Jay Ward patterns his game after Budda Baker

Former LSU defensive back Jay Ward knows he can do a lot of different things on the football field, from dropping back as a deep safety to playing in the box against the run. As such, he’s modeled his play after an NFL star who makes plays at every level of the defense: Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.

The biggest different between Baker and Ward is height — Ward, at 6-foot-1, has three inches on Baker and his 5-foot-10 frame — which should be a big selling point for Ward as he enters the draft process.

After mentioning Baker, Ward also told reporters at the 2023 NFL Combine that he also keeps in touch with former LSU defensive back and Super Bowl champion Tyrann Mathieu, the “Honey Badger.”

At their best, Baker and Mathieu are among the best playmakers in the NFL, offering defensive versatility that modern pro defenses prize. Good role models and company to keep for Ward.

And Ward has college production that hints at his ability to be like Mathieu and Baker. In 37 games at LSU, Ward had six interceptions, two forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks and 17 passes defensed.

While his lack of overall size — he weighed in at 188 pounds — makes him a mid-round pick, Ward has a clear vision for how he can contribute at the next level.

BJ Ojulari explains how his game will translate to the NFL at 2023 Combine

There are a lot of great college players who don’t translate to the NFL for numerous reasons. However, LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari expects that he’s going to translate well to the NFL.

Ojulari explained why his game is going to translate well to the NFL while he met with the media at the NFL Combine.

“Yeah, so in Coach [Matt] House‘s defense I played more of a Jack outside linebacker, dropping, being able to show my versatility in the drop, being able to rush as well and create plays behind the line of scrimmage,” Ojulari said.

LSU LB BJ Ojulari gives his thoughts on how his game will translate to the NFL level in his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine. @McClain_on_NFL pic.twitter.com/CHx0UODxEE

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“But, any defense I feel like can flourish. Whatever the coaches and the coaching staff decide I’m gonna do, I think I’m gonna be very good at it.”

Ojulari played for more than one defensive coordinator during his time at LSU. Because of this, he’s proven that he can succeed in multiple different defensive schemes.

“Coach Daronte’s [Jones] defense is more, like you said, destroying blocks, creating a lot of movement. If you go watch the Alabama game, we created a lot of pressure, a lot of movement on the line of scrimmage, and that allows us to be freed up and be able to create tackles behind the line of scrimmage.”