October 15, 2004
Giants roster - Derrick Ward
Linebacker T.J. Hollowell and running back Derrick Ward signed with the New York Giants on Wednesday. They replace wide receiver Tim Carter and linebacker Wes Mallard. T.J. Holowell went through training camp with the Giants and was one of the last players cut. He should know the system.
Derrick Ward, was on the Jets practice squad (their seventh round draft pick). Ward had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Lamont Jordan who is unhappy backing up Curtis Martin and may be traded. He has great physical tools; he's powerful and agile. However, reports are that he was often in academic trouble in college and may not be able to learn a complicated system. He also has had fumbling issues and doesn't have great hands or good routes.
Despite criticism of his pass catching ability, he was the offensive MVP for the Blue Team in the Blue Gray All Star Classic with five catches for 59 yards and 38 yards on five rushes. 7+ yards/rush is obviously good and Ward was around that mark his whole college career...
Posted by James Trotta at October 15, 2004 12:06 AM