Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Hines Ward (Georgia) - 1998 NFL Draft Pick #92 by PIT

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Hines Ward (1998 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Hines Ward
• College: University of Georgia
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 200 lbs

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Ward demonstrated exceptional versatility, being able to play both wide receiver and running back during his college career.
• Strong Work Ethic: Known for his dedication and discipline, he consistently put in the effort to improve his game.
• Physicality: He was not afraid to block and showed a willingness to engage in physical play, which is a valuable trait for a wide receiver.
• Route Running: Ward exhibited solid route-running skills, allowing him to create separation from defenders.
• Hands: He possessed reliable hands and the ability to make difficult catches in traffic.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While he was quick, his overall speed was seen as average compared to some other top wide receiver prospects in the draft.
• Size: At 6'0", he was considered smaller than some of the other wide receiver prospects, which raised concerns about his ability to compete against bigger cornerbacks.
• Consistency: There were questions about his ability to consistently produce big plays at the NFL level.

Overall Assessment:

Hines Ward was viewed as a hard-nosed player with a strong work ethic and the potential to be a productive receiver in the NFL. His versatility and blocking ability made him a valuable asset for any offense. However, concerns about his speed and size led some analysts to project him as a mid-round selection rather than a first-round talent. Many believed that with the right coaching and development, he could become a reliable contributor in the league.