Sac's 2014 NFL Mock

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by scott free

I could certainly live with the consensus best safety in this draft at #1, been saying all along that I want a 4-2 ratio defense to offense... this would be a great start towards that.

Between Commings and Dix we're likely to have that base well covered.

Berry/Abdullah, Commings/Dix... yeah, works for me.

Commings isn't beating out Ha Ha. If we take Ha Ha, he'll end up starting.

[Direckshun]

Damn, that is ****ing impressive.

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Damn, that is ****ing impressive.

Yup, here is a little more, haha.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2014/...njury/a9dar3p/

DeKALB – Jimmie Ward wanted to show pro scouts he could run with NFL skill position players.

The former Northern Illinois safety didn’t get that chance at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, as a foot fracture sidelined him in Indianapolis.

Ward’s foot still actually isn’t fully healthy – he’ll have surgery on it next week, and said recovery from the injury will be anywhere from four to eight weeks.

He still got his shot to work out at NIU’s pro day Friday in front of a large group of NFL scouts, and the foot didn’t seem to bother Ward, who unofficially ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Chessick Center.

Ward’s time would have ranked him second among safeties at the combine. Florida State’s Terrance Brooks had the top mark in Indianapolis, running a 4.42.

“All the teams wanted to see how fast I am,” Ward said. “Some people were saying 4.59 to 4.6. I’m like, ‘Wow, I covered Dri Archer. Dri Archer ran a 4.2.’ Basically, I wanted to show that I can run a 4.4.”

Ward, who led the Huskies with 95 tackles and seven interceptions in 2013 and was named a third-team All-American by The Associated Press, was scheduled to work out with the defensive backs Feb. 25 at Lucas Oil Stadium. He said he didn’t feel the foot injury and noted that it didn’t start aching until after the combine. He wanted to work out and sign a waiver, but wasn’t allowed to.

“It was disappointing, but it’s all a mindset thing,” Ward said. “I had to get back right for pro day.”

Ward interviewed with NFL teams at the combine, and was doing interviews for more than an hour Friday.

ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has Ward as the third-best safety in the draft, behind Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton Dix and Louisville’s Calvin Pryor. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said Ward is a second-round pick.

Naturally, Ward was asked about his draft prospects.

“I hear a lot of stuff. I try not to pay attention,” Ward said. “But if you wanted me to give you a guess, I’d say first three rounds.”

Ward was listed at 192 pounds this past year, but said he weighed in at 197 on Friday. He said he’s going to keep working out leading up to the draft.

“I feel like the process just got started,” Ward said. “It’s OK, it’s nothing compared to what rookie year I feel is going to be like.”

[Mugsy]

I am very impressed with this kid. I really didn't know much about him until yesterday.


That said, speed isn't as important as smarts and fundamentals for free safeties imo. Jarius Byrd ran a 4.68 forty at the combine. He is good because he is extremely disciplined and detailed in his assignments. He's always in the right place at the right time.

[milkman]

Where is Ward projected to be picked now?

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by milkman

Where is Ward projected to be picked now?

Late 1st to early 2nd. He's one of those 1st round level talents who will probably be picked early 2nd instead due to the depth of this class in other positions.