RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.