Hot Takes, Predictions for 49ers' Most Impactful Free-Agent Signings

The San Francisco 49ers focused on defensive needs and depth during NFL free agency.

Kyle Shanahan and his staff made a single splash in the form of cornerback Charvarius Ward, who came over from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Outside of that move, the 49ers used free agency to load up on players who can help in rotational situations or on special teams.

Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud could be thrust into a larger role on offense depending on what happens with Deebo Samuel's situation. Even if Samuel gets traded, McCloud would be competing for No. 3-level snaps at wide receiver.

The additions of McCloud, George Odum and others will bolster the special teams unit, but the collection of new players may not make a large impact on every down.

Charvarius Ward Thrives in Top Coverage Role

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 21: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) after an interception late in the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs on Nov 21, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Charvarius Ward will be asked to step into a position of need that has haunted the 49ers a bit over the last few seasons.

San Francisco was depleted at cornerback due to injuries from the start of last season. Jason Verrett went down with a season-ending problem in Week 1, and the team relied on younger players to step up at the position.

Ward joins off four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs in which he recorded 29 passes defended, 222 tackles and four interceptions.

The 49ers would probably like for the interception numbers to go up in 2022, but they will take strong coverage numbers out of the 26-year-old if the picks do not come.

Ward allowed a 51.3 completion percentage on targets thrown at him in 2021, which was a six percent decrease from the 2020 campaign. He also produced a career low of 6.7 yards per target on balls thrown in his direction.

The coverage skills are there with Ward, and that is what the 49ers need to deal with the top wide receivers in the NFC West. If they can control the likes of DK Metcalf and Cooper Kupp, they have a better chance of pulling off divisional wins in defensive struggles.

Low-scoring games, especially early in the Trey Lance era, could be the way San Francisco wins contests.

Ward will be expected to be the shutdown corner inside the 49ers defense, and he proved last season he is capable of being the top coverage guy on a defense.

Ray Ray McCloud Makes Bigger Offensive Impact Than Expected

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 16: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) before an AFC wild card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan 16, 2022 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ray-Ray McCloud is a fascinating signing from a depth and special teams perspective.

The 25-year-old signed with the 49ers after two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he was a depth piece on offense and a primary return man. He recorded 1,422 return yards and 665 receiving yards during his time there.

At the moment, McCloud has a small role inside the 49ers offense and a large part to play on the special teams unit.

His role could change a bit if the Deebo Samuel trade eventually happens. That would push Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings up to the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers on the depth chart, respectively.

Draft pick Danny Gray and Marcus Johnson could also compete for the No. 3 wide receiver spot if Samuel gets moved.

McCloud showed progress as a pass-catcher in 2021 with career highs of 38 receptions and 367 yards inside a Steelers offense that was loaded with young receiving talent.

The Clemson product could play a smaller offensive role if Samuel stays because the 49ers need another deep threat to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

McCloud's ceiling is potentially high if he continues to work on his receiving skills on top of the returning expertise he has shown during his time in the NFL.

Special Teams Unit Gets Significantly Better

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: Indianapolis Colts Safety Julian Blackmon (32) celebrates with Indianapolis Colts Safety George Odum (30) and points down field after intercepting the football in game action during a NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 18, 2020, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by MSA/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The 49ers opted for more practical signings than splashy ones in free agency, and those moves could pay off on special teams throughout the 2022 campaign.

George Odum was one of the Indianapolis Colts' best players on the third unit during his time in the AFC South. He made 150 tackles across the 65 games he played in for the Colts, but he only made 10 starts at safety.

The 28-year-old could chip in with San Francisco's defensive unit, but his main impact will be on returns.

Linebacker Oren Burks falls into the same category as a player who has some decent career stats, has been durable but hasn't made many starts.

The 27-year-old made 92 tackles across 59 games for the Green Bay Packers in the last four seasons but only seven defensive starts.

The additions of Odum and Burks to the special teams unit, and then as defensive depth pieces, should help the 49ers win the minimal battles throughout the 17-game schedule.

A five-yard difference in starting position may make a big difference in certain games. Odum and Burks can help with that, as will McCloud with his return skills.

Odum and Burks may not pop out on the stat sheet, but if they perform the way they have at their previous stops, the 49ers will be a better all-around team.