It is early, but Cleveland Browns rookie Denzel Ward is staking his claim for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Week after week Ward continues to make plays which not only shows his ability as one of the best rookies, but one of the best defenders in the league.
Pro Football Focus ranks Ward as the sixth best cornerback in the league. With the performances from Ward this season it is easy to see why. Ward has three interceptions, one forced fumble and recovery and a blocked field goal against Baltimore this past Sunday. Ward also has six pass defenses this year, which certainly helps with his PFF ranking.
The Ohio State product continues to blanket receivers and surely this will continue. Opposing quarterbacks have to think twice before throwing in his direction. Ward has the ability to defend a pass, intercept a pass or even force a fumble if a pass is completed. Cleveland has the shutdown corner that they have been looking for.
Denzel Ward vs Bradley Chubb was not a debate then and certainly is not now
Before April’s draft there was extensive discussion about who the Browns should take fourth overall. Bradley Chubb or Denzel Ward. Clearly John Dorsey made the correct decision as Ward is an absolute beast. Chubb on the other hand is making less of an impact. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the 53rd overall edge defender, which is a compilation of outside linebackers and defensive ends. Chubb has 12 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks, a significant smaller impact than Ward.
The argument for Chubb over Ward was based off the bookend edge rushers theory, however that only works if the secondary can carry their weight. The Browns secondary could not do that last year which made Ward the better pick. If defensive players cannot cover an edge rusher will not be able to get to the quarterback. Ward, among others, have improved the Cleveland secondary which has allowed a better pass rush. Myles Garret has five sacks, Larry Ogunjobi has three and Jamie Collins has two. Safe to say that the improved defensive backfield is to thank.
Defensive Rookie of the Year comes down to Denzel Ward vs Derwin James
Derwin James is having quite the season, Pro Football Focus ranks him as the fourth best safety in the league. James has one interception, six pass defenses and three sacks. James has been fantastic for the Chargers and it appears they have one of the best defenders in the league for years to come. What it does come down to is overall impact on the game from their respective positions. Is Ward’s impact at cornerback greater than James’ at safety? At this point in can be argued that it is and the DROY Award should be his.
Even if Ward does not end up winning the award at the end of the season, the Browns definitely have a defensive cornerstone to build upon in the future.
