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NFL Draft 2018: Five worst picks of the first round

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward /

2. Denzel Ward — Cleveland Browns

Denzel Ward is certainly one of the top two corners in this year’s Draft but the Browns reached massively to take him with the No. 4 selection.

To select Ward over prospects like Quenton Nelson and Brandon Chubb is simply inexcusable. Either Chubb or Nelson would have walked right into the Browns’ starting lineup and given them a chance to have a Pro Bowl player for the next decade. Ward projects as an above-average starter, but he may never make a single Pro Bowl during his time with the Browns.

In particular, failing to select Chubb seems like an awful decision. This year’s Draft is low on pass rushing talent. The Browns aren’t going to have another opportunity to acquire a player who even projects as an immediate starter at defensive end. In sharp contrast, there are quite a few corners projected to go in round two or round three that are talented enough to make an immediate impact as a Cleveland starter.

Denzel Ward may have a fine career for Cleveland, but if you think he’s going to outperform Brandon Chubb’s career you will find yourself in a very small minority. The Browns had a chance to partner Chubb with Myles Garrett to form one of the NFL’s most intimidating defensive end duos. Instead, the opted to reach for Denzel Ward. It was a very poor move by the Browns brass.