Denzel Ward leaps back into prominence among NFL CBs, according to execs

For whatever reason, Denzel Ward’s name doesn’t seem to come up as much as it should when discussing the NFL’s top cornerbacks.

The former first-round pick is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, including in 2023 where he had arguably his best season.

However, NFL personnel seem to universally agree that Ward is one of the game’s best, ranking him as the No. 2 cornerback in the NFL .

“"[He’s] fast, fluid, with upper-tier coverage skills and high football IQ," one NFL personnel member said via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. "[He] can create ball production in man or zone but can match up against just about any No. 1 receiver due to his size and speed. And he has the elite movement skills to cover in the slot when asked."

Ward ranked seventh in lowest reception percentage allowed by all cornerbacks with at least 150 coverage snaps, per PFF. The Browns’ defense was the best in the NFL last season, allowing the lowest EPA per play and success rate.