By: Ivan Mulinder

Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history this week when he agreed to a 5 year $100.5 million, $71.25 million guaranteed deal that will keep him in Cleveland until at least 2027. He’s still only 24 years old, soon to be 25 on April 28th, and this deal is confirmation that the Browns have the shut-down corner they hoped they were getting with their 2nd pick at No 4 in the 2018 Draft.

Why are the Browns happy with this deal? Let’s take a look at key statistics to show why:

• Since 2018 Ward has the 3rd lowest completion % allowed when targeted at 53.5%.
• Ward is only one of four players with at least 10+ passes defended in each of the last 4 seasons.
• His PFF single coverage grade since 2018 is 83.1 which is 3rd
• His overall PFF grades in the last 4 years have averaged 74.63
• He has averaged 2.5 interceptions per season and returned two for touchdowns including a 103 yard touchdown against the Bengals.
• He consistently makes 30+ solo tackles every season with a high of 41 in 2018.

Denzel’s play has placed him in the same category as cornerbacks such as:

• Stephon Gilmore
• Xavien Howard
• Marshon Lattimore
• Marlon Humphrey
• James Bradberry
• Jalen Ramsey

Denzel is not a one-season wonder but has been consistently one of the top cornerbacks at every level he’s played. He spent 3 years at The Ohio State University from 2015-to 17. Whilst at OSU he had 17 passes defended with 15 pass breakups and 2 interceptions. The 17 passes defended is the 4th highest total in OSU history. In 2017 he had an outstanding season- in the season opener against Indiana, he defended 6 passes and had 5 pass breakups. On October 28th against Penn State, OSU was 15 points down in the 4th Quarter. Ward then blocked a punt which led to a touchdown and a remarkable 18-point comeback from the Buckeyes who went on to win 39-38 and ultimately the Big 10 Championship. Ward earned himself the All America Honours for his performances that season.

Denzel was a star at High School where he played for Nordonia in Macedonia Ohio. In 2014 he helped Nordonia to a 14-1 record and the Division II State Championship with 9 interceptions and 14 pass breakups. From 2013-to 14 he had 14 interceptions combined. He was named the Division II Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Cleveland.com named him their Defensive Player of the Year.

No one should question Denzel Ward’s ability and his deserved pay over the next 5 years. He’s been a consistent and consummate professional in a position often regarded as the most difficult to play behind Quarterback The local boy and Buckeye from NE Ohio are destined to become a Legend in Browns folklore.

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By: Michael Welsh

The Browns finished the 2020 season with the 21st ranked defense, giving up a total of 5,735 yards. Clearly there were many areas to improve in, and in the 2021 off-season, Andrew Berry did just that with the draft and free agency. Outside of Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Ronnie Harrison, there was a lot left to be desired on that side of the ball last year.

You could say every area of the defense has improved dramatically and they are poised to potentially be a top 5 unit in the NFL. The defensive line should be much better with the additions of Jadeveon Clowney, Takk Mckinley, and Malik Jackson. Taking a look at the linebackers, there are still some questions but with Anthony Walker and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, they should be faster and far more dynamic.

All of those additions are great, but the area that improved the most overall is the secondary. In 2020, it was tough to see games where the offense would get a big lead, but then slowly let teams back in games as Andrew Sendejo blew yet another coverage. It wasn’t just Sendejo, though. Outside of Denzel Ward, who missed 4 games, the entire secondary was often dreadful and hard to watch. Andrew Berry knew this and aggressively attacked that weakness in the 2021 offseason. Let’s take a look at the new additions and how they can make a substantial impact this fall, along with returning players and how they fit into the defensive back room.

John Johnson III – Safety – 2020 team, Los Angelas Rams

Perhaps the best overall signing of free agency, the Browns picked up John Johnson for a 3 year deal worth $33 million. Johnson reportedly turned down more money to come to Cleveland, calling it an “opportunity of a lifetime.” That is music to Browns fans ears, and it will only get better when he steps on the field. Johnson played on the number one ranked defense in all of football last year, finishing with an 85.6 Pro Football Focus grade. The former third round pick also had the green dot on his helmet and called defensive plays, which makes him even more valuable if Joe Woods wants to go that route. He has potential to be the ball-hawking safety Cleveland has been looking for since returning to the league in 1999.

Troy Hill – Cornerback – 2020 team, Los Angelas Rams

Following in Johnson’s footsteps, Troy Hill signed with the Browns shortly after his deal was made official. Hill is going to be a huge addition as a nickel corner that is versatile and has a nose for the football. Hill scored two defensive touchdowns and had three interceptions in 2020, finishing with a 74.2 Pro Football Focus grade. Having arguably the best nickel corner in the NFL is a huge step up from Kevin Johnson and Terrance Mitchell who often played the position the last few years. Expect Hill to make an immediate impact.

Greg Newsome – Cornerback – 2020 team, Northwestern (college)

Andrew Berry was all smiles when pick 26 came around in the 2021 NFL Draft and Greg Newsome was still on the board. He has all the makings of an All-Pro cornerback in the NFL. Throughout college, Newsome thrived at Northwestern. He allowed a 31.7 passer rating in 2020, including a 0.0 rating on 3rd and 4th downs. Adding to that, Newsome allowed only 1 touchdown on 471 coverage snaps. He is the definition of a shutdown corner, and although he has much to learn at the next level, there is a good chance he makes the Pro Bowl his rookie year like fellow teammate Denzel Ward in 2018.

Denzel Ward – Cornerback – 2020 team, Cleveland Browns

Speaking of Denzel Ward, he’s one of the returning players to Cleveland’s defense in 2021, and he actually has a fair amount of pressure on him. Ward has played great in his young career, but has yet to play a full season. In 2021, we need to see him play every game and earn a contract extension from the front office. Either way, when he is on the field, he plays like a top 10 corner in the NFL. He finished with two interceptions and a 72.8 Pro Football Focus grade in 2020. Hopefully he can put it all together in 2021. Oh, and give us more slide tackles.

Ronnie Harrison – Safety – 2020 team, Jacksonville Jaguars/Cleveland Browns

Needing safety help last year after some injuries, Andrew Berry traded a third round pick for Ronnie Harrison. There had been flashes of him being a good safety in Jacksonville, and when he came to Cleveland, there was an immediate impact. Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods wants to run a lot of Dime packages with three safeties on the field, so Harrison should have a significant role on the defense. He finished with a 74.7 Pro Football Focus grade and a pick-six interception. If he stays healthy.

Grant Delpit – Safety – 2020 team, Cleveland Browns

It was devastating last year in training camp when Grant Delpit went down with a torn achilles. The hype around him was real and fans were dying to see him in action. Joe Woods had plans to use him in various ways, but had to change up his defense completely due to his injury. Delpit was a force in college, finishing with 8 interceptions and 120 tackles. His rehab is going very well and should be good to go for game one of the 2021 season.

Greedy Williams – Cornerback – 2020 team, Cleveland Browns

It is easy to forget about Greedy Williams since he missed all of 2020 due to nerve damage. At one point, Greedy’s career was in jeopardy. But after all that uncertainty, Greedy appears to be good to go for the 2021 season. It will be very interesting to see if he can win the starting job over Greg Newsome, but with whatever happens he will have a role in the nickel or rotating on the outside. In 2019, Greedy showed flashes and finished with a mediocre 54.6 Pro Football Focus grade. This is a big year for Williams to prove he can be a starter.

The post The Most Improved Area of Cleveland’s Defense: Secondary appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

When the Cleveland Browns drafted Denzel Ward fourth overall, they anticipated that they would get a generational talent at cornerback. Needless to say, the Browns organization just selected the rare position (CB) in the Top 5 of the draft. 

Ward showed that he was a gifted player in year one of his career, as he earned a Pro Bowl nod. Nonetheless, the CB hasn’t proven to be All-Pro, one of the top players at his position, or the next Deion Sanders. 

Headed into the 2021 season, there’s plenty of reason to believe Ward will elevate his game to be one of the NFL’s top CBs. Here is why Ward is ready to be a great CB for the Browns and why he will make it easier to forget Joe Haden exiting the building. 

A healthy Ward

In Ward’s short career to this point, he’s missed a whopping 11 career games. Ward has been victim to lingering injuries in each season (groin pulls, concussions). An injury that derailed him early on was a poor tackle attempt that resulted in a concussion. Former Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams controversially alluded to Ward’s tackling style as “stupid”. 

Ward has developed his techniques and learned how to avoid unnecessary hits to the head throughout his career. His legs are also reported to be in the top condition to this point. 

It’s worth noting that CBs are fiery breeds among all position groups. They routinely play through minor injuries. The Browns will undoubtedly be in contention for playoffs and potentially the first seed. Expect Ward to perceive through any less potential injury throughout the later season. 

Potentially the top pass rush in the NFL

The Browns possess a defense featuring a DPOY candidate in Myles Garrett, who is coming off an impressive 12 sack performance in 14 games. At 25 years old, expect Garrett to likely register a career season in 2021. Not only is Garrett firing off the edge of the Browns defense, but a second number one overall pick is ready to harass quarterbacks. 

The Browns brought in Jadeveon Clowney, who is entering the biggest prove it season of his career. Clowney signed a one year – 10 million deal with the Dogpound in the last free agency period. 

Clowney will not only be motivated by being in the same locker room as Garrett, but there will be a vast number of one-on-one opportunities for the player known for laying a vicious hit against Michigan. 

Baker Mayfield has already taken notice of the Browns edge rushing duo. Per Browns Wire, Mayfield famously said “Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney would not be fun to go against”. 

Contract season for Ward 

The former Buckeye that holds a lot of talent is essentially entering the most pivotal season of his career. Ward doesn’t only have his sights set on winning a Super Bowl, but he has a lot of moolah to play for.

Ward is going into his contract season. 

If Ward fails to show his worth to the Browns, it would be a hefty risk to break the bank for himself. If the former Top 5 pick unleashes an elite season of play, he likely will be the highest paid CB in the league. Let’s face it, every player has a bigger chip on their shoulder in a contract year. A contract season often equates to perceiving through minor injury issues, pushing harder to the end of games, and blatantly breathing more fire day in and day out.

The post 3 reasons why Denzel Ward is ready to be the best appeared first on Pro Football Mania.