Jihad Ward One of Giants' Most Underrated Players

Jihad Ward, Outside Linebacker

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 287 pounds
2022 stats: GP 17 / GS 11: 43 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles

Jihad Ward was a signing many fans did not pay much attention to last offseason. One year later, he’s become a fan favorite--not to mention he's a clear favorite of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who had him on his Ravens defense for a bit.

Ward, who can also give a team snaps with his hand in the dirt, is also the top veteran in the edge rusher room. He isn’t a top-tier pass rusher by any means, but he was able to fill in at key times last year when the Giants dealt with injuries to Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari.

Ward brings energy and charisma to a Giants defense looking to carry momentum from last season. The biggest problem the defense had last season was stopping the run. He made his impact in the run game and should benefit from the team having signed linebacker Bobby Okereke in free agency and boosting their interior depth on the defensive line.

Martindale said that as long as he’s coaching and has a say, Ward will have a job if he wants it. The Giants brought Ward back on a one-year deal for the 2023 season. The Giants defense is looking to improve off of last year’s success, and Ward’s mentorship will be key to helping this unit get to the next level.

Best Case Scenario

The best case for Ward is to continue what he did last season. Ward’s coming off a career year where he saw highs in tackles, quarterback hits, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and passes defended. He also tied his career high in sacks with three. While Ward isn’t the team’s top pass rusher, he will be called on again to be a rotational edge when Thibodeaux and Ojulari come off of the field.

Behind those two, it’s Ward, Tomon Fox, Oshane Ximines, and Elerson Smith. Ximines was brought back this offseason on a one-year deal and showed flashes when the opportunity arose. Smith has struggled to stay on the field his first two seasons in the league and cannot be counted on to stay healthy.

Fox, the only undrafted free agent that made the roster last season, had a solid year in limited snaps and could be a surprise player in training camp. Ward is likely the best third edge rusher the team has currently, and he just needs to continue playing the run well, adding pressure and, of course, bringing the energy.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst thing that could happen to Ward this season is his snaps are taken away due to a younger player on the roster showing out. Ward played well last season, but a few options could overtake his role in 2023.

Fox had 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack in just 30 percent of defensive snaps last season. Ximines had the same stat line as Fox but with one more sack and in 51 percent of defensive snaps. There aren’t many clear options behind Thibodeaux and Ojulari, but one of the younger players on the roster could potentially steal Ward’s spot.

What to Expect in 2023

Ward is one of the most vocal players on the defense, whether on or off the field. He’s not the fastest or best edge rusher, but his experience can get the job done when called upon. One underrated aspect about Ward is his ability to stay on the field, as he appeared in all 17 games the last two seasons. The Giants need availability, not just at the edge position but everywhere on the roster.

Ward’s name should be called occasionally on game days, and fans should be excited about him returning for a second year in Martindale’s defense.