Ward’s initial reluctance to play Slot Corner.

“At first he thought we were crazy,” Lynch said of NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan. “He wanted out, but Kyle [Shanahan] did a good job. I know they had a meeting and convinced him to stick with it. He did that and it sounds like he’s trying to get back to safety, but I think it helps who he is as a player when he shows that he has that kind of versatility.

Lynch believes playing the corner helped Ward get the ball more often, addressing a long-standing criticism of Ward’s overall game.

Ward, a 49ers first-round pick in 2014, said he was told he would be benched if he didn’t change positions.

“Kyle doesn’t quite remember it that well,” Lynch said. “We never benched Jimmie. I think he was more trying to sell him why it was a good thing for him and our team.”

Both Ward and free safety Tashaun Gipson will become free agents in 11 days. If Ward wants to play safety again, he may need to go elsewhere – if Gipson re-signs with the 49ers.

And there is an interesting fold in the Ward/Gipson question. According to NFLPA records, they are represented by the same agent. So maybe Ward will know what Gipson is up to, and Gipson will know what Ward is up to.

Lynch says the team wants both Ward and Gipson back. When that happens, you’ll be on the bench – or you’ll be playing Slot Corner.

Continue reading

The post After transferring to fit nook, Jimmie Ward desires to be a security once more appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Primarily an out of numbers threat in three years with Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, wide receiver Justyn Ross will bring his fourth year skills closer to quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in the first year.

Ross’ move is an obvious indicator that Swinney and his coworkers believe their external arms with Ross, Joseph Ngata and Frank Ladson Jr. are moving forward in perfect health in 2021.

Contrary to the opinions of national players like ESPN’s Heather Dinich, Clemson is as strong as previous teams that earned the nickname “WRU” in the first place.

“Everyone (stands up),” Ross said during spring training. “Everyone from top to bottom is just an elite.”

When asked about the switch to the slot, Ross’ behavior indicated that the switch had already been thoroughly decided and even processed with Ross in contactless action.

“Yeah, that’s what it looks like right now,” said Ross. “I like it though. I played the slot a bit (before). A little bit in my first year, they moved me and got me into the slot. But I feel like it will be a huge advantage.” me.”

Ross stormed the stage in his freshman campaign, crowning his team-leading 1,000-yard maiden year with a national championship and returning in 2019 as runner-up with 66 receptions and 865 yards. With obvious pro talent as an outside receiver, Ross can add another level to his NFL scouting repertoire when he returns from his neck injury in the slot.

“Linebacker, slow collateral,” said Ross. “I only have this advantage to compete against slower opponents (in the slot) … I’ll probably be there in the fall.”

The post Justyn Ross Bought on Shifting to Slot WR Function for Tigers appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.