In his first season in the Bay Area, Charvarius Ward proved to be one of the San Francisco 49ers’ most impactful free-agent signings last year. On a star-studded defense with Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Talanoa Hufanga, Ward shined in the secondary.
In his first year with the Niners, Ward received an 81.0 defensive grade (the highest PFF grade of his career) from Pro Football Focus, the sixth-highest grade for a cornerback.
On 77 targets, Ward allowed an 88.0 passer rating during the 2022 season. Ward had nine pass breakups and one interception while only allowing three touchdowns all season long.
Coming off a solid first season with the 49ers, Ward is eyeing an All-Pro campaign in 2023.
Via @NBCS49ers on Twitter:
Mooney Ward is eyeing an All-Pro season 😤 pic.twitter.com/7REGGBnjsQ
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 3, 2023
The 27-year-old defender will have the chance to take another step forward under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. The longtime defensive coach has specialized in defensive backs throughout his career.
Wilks has coached the secondary or defensive backs at multiple stops, including with the Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears. Last season, Wilks coached young corner Jaycee Horn to a breakout campaign.
On Thursday, Ward spoke about working with Coach Wilks.
Via NBC Sports 49ers:
Coach Wilks an OG. He’s real smart. He’s got a lot of knowledge in the game. I like his scheme. He’s kind of adding his own wrinkle to things. It’s still mainly the same defense. I feel like he’s got a lot of knowledge among the DBs. I get a lot of one-on-one work with him. Hopefully, he will take me to the next level and all the other DBs as well.
With the help of Wilks and another season behind San Francisco’s vaunted front seven, All-Pro aspirations for Ward should be on the table.
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