49ers' Jimmie Ward: Solidifying role as starting CB

Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said Ward is "solidifying his bid to start at cornerback with Tramaine Brock," MercuryNews.com reports.

Analysis:

Ward has served as the team's nickelback in both of his first two years in the league but made the transition to outside corner this offseason and impressed while doing it. He appears locked into a starting role at this point and, with the accompanying amount of additional playing time that comes with the new gig, appears destined to build upon his 57-tackle, one-sack 2015 campaign.