Wilks: Charvarius Ward is playing better than any CB in the NFL

Jan 4, 2024, 5:00 PM | Updated: Jan 5, 2024, 1:07 pm

Charvarius Ward #7 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares for a snap against the Seattle Seahawks duri...

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks didn’t mince any words when talking about the elevation of Charvarius Ward Thursday.

Wilks started his press conference by declaring Ward as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, saying no one is playing better at the position right now. This comes after the cover-man was named to his first Pro Bowl Wednesday, with his coach elated for him to say the least.

“I don’t think there’s another corner in the National Football League that is playing better than Charvarius ‘Mooney’ Ward,” Wilks told the media. “Kudos to him for being elected to his first Pro Bowl, and hopefully that predicates also into an All-Pro because I think he’s playing at that caliber level.”

Steve Wilks calls Charvarius Ward "one of the best tackling DB's – not just corners, but DB's – in the National Football League." pic.twitter.com/2BUUcuV8fR

— KNBR (@KNBR) January 4, 2024

The defensive coordinator took it a step further with his praise, calling Ward one of the best secondary members in the NFL.

“I think he’s one of the best tackling [defensive backs], not just corners, but DB’s in the National Football League,” Wilks added.

Charvarius Ward, 27, is indeed having a career year, with an outstanding 85.6 Pro Football Focus grade. The Mississippi native has 68 combined tackles, 23 pass breakups and five interceptions (tied for second amongst CBs) this season. Ward has quietly established himself as a No.1 corner since joining the 49ers in 2022, near the top of tackles (67 solo) last season as well.

A six-year veteran, Mooney is thrilled to finally receive his flowers from the national audience. But while he’s happy now, there’s still one more list he wants to make: All-Pro.

“It’s a good feeling, it’s always been one of my dreams to be recognized as one of the best. So, thankful to God. Glad I got to get it done this year…I’m still happy as hell, hopefully I get that All-Pro. I feel like I deserve that too,” Ward stated.

The 49ers as a group have nine Pro Bowlers for the 2023 season, an NFL best. San Francisco also had a league-leading 12 alternates for the Pro Bowl, bringing the total to 21 players all in all.

Despite the success of the team, some feel a few names were left off the list, especially wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

“I would have put him on over one of those guys [that made it]. I’m not gonna say which one,” Charvarius Ward said about Aiyuk.

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