Vikings Backup Defender Had an Impressive Offseason
In 2023, the Vikings’ draft class was limited by the trade for star tight end T.J. Hockenson, which cost them the second-round pick that year. Jordan Addison headlined the newcomers, followed by third-rounder Mekhi Blackmon. Ivan Pace Jr. starred in the summer after arriving via undrafted free agency. Another defender could claim a role in the upcoming season.
Vikings Backup Defender Had an Impressive Offseason
It might be time to pay some attention to defensive back Jay Ward. A special teamer through his first two campaigns, the ex-LSU defender could be in the mix to land some playing time in Brian Flores’ defensive unit this year.
The most recent buzz was created by The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, who wrote a quick note about him, “Ward impressed in the offseason program with Josh Metellus not fully participating. He’s a key cog for depth at safety.”
Jay Ward
Ward was a versatile defender at LSU, playing all over the defense. He gathered experience at safety and played outside and slot cornerback. A player with such versatility will always have a chance to earn a role. Throughout his college career, he started in 46 games and registered 164 tackles and six interceptions.
The 2023 fourth-rounder has played in 33 contests over the past two campaigns, logging 63 snaps on defense and 616 on special teams as one of the team’s top contributors in the forgotten third phase. Most of his few defensive plays came in the slot, and a handful each year at free safety.
The Vikings took a look at his versatility last season. Following Blackmon’s injury, the club scrambled for cornerback help and briefly tried the young defender at that spot. His flexibility was also put on full display in the preseason.
In each of the last two preseasons, Ward eclipsed 100 defensive snaps, and he logged a respectable 75.1 PFF grade in one year and a 77.2 in the other. He forced one fumble and caught one pick, in addition to playing solid football overall. As always, Ward lined up all over the place, playing cornerback (inside and outside), safety, and in the box.
The Safety Problem
Ward might have developed into a player who could help the defense, but similarly to Theo Jackson in the last few seasons, the safety room is so stacked that those opportunities just don’t arise.
Jackson is expected to replace the departed starter Cam Bynum, but Joshua Metellus and Harrison Smith are still around and will claim two spots. Still, Jackson and Ward both climb one place on the depth chart, and in theory, Ward could unseat Jackson (although unlikely).
His chance could come next season with the future of both Smith and Metellus in question. Smith returned for another campaign, but his retirement is imminent regardless. Father Time will eventually come and get him. Metellus is in the final season of his contract extension, which he signed two years ago. Of course, the Vikings could (and should) extend his contract, but until they do, we can pencil in Ward as a potential successor.
Ward will turn 25 this month. He is currently fourth on the depth chart among safeties, but one injury this year or one departure after the season could put him on the field.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.