Derrick Ward

Ward struggled after leaving the Giants’ strong blocking unit and joining Tampa Bay, as his YPC fell from 5.6 in 2008 to 3.6 last season. He battled injuries and watched Carnell Williams outperform him. Still, Williams had missed 22 games combined the previous two seasons, and it was the first time he appeared in 16 contests during his five-year career, so he remains one of the bigger health risks in the NFL. Ward is getting paid starter’s money and saw twice as many goal-line carries (four to two) as Williams in 2009. Ward also sports a 4.7 YPC career mark and can be a weapon as a receiver, so don’t forget about him.

Despite playing second fiddle to Brandon Jacobs, Ward totaled 1,409 yards last season in New York. His 5.6 YPC mark led the NFL (minimum 100 rushes). Ward also impressed before succumbing to injury in 2007, so last year was hardly a fluke. He’ll be 29 when the season starts, but with 342 career carries, he’s got fresh legs. Ward has excellent cutback ability and is a terrific receiver out of the backfield. The Bucs signed him to a four-year, $17 million deal during the offseason, which means he should get the majority of touches in Tampa Bay. Warrick Dunn was released, Carnell Williams might soon follow suit, and Earnest Graham is a solid yet unspectacular option. The Bucs have a shaky quarterback situation, but their offensive line is one of the most underrated units in the league. Ward’s likely to be part of a committee, but he’s earning starter’s money and is easily the most talented back on Tampa Bay’s roster. While running behind the Giants’ fierce offensive line contributed to his past success, Ward can certainly excel as the Bucs’ lead back as well.

Ward was effective last season filling in for Brandon Jacobs, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns last year. Ward's strong, compact build makes him a good goal-line runner as he's able to move the pile. He's also a good receiver, hauling in 26 receptions last year. If anything happens to the injury-prone Brandon Jacobs, Ward could be highly productive in tandem with Ahmad Bradshaw in the the Giants' first-rate running scheme.

Ward will battle Ahmad Bradshaw for the right to back up Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns at running. Ward's a tough runner with a low center of gravity, but he's a long shot to have a major role.

While Ward won't see much action as long as Tiki Barber, and goal line specialist Brandon Jacobs are healthy, were Barber to go down, the Giants might turn to Ward, an athletic power runner, ahead of Jacobs.

Ward will try to make the team as the fourth string running back behind Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs and Mike Cloud.

Ward, who dominated NAIA competition as a senior, gives the Giants some depth at running back.