In 2018, the Cleveland Browns turned the tide of their franchise when they got two top-5 picks. Cleveland spent the two spots on cornerback Denzel Ward and quarterback Baker Mayfield, launching their franchise afresh and accelerating the team’s timeline.
While Ward hasn’t gotten the same recognition as other players in the franchise, he has played at a nearly all-pro level, especially in the 2021 season. Ward has faced adversity in various ways throughout his career with the Browns and is currently the defensive coordinator after missing several games every year due to an injury.
Despite the obstacles that the 24-year-old has faced, Denzel Ward always brings back something different to the game every year. Ward always has a strong cover corner and routinely finds ways to cover up his inconsistencies, helping the team throughout their campaign. His dedication as a cornerback makes the team among the best for Betway sports betting punters to wager on every season.
Most corners in the NFL struggle with constructive criticism and are content with working on their strengths without improving on their weaknesses. That’s why the position is quite hard to find a good draft and when you stumble on an elite cornerback, you don’t want to let them walk away from the franchise.
Cleveland would have been ok to pay Ward during the offseason, but the skilled cornerback chose to bet on his skills instead. Fortunately, Ward’s efforts will be rewarded after making his second Pro Bowl in 2021 and ranking as the team’s most consistent player.
Since Ward arrived in Cleveland, manager Andrew Berry has always said that he wants his players to be tough, accountable, and smart. That has been Brown’s mantra over the last few years and Ward has all these qualities. That’s among the reasons why most Betway punters love betting on the team as lots of players on the team also embody these qualities.
Ward is also representing the Browns in the Walter Payton’s award for Man of the year, awarded to NFL players that display an outstanding commitment to giving back to their communities. His commitment to improving his skills paired with his positive presence in the young locker room also gives him an extension in this offseason.
Some fans have speculated that Ward’s contract might reset the player market for his position, with the Rams defender Jale Ramsey being the highest-paid NFL corner. Jalen is currently receiving $2 million every season, but Ward might top him in the future.
The Browns front office is expected to prioritize him this summer, as they’ll have their plate full with draft up and impending free agents till then. However, there is no urgency to getting this done, but it would be great to have the team’s cornerstone hooked for the next few seasons.
Ward also shows signs of continuing to improve next season, as Cleveland is emphasizing on ensuring their defensive backs learn how to play well. That makes the Browns among the best-coached teams in the NFL.
Defense coach coordinator Joe Woods became the secondary and corners coach, with his presence expected to have a significant impact on Ward. Woods heaped praises on Ward earlier this year, saying that he believes that Ward is an upcoming star in the NFL. The team also features a tight-knit corner group of Ward, Williams, and Newsome, three players who seem to push each other.
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