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2018 NFL Draft: Denzel Ward flashes potential at Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward is regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the 2018 NFL Draft. He showed why at the Scouting Combine.

The 2018 NFL Draft is highlighted by an intriguing measure of talent in the secondary. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a candidate to be a top-five draft pick, Derwin James has tremendous upside himself, and a number of cornerbacks have earned Round 1 grades.

Following the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, however, former Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward may have validated the belief that he’s the No. 1 cornerback on the board.

Ward measured well at the Combine, checking in at 5’11” and 191 pounds. He’ll undoubtedly need to add more muscle to his frame, but he’s one of the most athletically gifted prospects in this draft class.

With a time of just 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Ward proved to be every bit the athlete that scouts were hoping he’d prove to be.

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There are other areas in which Ward must improve, but any time a cover corner has that type of speed, interest will exist.

Ward recorded an interception or pass defended on 24.6 percent of the 57 targets he faced in 2017—good for the fifth-highest percentage in this draft class, per Pro Football Focus. With 4.3 speed, he’s confirmed that he can make a similar impact in the NFL.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Ward to Denver Broncos star Chris Harris Jr., which may be all one needs to know about his potential.

With a rare combination of speed and instincts in coverage, Ward has the luxury of being able to  take chances and recover quickly if he makes a mistake.

Ward comes from a long line of high-quality Ohio State cornerbacks, including 2017 NFL standout Marshon Lattimore. The name on the front of the jersey shouldn’t determine a player’s value, but the Buckeyes have a history of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs.

That bodes well for Ward, who was coached well in college and has the physical gifts to translate his success to the highest level.

Must Read: The Cleveland Browns are reportedly eyeing Saquon Barkley at No. 1 overall

The question is: Will Denzel Ward be a top-10 selection in the 2018 NFL Draft? His performance at the Scouting Combine should help.

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