San Francisco 49ers defensive back Charvarius Ward believes that he will be the best cornerback in the league in 2023.

Charvarius Ward has been one of the unsung heroes of the San Francisco 49ers this season. The six-year NFL veteran cornerback is the maestro in the 9ers backfield that has only let in an average of just 13 points since their bye week and currently sits at the top of the NFC seed with a 10-3 record.

Yet when talked about as the elite CBs of the current generation, Ward often gets overlooked. The 27-year-old is the head of the snake for Kyle Shanahan‘s side, along with outside corner Ambry Thomas and nickelback Deommodore Lenoir.

Ward currently leads the league with 20 pass breakups this season, while taking away two interceptions. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks praised him for “shadowing the receiver.” He did make life hell for Seattle Seahawks‘ tall muscular wide receiver DK Metcalf on week 12, limiting him to just 3 catches for 32 yards.

Now in his third season with the Bay Area franchise, Chrvarius Ward is more or less living the prime of his career. But does the defensive back believe he is one of the best corners in the NFL? On the contrary, Ward is confident that he is #1.

I ain’t going to lie. Right now that I’m leading the league in PBUs, I’m really starting to feel like I’m in the top five or top three corners of the league.

In a chat with defensive tackle Arik Armstead‘s “Third And Long” podcast

Charvarius Ward aims for picks

Despite the lights-out defensive performances from the former Blue Raiders standout, he has one weakness that, if rectified, would do wonders. Ward is aware of that one tiny yet massive speck in his game that could alter the perception of football fans about him.

Charvarius Ward (Image via FOX News)
He needs more interceptions. Since coming into the league—undrafted by the Dallas Cowboys then traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, and in 2022 joining the 49ers—Charvarius Ward has just 7 picks.

When I start catching them interceptions, I might be the top defensive back in the NFL, like the big dog of the whole league. I feel like I have that talent. Some of them will be amazing plays if I do catch them. But I feel like soon, bro, I’m going to be the top dog.

Ward added.

He has been suffering from a groin injury, which ended his game early against Seattle. There’s yet to be a confirmation on whether he will play in the Arizona Cardinals game that’s coming up. He did not participate in the practice on Thursday.