One breakout candidate for each NFL team in 2018

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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Denzel Ward of Ohio State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #4 overall by the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

. Denzel Ward. . team. 53. . Cornerback

When the Cleveland Browns selected Denzel Ward with the No. 4 overall pick in the first round, it certainly turned some heads. While many believed Ward was a top-10 pick, the Browns were projected to go a different route, as they had a bunch of holes to fill heading into the 2018 NFL Draft.

Ward filled one of those needs, as the team traded away Joe Haden during the 2017 regular season to AFC North foe Pittsburgh. In Ward, they got an elite cover cornerback, who dominated during his time at Ohio State, and should be an exciting player from day one in Cleveland.

The Browns made a bunch of moves this offseason, and many believe they will rebound in a big way from their winless 2017 campaign. In fact, this organization has won only one game over the last two seasons, but with hope in the building, it is not out of the realm of possibility for them to win six or so games in 2018.

The player they are getting in Ward is a special one, and he could have the kind of breakout ability that former teammate Marshon Lattimore had for the New Orleans Saints last season. Lattimore burst onto the scene to be a Pro Bowl player in year one, helping turn a horrible Saints secondary into an actual strength for the first time in a long time.

Cleveland recently inked Ward to a four-year deal, giving them what should be their top cornerback for at least that amount of time. They liked his ability to play press coverage, and as a rookie, he is certain to get a lot of opportunities to make big plays for the Browns.