When the Cleveland Browns drafted CB Denzel Ward at No. 4 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft there was instant criticism that they took him too early.
Since then, Ward has become a two-time Pro Bowl player and undoubtedly a top-flight cornerback. Sure, Ward isn’t the superstar that you hope to land in the top-5. One stat proves that Cleveland did fine with the pick and it’s worked out.
Since 1999, Ward is the only player to have 10 passes defended and at least two interceptions in the first six years of their career. That is the definition of consistency.
Ward is typically banged up for a game or two a season, but he’s never missed more than four in one season. Staying away from significant injury has been an underrated point of his career.
Cleveland’s defense is thriving in 2023 and Ward certainly has a part in that as the top cornerback. Ward’s season high in interceptions is three and he’s done that three times in the NFL. This season, Ward has two interceptions and 10 passes defended, as well as a forced fumble.
At just 26 years old, the Ohio native should have plenty of ball left ahead of him as long as he can stay healthy.
Consistent production of creating turnovers is something that Ward has done and the stat shows that no one has done it at this clip in at least 24 years.
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