Tim Ward brings intriguing pass-rush potential to the New York Jets
Continuing their quest to fill the shoes of Carl Lawson, the New York Jets claimed former Kansas City Chiefs edge rusher Tim Ward off of waivers.
An undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion in 2019, Ward signed with the Chiefs and remained with the team until he was released on Tuesday as part of Kansas City’s final roster cuts.
Ward, 24, spent his rookie season recovering from an ACL injury that he suffered near the end of his final season at Old Dominion. He returned in 2020 and made the Chiefs’ practice squad, playing one regular season game in his second season. He appeared in all three preseason games this season as he competed for a roster spot.
The numbers posted by Ward over his small sample of NFL snaps are inspiring. Let’s take a look at what he offers on the field.
Athletic profile
Ward did not get a chance to participate in any drills leading into the draft as he recovered from his injury. He is listed at 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds.
Usage, role, and playing time
At the end of the 2020 season, Ward got a huge opportunity as he was given the start in Kansas City’s season finale against the Chargers. He played 57 snaps in his lone regular season appearance.
Ward put a few more miles on his tires in the 2021 preseason as he logged 103 snaps over three games.
Kansas City almost always places Ward on the edge. He has only played a handful of snaps on the inside (6 snaps, making up 3.8% of his plays).
Ward has been a versatile edge defender. The Chiefs have asked him to put his hands in the dirt (defensive end) and stand up (outside linebacker) at a fairly even split.
Between his 2020 appearance and the 2021 preseason, Ward has put his hands in the dirt on 47% of his snaps and stood up on 53%.
The Chiefs preferred to use Ward on the right side of the defensive line. Ward lined up on the right side for 85% of his plays between the regular season and the preseason. In his regular season appearance, Ward played all of his snaps on the right side.
Ward can drop into coverage once in a while. He dropped back on seven of his 160 total snaps (4.4%).
Tim Ward’s pass-rushing has been impressive in a small sample
He has only been given 89 chances to get after the quarterback over his four professional appearances, but that has been enough for Tim Ward to show a bevy of attention-grabbing flashes in the passing game.
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