2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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player. 57. . Cornerback. Ohio State Buckeyes. Denzel Ward. 8

I understand the Chicago Bears could put the transition tag on Kyle Fuller. I also understand that the Bears just re-signed Prince Amukamara to a rather costly contract, but that doesn’t change the fact of the matter at No. 8 overall.

For as strong as Chicago’s secondary is, it ranked No. 30 in the NFL in interceptions and lacks a true shutdown cornerback—and that’s what Denzel Ward has the potential to be.

Ward is the next in a long line of Ohio State Buckeyes cornerbacks turned NFL standouts. He’s a bit undersized, but he makes up for that truth with top-flight athleticism and the instincts to be one of the best cover corners in the league.

Ward has been coached well throughout his playing career and has the type of fundamental polish that made Marshon Lattimore a star in 2017.

Physically, Ward ranked in the 98th percentile in the broad jump, the 97th percentile in the 40-yard dash, and the 85th percentile in the vertical jump. He’s also stronger than he seems, which implies he could survive in bump-and-run coverage in the event that his speed and explosiveness aren’t enough.

With elite speed and outstanding footwork, however, Ward can be the shutdown corner that every team searches for in the pursuit of contending status.