2018 NFL Combine: 10 players who helped their stock

4.Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

The next three names on this list are players that showed they were elite athletes on tape. However, impressive performances cemented their status or wowed enough that they are still considered a winner. Denzel Ward of Ohio State is the first of the three.

After watching three of his teammates get drafted in the first round of last year’s draft, Ward continues the legacy of Buckeye defensive backs in the NFL. He is another player that won before even stepping on the field. Ward looks undersized on tape but came in at almost 5-feet-11, more than acceptable for a corner. The 183 pound weigh-in is a bit concerning but he plays bigger than that.

Ward showed his athleticism on film. In Indianapolis he was put to the test and passed with flying colors. His deep speed was always going to be a strength but a 4.34 40 yard dash lit up eyes. The impressive 16 reps on the bench press, also put to rest any concerns over his light weight. He opted out of the agility drils and shuttles but did jump in Indianapolis. His broad jump of 136 inches was good for the 98th percentile. Meanwhile the vertical jump of 39 inches places him in the 85th percentile.

Despite not being the tallest or biggest corner, Ward’s tape and combine prove he is an elite corner. He all but locked up being the first corner taken in this year’s draft.