Denzel Ward’s time with the Cleveland Browns has been an interesting one but one that continues to garner him respect.
Ward was, somewhat, surprisingly the fourth overall pick for the Browns in the same draft when Baker Mayfield went with the top pick. Many believed that the Browns would draft defensive end Bradley Chubb with the pick.
The Ohio State product became the replacement for long-time Cleveland corner Joe Haden who was cut by the team the year prior. Ward’s skill was undeniable coming out of college where he only had two interceptions but rarely had teams throw his way.
Unfortunately, Ward has struggled to stay on the field with the Browns during his three seasons. He has only played 37 games out of a possible 48 with 13 games his rookie year being his highest mark.
Despite missing time, Ward has picked off seven passes, forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles and had a defensive touchdown.
Going into his fourth season, the Browns top corner was just ranked as the eighth-best corner in the NFL by a poll conducted by ESPN (subscriber, $). The poll uses executives, coaches and players to decide the rankings. Ward was considered an honorable mention last year.
This year, Ward received a third-place ranking as his high mark while his lowest ranking was 13th overall. His ability in coverage stood out:
“His ability to run with and cover people is what separates him,” an AFC coordinator said. “Technically he’s getting there. But he’s a true press guy, and there aren’t many of them.”
Of note on the negative side was an executive who had a different view of him due to his limited physical play:
“Lack of physicality is an issue, but he’s athletic with good instincts, and that [Browns] pass rush will give him opportunities,” an NFC personnel evaluator said.
As the Browns and Ward discuss a possible contract extension, it will be interesting if Ward gets paid in the top five or top 10 for his position. Currently, James Bradberry has the eighth largest contract at cornerback at $43.5 million. Tre-Davious White is fifth with a total contract of almost $70 million and Jalen Ramsey sits at the top with a $100 million contract.