clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Jim Harbaugh on 49ers draft pick Jimmie Ward: He'll compete at the nickel

The San Francisco 49ers drafted defensive back Jimmie Ward in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Shortly afterward, head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team will use him early on in the nickel back.

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers surprised most of their fans Thursday evening as they selected Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward. People were shaking their heads a bit, but he seems to actually have the kind of versatility that the 49ers can utilize in their secondary. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke about the pick shortly afterward, and he said the team expects him to compete for the nickel back role. Harbaugh said the team liked how Ward got around the field, which will be a boost for the secondary.

There has been a lot of positive commentary thus far about the move. Here are a few tweets from some people all around the wild west of the Internet! Before you check those out, feel free to read over an article from our MAC blog, Hustle Belt. They like him a lot.