NFL Draft 2018: Denzel Ward fills immediate need for Browns at No. 4

The Cleveland Browns had the first and fourth overall picks of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns used the No. 4 pick to select cornerback Denzel Ward.

The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of their own version of “the process” much like the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA.

The Browns finished the 2017 season with an 0-16 record but now with the first and fourth overall picks they should be able to bolster their roster. They also hold three second-round picks, a fourth round selection, and two sixth-round choices all in this draft. The Browns outright own the first overall and acquired the fourth overall from the Houston Texans in a trade.

Cleveland selected Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield first overall and that cemented their quarterback situation. Once Mayfield starts he will be surrounded by running backs Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon, and tight end David Njoku. Cleveland attempted to trade back from the No. 4 overall pick but went with defense instead. The Browns had the worst defense in the NFL in 2017.

The Browns’ front office knows that cornerback is a need and they drafted former Ohio State Buckeye Denzel Ward. He tested off the charts at the NFL Combine. Ward is a 5-foot-11 and 183-pound cornerback that was clocked at 4.43 in the 40-yard dash.

The hip explosion for Ward is off the charts with a 136-inch broad jump and 39-inch vertical jump. Ward will shut his side of the field down and allow Jabril Peppers to play in the box where he’s more comfortable.

Next: Complete 7-round 2018 NFL Mock Draft

This is a great fit for the Cleveland Browns, albeit a little premature. However, if the Browns couldn’t trade back they had to land the pick they wanted the most and that was Denzel Ward.

Grade: A