Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JAY WARD:
LSU | H: 6010 W: 186 40: 4.55 A: 3212 H: 0814 W: 7678
Three year starter, Moultrie, GA. Versatile prospect who has started games at safety, nickel and corner at LSU. Aggressive player, he made a successful adaptation to safety. The majority of his safety reps have come as an overhang player. He also had significant reps playing two high quarters and cover two with limited one high reps. Quick to read run/pass he’s aggressive tracking downhill and will launch into tackles in the alley. Flashes hand usage to slip blocks on the move. Drives through and wraps up on most tackles. Playing deep safety he shows a quick pedal and can open up to get over an outside route. Processes route combinations seeing the quarterback and receivers. Positions well while balancing multiple receivers in overlapping zones. Quick break with the ball in the air he has timing to undercut a route and has solid ball skills. Playing overhang in zone is effective re-routing a slot on a vertical. Covers a lot of ground from the slot to work under intermediate outside routes. Playing man on a slot he shows mirror ability and can take a receiver deep. Has recovery speed if separated on a cut and keeps focus on the receiver. Has reach to get his hand in the basket from behind. Shows some stiffness in his pedal and cushion can break down causing a late turn and run. Has some trouble with shifty slot receivers. He will miss a tackle lunging at the legs and needs consistency adjusting to make tackles in space. Lacks bulk for the position and has had some injuries. Has been an excellent special team player and can be a Swiss army knife for any scheme.
2022 Stats: 59 T, 2.5 TFL, 4 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR (1 TD), 1 INT. OSR:25/30 (CB). 5th/6th round.