Grading every pick the Minnesota Vikings made in the 2023 NFL Draft

Minnesota Vikings Fourth-Round Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

Jay Ward - DB, LSU (Pick No. 134)

The Vikings traded down again in the fourth round and ended up taking versatile LSU defensive back Jay Ward. Ward played both safety and cornerback in college, but he is viewed by many as a nickel corner in the NFL.

Ward was a respected leader at LSU and was the head of the defense. He's a physical player who will come up and lay out a ball carrier. He is extremely quick to diagnose a play and then he doesn't hesitate to attack.

Ward has also got some ball skills with six career interceptions. He's a proven special teams standout with a couple of blocked kicks on his resume too.

Ward does need to add some weight to his frame, as 188 pounds is a little on the slight side for a 6-foot-1 defensive back. He also drew a lot of penalties at LSU in 2022 and he will need to hone some of his techniques.

That being said, he could end up being a rookie who plays more than expected, and he should bring some nastiness to Minnesota's secondary.

The fourth round was basically where every analyst had Ward pegged to come off the board. The fact that the Vikings were able to trade down, acquire capital, and still get him is an added bonus.

GRADE: B