Inside The Iggles 2014 Mock Draft, Post-Combine Edition

30. San Francisco 49ers
Jimmie Ward
Safety, Northern Illinois

Nov 20, 2013; Toledo, OH, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies safety Jimmie Ward (15) warms up before the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Dave:
With the Panthers taking an offensive lineman, both Benjamin and Robinson are available for the taking with the 49ers on the clock. However, re-signing receiver Anquan Boldin to a two-year contract means addressing receiver can wait. The 49ers are losing safety Donte Whitner, so FIU’s Jimmie Ward comes in to make he and Eric Reid a formidable duo that would be the best young safety combination if they played in any other division.

Giorgos:
I like Jimmie Ward, but I think he is a reach at this point of the draft. However, the San Francisco 49ers have the luxury of reaching for a player more than any other team. They already have one of the best teams in the NFL and a plethora of draft picks that allows them to take risks. Two months ago, Ward was an unknown prospect for the vast majority. His play, however, has draft pundits projecting him to be picked higher and higher every week. Ward is a great coverage safety, with excellent ball skills and sound tackling technique. The only concern about him is that he is not very fast and likes to makes plays from deep.