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Long Phil / Associated Press
The Cleveland Browns and cornerback Denzel Ward, the No. 4 draft pick in the NFL draft this year, have agreed to a contract four years.
Browns General Manager John Dorsey confirmed the agreement Wednesday.
Ward, 21, was great for Ohio State in 2017, recording 37 tackles (two for loss), two interceptions and 15 defensive passes. His selection filled an important need for the Browns at the cornerback, no doubt, but there were fans who wanted Bradley Chubb, the defensive end of the NC state, with the choice.
Gregg Williams, Cleveland Defensive Coordinator The MMQB he wanted Ward over Chubb and explained the selection:
"The reason is our need for" 39; a press cover cornerback Denzel probably plays this position as well as anyone I saw in college football in There is another reason for this: I have a video of 28 shots of passes from Myles Garrett last year where he is within two steps or less of the quarterback when in fact we do not cover long enough to let him get to quarterback Myles and others – especially [defensive end] Emmanuel Ogbah – will have more chances because of Denzel. "
This logic was echoed in many evaluations of the selection:
Doug Farrar @ BR_DougFarrar
.. the ability to get and stay sticky with the receivers through external switches / optional slot and route. Ward has that, and I can see why, in 2018, it's a lot less on its size.
Charley Casserly @ CharleyCasserly
Denzel Ward is an exc CB @browns press. CB was a bigger need of the DE. Some people may be concerned about his 5t-7h8 ht but other CBs that have been successful under 5-11 – Joe Haden, Pacman Jones and Justin Verrett @NFLDraft @nflnetwork
Dane Brugler @ dpbrugler
Denzel Ward is perhaps already the best cornerback of the #Browns alignment. So, even though I'm surprised that they did not go to Chubb, it's not a complete shock considering the depth map of CB
and Williams added, "Ogbah is a rising star in this league 19659005] If Ogbah is up to this potential, the Browns have a dangerous defense in the works Garrett seems destined for celebrity Ward should help improve the corners Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey are a Solid pair at linebacker Jabrill Peppers should take a step forward by playing closer to the box, his more natural role.
There are reasons to be optimistic in Cleveland. of the organization is largely related to the fact that Baker Mayfield ranks among the best in the next few years at quarterback, Ward's development will be crucial on the defensive side of the ball
. Cleveland fans will not climb when they will hear Chubb mentioned. But if Ward is a bust and Chubb becomes a star, Browns fans will miss another missed selection at the top of the repechage.
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