April 23rd, 2010 
Randy Ward 
Posted in | From CBSSPORTS.Com |
| Analysis |
| 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. |
