Jimmie Ward 'Can Play Anywhere' On Texans Defense - DeMeco Ryans

Houston coach DeMeco Ryans targeted Jimmie Ward in free agency because of his versatility but already knows where he'll be lining up on Sundays for the Texans.

Jimmie Ward is a versatile defensive player who can play multiple positions and be just as effective pretty much anywhere on the field. That's one reason the Texans went out and got him in free agency.

There's also the familiarity factor. 

New Texans coach DeMeco Ryans coached Ward in San Francisco and knows his strengths. Ward is the kind of player who knows “exactly how I want things done, how our culture will be set” as both Ryans and Ward prepare for their first season in Houston.

Regardless of his versatility, Ryans knows exactly where he's playing him in his defensive scheme.

“Of course, everyone knows Jimmie wants to play safety,” Ryans said, via the team’s website. “But in talking to Jimmie last year, I always told him, when you play the nickel position and you can play the safety position, it just opens up a lot more avenues for you, and that’s what it’s done for Jimmie. 

"Jimmie has been very fun to work with because he’s jumped into that nickel role, and he thrived in the role, made probably more plays than he’s made playing safety, so Jimmie can play anywhere, but I’m going to play him at safety.”

Combining Ward with two young players the Texans picked in last year's NFL Draft in corner Derek Stingley and safety Jalen Pitre, Ryans and Houston should see a much improved defensive secondary from last season.

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