Inside The Vikings

Vikings Select LSU DB Jay Ward With Pick 134 in Fourth Round of 2023 NFL Draft

Ward can play safety or nickel corner and should contribute on special teams right away.
Will Ragatz|
Vikings Select LSU DB Jay Ward With Pick 134 in Fourth Round of 2023 NFL Draft
Vikings Select LSU DB Jay Ward With Pick 134 in Fourth Round of 2023 NFL Draft

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Minnesota Vikings

With the 134th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Vikings selected LSU defensive back Jay Ward, who can play both safety and nickel cornerback. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded back from 119 before making this pick, adding a 2024 fifth-rounder in the process.

Minnesota defensive backs coach Daronte Jones was Ward's defensive coordinator in 2021, so the Vikings had plenty of inside info here. Ward spent four seasons at LSU, racking up six interceptions, 20 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and 3.5 TFL over the past three years. He also had two blocked field goals during his college career, which is relevant because his biggest immediate role will likely be on special teams. Ward impressed at the Senior Bowl this year.

Athletically, Ward is another slightly undersized player with a quick first step. He also posted an elite broad jump at the combine.

Ward is a versatile defensive back who will bring a high motor and plenty of ball skills to the Vikings. He was a leader on the Tigers' defense who can play all over the field, although that sometimes gets players labeled as a "tweener" with no true position. His thin frame and poor agility score are also concerns.

Here's the scouting report from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:

A three-year starter at LSU, Ward played all over the secondary in defensive coordinator Matt House’s scheme. He split his 23 starts for the Tigers at safety (13 starts), slot cornerback (6) and outside cornerback (4) and was described as the “glue” of the defense. There is a fine line between versatile and tweener, and NFL scouts are split on which side of the fence Ward falls. He is coordinated in coverage with cornerback ball skills, but he lacks high-end athleticism and anticipation in space. Though he is more than willing in run support, his marginal strength leads to matchup opportunities for tight ends and missed tackles. Overall, Ward has strong football character and takes pride running alleys and crowding catch points, but his tweener traits create position/scheme fit questions. Despite being listed as a safety, he is more of a true nickel and special-teamer.     

Updated Vikings picks:

  • Round 1, Pick 23: USC WR Jordan Addison
  • Round 3, Pick 102 (via SF): USC CB Mekhi Blackmon
  • Round 4, Pick 134 (via KC): LSU S/CB Jay Ward
  • Round 5, Pick 158
  • Round 5, Pick 164 (via SF)
  • Round 6, Pick 211 (compensatory)
  • Round 7, Pick 222 (via SF)

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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