It took extra long again but Minnesota made it's third pick of the weekend, 6'1" safety Jay Ward from Louisiana State. Harrison Smith will continue to be the unquestioned leader of the room but it's smart to add another young guy to the group in the event that Lewis Cine isn't able to return all the way back to his previous form or there's an injury to one or more of the reserves.
You can read a full scouting report on him but one paragraph that's especially worth noting follows:
"Although Ward is a former cornerback, against the run from the safety position he has a physical presence in that he makes full-speed collisions with ball carriers. Ward does a good job of closing from distance to make plays at or near the line scrimmage. Ward also does a good job of disputing quick plays like screens by quickly shedding blockers and getting to the ball carrier. Ward plays with a physical presence that outweighs his actual size and body profile."
That makes Ward seem like exactly the sort of player to fit Flores' scheme! Let's hope that continues the rest of the way.
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