TJ Ward (S, Oregon)

[NYPacker]

For some reason TJ Ward is gaining popularity in a lot of Packers mock drafts. One of the last remaining elite Oregon secondary players which included Chung and Byrd, Ward is an explosive hitter with unique ball skills. He's a bit undisciplined but definitely has the talent to be a good football player.

Read & React: Quick to diagnose the action. Closes quickly in run support and is an intimidating hitter over the middle who times his hits just as the ball arrives, resulting in some of his more impressive pass breakups. Aggressive and can be beaten deep over the top against good play-action.


Man Coverage: Former cornerback with experience dropping down to shadow the slot receiver. Bit high in his backpedal. Has to gather himself a bit, but accelerates quickly and has good straight-line speed for safety. Only adequate hands for the interception.



Zone Coverage: Instinctive and experienced in zone coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and reacts quickly. May lack the speed to cover as a true centerfielder.



Closing/Recovery: Among his better traits. Reads the action and has a quick burst to accelerate. Seems more interested in timing his leap for the violent collision than to go for the interception. Only three career interceptions and never more than one in a season.



Run Support: Despite a lack of preferred size, this is one of Ward's stronger areas; a reason some will view him as a better fit at strong safety rather than free in the NFL. Quick to read run. Good agility to elude blockers, but willing to take them on and shows good, explosive hands to disengage. Can break down in space to make the effective open-field tackle against elusive athletes. Fearless. Will take on and take down the bigger ballcarrier.



Tackling: Explosive hitter who can be a truly intimidating force over the middle and in run support. Closes downhill quickly. Likes to lead with his shoulder and explode into the ballcarrier. Has nearly twice as many forced fumbles (five) as interceptions (three) over his career. Though known for his explosive hits, is also a reliable wrap-up tackler in the open field. Runs through the ballcarrier by bringing his hips. Standout special teams performer on kickoff duty.



Intangibles: Former walk-on approaches each game with a chip on his shoulder. Standout special teams player. Very strong; equaled the program's best power clean lift ever (330 pounds) among defensive backs during 2008 winter testing, in addition to posting the position's top squat mark (495 pounds). Has a history of injury. Missed nearly half of his senior season with an ankle injury. Recurring knee injuries in 2006 which kept him off the field for nearly the entire season despite his earning a starting position as a redshirt freshman. Was dropped by many recruiters due to a season-ending knee injury in 2004.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc8-gJqzWws"]YouTube - Oregon safety TJ Ward absolutely crushes OSU QB Zac Robinson during the 2008 Holiday Bowl[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mttw7FZNAOc"]YouTube - TJ Ward strips Jahvid Best after a long run[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YRsIXOihkk"]YouTube - TJ Ward hits Shane Vereen causing a fumble during the 2008 Oregon-Cal game[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWtn6ka8Ht8"]YouTube - TJ Ward intercepts a Curtis Painter pass vs. Purdue 9-13-08[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ovVFd_3zLE"]YouTube- TJ Ward knocks Cal WR Verran Tucker's helmet off during the 11/01/08 Oregon-Cal game[/ame]

 

[PackAttackUK]

I cannot believe Robinson gets up from that hit in the first video

 

[claybillings]

Damn, he looks like a real player to me, what rounds is he supposed to be going in?

 

[NYPacker]

Damn, he looks like a real player to me, what rounds is he supposed to be going in?

He's projected to go in rounds 3-4. However he may go a bit lower since I believe there are prospects more NFL ready than him. Still wouldn't be disappointed if the Pack gave him a chance.

 

[TheGiftedApe]

yeah I remember watching him in that cal game couple years ago, he was dominant.

"Ward lacks height and overall size. Can be out-muscled by bigger receivers and struggles to disengage from blockers in run support. Does not have the explosion and ball skills to be a true centerfielder. There are questions about his durability after two major knee surgeries."