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RB Derrick Ward, New York Giants

HT: 5-11, WT: 233, Born: 8-30-1980, College: Ottawa, Drafted: Round 7

2008 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 28th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: J Garcia (153), J Russell (154), Derrick Ward (155),
Position: S Alexander (147-RB50), R Torain (152-RB51), Derrick Ward (155 - RB52), L Betts (161-RB53), R Rice (163-RB54)
Click here for a comparison of these players.

Best Case

The 27-year old former seventh rounder made the most of his opportunity last year. When Brandon Jacobs got hurt early in the season, it was Derrick Ward, not Reuben Droughns, who stepped into the starting lineup. Ward used his 5-foot-11, 233-pound frame to punish opposing defenses, and he delivered an impressive 4.8 yards per rush. Under optimal circumstances, Ward will be part of a committee and log upwards of 200 touches. Between his powerful running and his surprising skills as a receiver (26 receptions in eight games last year), Ward could be a marginal fantasy backup and a viable top-20 candidate if Brandon Jacobs got hurt early in the year.

Worst Case

Ward came out of nowhere last year but was placed on injured reserve with a broken left fibula. The team re-signed him to an incentive-laden one-year deal, which is by no means job security in today's NFL. If Ward struggles or gets hurt again, he could become a forgotten man given the Giants depth.

Outlook

Expect Ward to emerge as Brandon Jacobs' top backup which probably means 100-120 carries over the course of the season. His skills as a receiver can't be ignored, and based on what we saw in 2007 Ward could catch 40+ passes if used as the primary third down back. Either way, Ward should be drafted in most leagues as a handcuff to Jacobs. He proved last year that he's a solid fantasy option as an injury fill-in.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Ward saw a bigger workload than expected due to an injury to Brandon Jacobs late in the second quarter. Ward took over as the main ball carrier in the second half and did well. His biggest gain came on the Giants' third drive of the second half when he broke through the line and ran for 44 yards to set up a field goal. He had two other first down runs and caught one of his targets for a ten yard gain and another first down. If the injury to Brandon Jacobs is serious, Ward looks capable of contributing on a regular basis.

Week 2 - Ward did a solid job in his first NFL start by carrying the ball 15 times and averaging six yards per rush. On his first carry of the game, Ward took the handoff and was able to pick up 19 yards. He ended the first half with 45 yards on eight attempts and also hauled in a pass that went for six yards. Ward followed that up in the second half with another 45 yards on the ground including a run over the left side that went for 26 yards. He also caught three more passes for 29 yards in the second half and finished the game with 125 yards of total offense.

Week 3 - Ward had a good game amassing 120 total yards, 94 of which were on the ground. He was targeted seven times hauling in six of them for 24 total yards. He found success running against the Redskins front while most of his long runs came on delays and stretch plays. He was a clear check down option for Eli Manning and seemed comfortable catching his patented swing passes out of the backfield. He did give way to Reuben Droughns near the goal line though. He played the Tiki Barber role with Droughns grabbing the TDs like Brandon Jacobs used to do.

Week 4 - Ward was the feature back of the Giants offense, despite being questionable due to his left ankle. He was very good at making cuts and seeing where the hole was forming, however the Eagles kept him from dominating the game by stacking the line. He didn't show any ill effects of his ankle injury.

Week 5 - Ward had another solid game for the New York offense rushing 13 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. He seemed to rotate series with fellow workhorse Brandon Jacobs, who ran equally as effective. Ward also saw four targets his way, converting three of them for eight yards. He clearly has found his place in this offense and seems to compliment Brandon Jacobs nicely.

Week 6 - Ward is dealing with an ankle injury and was listed as questionable coming into this game, but saw equal playing time with starter RB Brandon Jacobs in the first half. He only had six yards on five carries and two catches for 16 yards in the first half.

Ward missed most of the second half after it was reported he reaggravated his ankle injury. He only had one carry in the second half until coming back into the game with three minutes left and rushing for nine yard touchdown.

Week 7 - Ward had a modest day today only carrying the ball seven times for 27 yards and adding two catches for 12 more yards. He was targeted a team high eight times on the day however dropped his first two targets on the Giants very first drive, the second, which would have been good for a touchdown.

Week 8 - Ward was inactive for this game because of an ankle injury.

Week 13 - Derrick Ward set a career high with 154 rushing yards on 24 carries. Ward hit the century mark with 110 yards rushing by halftime, but was slowed some and then eventually left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. He went to the locker room to take x-rays, and did not return. Ward was targeted five times, and caught two passes for 29 yards. Though Ward accounted for much of the first half offense, he did fumble on consecutive carries in the third quarter, one of which was recovered by the Bears.