2018 NFL Draft: Browns select OSU CB Denzel Ward at No. 4

Well if you thought Baker Mayfield was a surprise at No. 1, the Browns said to hold my beer. With the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected former Ohio State cornerback, Denzel Ward. The Browns decided to pick the best corner, in my opinion, over edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Ward is a hometown kid, growing up in Macedonia, Ohio. He attended Nordonia High School where he was not only a football star, but also a track star. As one of the top high school talents in Ohio, he committed to Ohio State and Urban Meyer. At Ohio State, Ward played three seasons at cornerback with his Junior season being his breakout year. Last season as a junior, he played in 14 games, notching 37 tackles, two tackles for loss, 15 passes defended and two interceptions.

For WFNY’s Jake Burns and me, Ward was our No. 1 cornerback in the class. I had him as the No. 4 overall player in the draft, while Burns had him No. 9. Here is what we said about the former Buckeye:

Burns: This class’ best corner is ideal for a man to man scheme where he can use his ideal footwork and speed to flank his man. Size is a bit of a concern but his technique makes up for it.

Gilbert: No corner is as clean and smooth as Ward is in this draft. Ward is the best secondary prospect in the draft with the potential to be a lockdown corner in the NFL.

So, what are the Browns getting in their newest corner? Well, as both Burns and I explained, he is a great athlete and in our opinion the best athlete in the corner class. He is best man coverage where he can show off his fluid movement skills and flawless technique to mirror receivers all over the field. The Browns needed a shutdown corner and I think they have one in Denzel Ward.

Take a look at his highlights:

2018 Browns Draft Picks

1st Round: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma