The versatility of edge rusher Jihad Ward has been on display from the moment he stepped on the field with the Vikings.
In fact, trying to keep track of Ward in practice is tough, as he’s proven himself capable of lining up in so many different spots. You’ll turn away after watching Ward rush off the edge for a few snaps, then look back and see him on the interior of the defensive line lining up as the nose tackle.
It’s been a match made in heaven with defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
“That’s what Flo likes and that’s what I’m here to do,” Ward said. “Whatever personnel he wants, I’m here to dominate.”
After being selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Ward has bounced around, spending time with the Cowboys, Colts, Ravens, Jaguars and Giants. He signed with the Vikings in free agency, and while Ward might not have a defined position, that seems to be by design as Flores uses him as the ultimate chess piece.
“He’s got versatility,” Flores said. “He’s played inside. He’s played outside. He’s played really everywhere on the defensive line. He tells me to let him drop every once in a while, so there’s some back and forth there. He’s smart. He’s tough. He’s competitive. There’s a lot to like about him. I’m glad he’s on our team.”
The feelings are mutual for Ward as he adjusts to his new surroundings.
“Just taking advantage of all my opportunities,” Ward said. “That’s all I’m doing.”
Nwangwu earns praise
The speed of running back Kene Nwangwu is always going to be his calling card.
He’s among the fastest players in the NFL when he gets in the open field, and while he’s been used almost exclusively as a kickoff return specialist to this point in his career, he’s shown some flashes out of the backfield during the exhibition slate.
“There are some speed guys that it’s always they just keep trying to bounce it,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “He knows when to put his foot in the ground and be physical, and it was good to see that.”
Though it’s unlikely that Nwangwu will ever be the focal point for the Vikings, he could carve out a niche behind fellow running backs Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler.
Thompson waived
After serving as an ace on special teams last season, cornerback NaJee Thompson has been waived by the Vikings with an injury designation. He’s been dealing with a knee injury that has forced him to miss the duration of training camp. The Vikings also waived offensive lineman Jeremy Flax with an injury designation.
In a pair of corresponding moves, the Vikings claimed tight end Neal Johnson and signed rookie offensive lineman Matt Cindric. It’s a long shot that either player makes the team. They were likely brought in for some depth ahead of the preseason finale between the Vikings and the Eagles on Saturday in Philadelphia.
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