"Elite speed and quickness and can mirror and and hang with anyone but he's small and often plays like it."
Strengths:
Superior speed and quickness. Can mirror and and hang with anyone. Technique sound with good footwork. Willing tackler that flies up.
Fearless and will look to make a collision when given a clear shot to the ball carrier.
Weaknesses:
Small and lacks physicality. Gets bullied at the catch point. Overruns plays and isn't a always a sure tackler.
Overall: Ward's an exceptional athlete with elite speed and quickness. He's well coached coming out of what's been a CB U; producing Lattimore, Conley, Apple and Robey in recent years. The question is whether he's more Apple or Lattimore.
He's small and often plays like it. He can get boxed out at the catch point and knocked around. He's a willing tackler but just doesn't have enough sand. He's an immediate starter at the slot but may need more physicality to be effective outside.
NFL Comp: smaller Darius Slay