CB Charvarius Ward Aims for All-Pro Status Under DC Steve Wilks

Charvarius Ward is hoping that defensive coordinator Steve Wilks can take him into All-Pro status.

Cornerback Charvarius Ward immediately became one of the better defensive players on the San Franciso 49ers last year.

It didn't matter if he was a newly signed player, Ward played in the 49ers defense as if he had been there for several seasons. He gave the 49ers an anchor at cornerback, which is something they didn't have since 2019. Ward now has to adjust to a new defensive coordinator once again with Steve Wilks replacing DeMeco Ryans.

However, it is an adjustment that will likely be to his benefit. Wilks has a background with defensive backs, which means he should be able to elevate the group. At least, that is what Ward is hoping for with himself. On Thursday, he revealed what it is like to play under Wilks thus far. 

"Coach Wilks is an OG," said Ward. "He's real smart, got a lot of knowledge in the game. I like his scheme. He kind of adds his own wrinkle to things, but it's still mainly the same defense. I feel like he's got a lot of knowledge amongst the DBs (defensive backs). I get a lot of one-on-one work with him, and hopefully he'll take me to the next level and all the other DBs as well."

So, what is that "next level" that Ward is alluding to?

"All-Pro hopefully. Yes sir!" 

You've got to love the heights that Ward is striving for this season. And he's correct about needing Wilks to get to that height. As great of a coordinator that Ryans was, his style doesn't necessarily give the spotlight to cornerbacks. With Wilks, there will be some wrinkles as Ward stated that will give them some new looks. Those wrinkles, I expect, will be more man-to-man coverage and blitzing. 

Those are two styles that prop up cornerbacks as opposed to constantly playing a soft zone coverage under Ryans. Ward is best suited for man-to-man in a bump-and-run alignment. He will be allowed those changes under Wilks given they usually go in hand with what he likes to call. Plus, there is the coaching element with the one-on-one's that Ward cited that can unlock him as well.

I think Ward has a great chance to be better this year than last and he was already solid last season. I don't know about All-Pro. That feels a bit of a stretch, but I think he can attain Pro Bowl status this year. Ward isn't the only one who will benefit either. The entire group of defensive backs should be sounder in coverage. There's a chance that the 2023 49ers secondary is the best it's been under Kyle Shanahan. 

It all starts with Ward though. A secondary is only as good as it's anchor, which is Ward. If he can reach the next level(s), then there's no doubt others like Deommodore Lenoir will join him to make the 49ers a strong coverage defense.