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LSU DB Jay Ward selected in 2023 NFL Draft

On3 imageby:Matthew Brune•04/29/23•

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Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

One of the final players present from that 2019 national championship team, Jay Ward was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 134 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ward was the second to last pick in Round 4.

One of the more versatile defensive players in the SEC over the past three years, Ward went from a cornerback to safety then bounced back and forth between safety and nickel this past season. The fluidity and versatility as a defensive back makes him a possible sleeper candidate to those who watched the SEC. LSU had Cordale Flott go in the third round of the 2022 draft and he played a significant role for the New York Giants this season and there are similarities in Flott and Ward.

As a three-year starter, Ward totaled 162 tackles, six interceptions, and 17 pass breakups in 37 career games. The tape was there, and then he tested well at the NFL Combine and LSU’s Pro Day.

At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Ward posted a 4.55 40-yard dash time, a 36-inch vertical jump, an 11’1” broad jump, and showed impressive quickness in the drills.

“Being from Georgia, I watched a lot of Atlanta Falcons,” Ward said at the NFL Combine. “At LSU, we ran a lot of cover three in terms of zone. I just play fearless in the box. Some teams see me at corner, some see me at nickel, some see me as a high safety. I’ll play wherever I get on the field at.”

Now, Ward will be looking to settle in and provide value at the next level as an all-around talent.

The 2023 NFL Draft is from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is at the plaza just outside of Union Station. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

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