SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

On Thursday night, San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward returned from injury for his first NFL start at free safety. We break down Ward’s performance against the Los Angeles Rams.

When the San Francisco 49ers decided to change their defensive system to a 4-3 Cover 3 Press last offseason, many questioned the move, because the 49ers lacked a player on their roster for the scheme’s most important position — free safety.

The 49ers already had two potential strong safeties in first-rounder Eric Reid and second-rounder Jaquiski Tartt. Still, some predicted 49ers general manager John Lynch would draft another early round safety — a drafting strategy that plagued Lynch’s predecessor, Trent Baalke.

However, Lynch and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan already had their free safety on the Niners’ roster. Cornerback Jimmie Ward, a converted college safety, was slotted to play the “Earl Thomas role” in the 49ers’ new defense, until he sustained an early training camp injury.

After returning in a limited role in Week 2, Ward played all 65 snaps at free safety on Thursday night against the Rams.

And he impressed.

The Rams chose not to challenge Ward and stayed away from the seams and deep middle of the field. Ward was still able to make a positive impact in both pass and run defense, and led the 49ers with seven tackles.

As the last man in the back of the secondary, Ward needs to be a sure tackler. Here, Ward saves a potential touchdown after cornerback K’Waun Williams and linebacker NaVorro Bowman both slip on the play:

Even though Ward lines up far from the line of scrimmage, he still needs to be active in the short-passing game.

Here, Ward quickly recognizes the screen pass, knifes in, and makes the tackle:

The biggest question surrounding Ward’s position change was whether he has the lateral speed necessary to cover the deep middle third of the field.

Here, Ward shows off his range, getting all the way to the sideline to help cornerback Dontae Johnson, who was beat by wide receiver Sammy Watkins:

The Rams respected Ward’s range throughout the game.

Quarterback Jared Goff knows he can’t lead his receiver toward the middle of the field, and instead is forced to throw over the top of the cornerback, which leads to the incompletion:

Ward can also be an enforcer over the middle.

He draws a two-yard penalty for the big hit but exhibits the “extreme violence” preached by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh:

Here, Ward reacts to the misdirection play and quickly closes on the receiver, with a big tackle short of the sticks:

Also active in the run game, Ward works his way down to the sideline to help knock running back Todd Gurley out of bounds:

In his first NFL start at free safety, Jimmie Ward showed he has the tools to play the position in the San Francisco 49ers’ new defensive scheme.