Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 76.33 (Chance to start)

Pro Comparison: Jalen Mills

Accolades:

  • 60-plus tackles in back-to-back seasons
  • 16 reps of 225 pounds in bench press (fourth by CB at 2023 combine)

Summary:

Jay Ward is a thin-framed safety who has a past at the cornerback position. Teams will find value in that flexibility. He has average top-end and recovery speed but often finds himself around the football because of his awareness and high motor. Ward lacks ideal play strength, and tackling efforts suffer as a result.

Strengths:

  • Positional flexibility having played both cornerback and safety
  • Good awareness; seemingly always around the football
  • Good length
  • Good work ethic

Weaknesses:

  • Lean build impacts overall play strength
  • 15 missed tackles in 2022
  • Average top-end speed
  • Average recovery speed

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.55 seconds
  • Vertical: 34.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 0 inches