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David J. Phillip/Associated Press

The Browns used their second of two Round 1 picks in the 2018 NFL draft on defense. And while it was assumed that edge-rusher Bradley Chubb would be the choice, they instead focused on the secondary and selected Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward.

Ward appeared in 26 games over three seasons, becoming a full-fledged starter in 2017. He totaled 67 combined tackles, 24 passes defensed and two interceptions, with 37 of those tackles, 15 of his defended passes and both of his picks coming in his final, junior season.

At 5'11" and 183 pounds, the biggest question about Ward's transition to the NFL is how his size could potentially be a liability. As NFL.com Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report, Ward's "lack of play strength combined with his elite footwork might be the deciding factor for a move inside," adding that his "frame is somewhat slight and he feels small in coverage at times" and that "physical receivers can body him around at the top of the route."

This makes Ward a candidate to serve as a nickelback, at least to begin his career. However, that is no slight against his skills; third cornerbacks are as important a defensive position as any in a pass-heavy NFL that has thus cause base defenses to essentially be sub-packages.

Further, Ward has exceptional speed, running a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. That, combined with his "supreme athletic ability," allows him to keep pace with receivers and "matches changing route speed stride for stride." Most importantly, Ward doesn't allow many completions—quarterbacks completed only 32 percent of their targets in his direction over the past two years.

While the Browns passed on an elite pass-rusher in Chubb to select Ward, that doesn't mean they chose poorly. Cleveland needs to improve a secondary that ranked 19th in passing yards and 26th in passing touchdowns allowed a year ago, and one that lacks quality at the top of the roster. Ward is a talented, speedy player who should help the Browns quickly improve their secondary.

Grade: B