The Cleveland Browns selected Ohio State standout Denzel Ward with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Ward.
We knew that he was the best cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, we may not have expected him to go this early. With the No. 4 overall pick, the Cleveland Browns selected Denzel Ward out of Ohio State. They went Baker Mayfield No. 1 overall as well.
Strengths
Will be 21 years old his entire rookie season. Didn’t give an inch against Baker Mayfield. Opens his hips and runs without losing speed. Plenty of long speed to get deep. Will make a tackle and play physically after the catch. You don’t see receivers create separation against him. Comes up and makes tackles in run support. Plays a ton of press man. Possesses excellent spatial awareness and can carry his man through the wash.
Played in the slot and on the boundary. Speedy in his back pedal and won’t lose ground even as the WR tries to eat up the cushion. So fluid and comfortable in zone coverage. Will come off his man, read the QB, and make a play on the ball. Quick feet and never gets beat off the line by false stepping or getting out of balance. Might be the top overall athlete in the whole class.
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Weaknesses
Played press man at Ohio State but he doesn’t consistently press and get hands on. Doesn’t have great length but it’s average. Doesn’t consistently turn and find the ball on the sidelines. Only one year of full-time starting time on the boundary. Doesn’t make as many plays on the ball as you’d like, but part of that is his guy is never open so teams don’t throw at him.
Grade
Nobody is questioning Ward’s talent. However, he is not Marshon Lattimore and the Browns absolutely reached here for him at No. 4. He could be a great player for them, but we have to wonder if they had an opportunity to trade back and still get him.
Grade: B