Jimmie Ward has admitted that it is a "blessing" to play for the San Francisco 49ers following his selection in the 2014 Draft.

Ward was picked 30th overall in the first round of the Draft, and he will now compete with fellow safeties Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea for a starting place for Jim Harbaugh's side.

"It was an awesome experience," Ward told reporters. "I didn't know where I was going to go in the draft, so it's a blessing to come and play for one of the top teams in the NFL."

Ward recorded 95 tackles, one sack and seven interceptions for the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2013 season.