Jimmie Ward's Pro Day and a review of his Utah State Performance

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In front of approximately 30 NFL teams ― including some members of the Chiefs’ staff, according to Northern Illinois football spokeswoman Donna Turner ― the 5-foot-11, 193-pound Ward proceeded to record a 38-inch vertical jump, a 10 1/2-foot broad jump and, most importantly, a 4.45 40-yard dash.

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/03/07/4873658/northern-illinois-safety-jimmie.html

When adjusting that 4.45 to the combine numbers, I wouldn't go any higher than 4.52, and those are explosive numbers in the vert and broad. Most importantly, Ward's athleticism shows on tape - and often - because he's an instinctive, cerebral player who puts himself in positions to make plays. I figured he'd run around a 4.50 (which is what I'd adjust the 4.45 to).

4:45 – 1st & 10, -> 49 YL: Lined up five yards off the outside shoulder of the LT. Offense in Wildcat formation. Hand off to RB, pitched to QB coming from the WR position. The entire defense bites on the handoff. When the QB receives the pitch, Jimmie Ward is standing at the à 44 YL. The QB throws to a receiver at the à 2 YL, and Jimmie Ward breaks up the play. Amazing recovery. For anyone questioning his make-up speed, give this play a look. QB was late on the throw, but a beautiful play by Ward. Two teammates have a head start on him but finish a good three yards away from the play.

http://mrebird.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/jimmie-ward-vs-utah-state/

 

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Probably one of the worst player write-ups I've seen, but it provides contrast:

BOTTOM LINE Wiry, active, aggressive strong safety at his best playing downhill and reacting to plays in front him. Lacks starter-caliber size, instincts, range and cover skills, but could serve as a backup and special-teams contributor.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jimmie-ward?id=2543741

 

[LANGER72]

Jim Ward


Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Compact frame. Remarkably fluid athlete with quick feet, smooth change-of-direction agility and easy acceleration. Dropped down to cover slot receivers with solid man-to-man skills to handle a similar role in the NFL.

Good balance and lateral agility, including the ability to sprawl to avoid cut-blocks. Physical, competitive defender who doesn't back down from the challenges of bigger opponents. Very good diagnosis skills and closes quickly and forcefully. Takes proper angles in pursuit, limiting breakaway opportunities for opponents. Eased concerns that his stellar play was due in part to questionable competition at the Senior Bowl.

WEAKNESSES: Shorter than scouts prefer, a fact that could lead to some projecting him at cornerback. Good but less-than-ideal speed to recover if beaten initially. Gets too grabby once he's turned around. Leaves his feet to tackle, creating some impressive collisions but occasionally failing to wrap up securely. Misses tackles against the bigger, stronger athletes.

Compares To: Glover Quin, Lions - Quin might not be the most popular player in the league but the six-year veteran out of New Mexico has quietly proven a quality starter despite marginal size (6-0, 205).
Player Overview
A Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist as a senior, Ward was all over the field in 2013, leading the team in tackles with 92, including a whopping 62 solo stops. He was also one of the nation's best ball-hawking safeties with seven interceptions and 10 pass break-ups.

What separates Ward from other undersized prospects is his versatile skill set and training to play any position in the defensive backfield. His versatility should be highly appealing to NFL teams and may even draw higher grades for Ward than expected.