Browns Denzel Ward Rapidly Falling out of 2018 DROY Contention
- Denzel Ward was once a top three contender for the NFL’s 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year award
- The Browns corner now has the longest odds on the board
- Does he still hold value?
When you are taken 4th-overall in the NFL Draft, the weight of the world sits upon your shoulders. For some, it drives them. For others, it drains them.
Whether it be coaching, schemes, or personal drought, Denzel Ward is free falling down the board and has quickly gone from a top three DROY candidate to near honorable mention.
Here are the odds to win 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
| Player | Team | Pos | Odds to win 2018 NFL DROY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darius Leonard | IND | ILB | -115 |
| Derwin James | LAC | S | -110 |
| Bradley Chubb | DEN | EDGE | +800 |
| Leighton Vander Esch | DAL | LB | +900 |
| Denzel Ward | CLE | CB | +2500 |
Does Denzel Ward Carry Value?
The good news here for Denzel is that he should have an easier time predicting passes along with timing tackles this weekend.
He and his Browns will be heading to Houston to face the red hot Texans and he’s in luck. While already without Will Fuller V, the Texans are now seeing Keke Coutee on a limited basis at practice as well.
This leaves DeAndre Hopkins and Demaryius Thomas the two obvious targets remaining. That and Deshaun Watson loves leaving the pocket opening himself up to corner blitzes.
What’s important to note here is that Ward’s best numbers have come against playoff teams. It seems the higher the competition, the more involved he gets. This bodes well for his future betting value considering the Browns have dates with division leaders Houston, Carolina and the wild card hunting Denver Broncos over the next three weeks.
CB @denzelward is the only rookie to lead his position in #ProBowl fan voting so far … ?
Voting update » https://t.co/CLGBiMLIlZ pic.twitter.com/MEYbfYfNZH
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 21, 2018
After registering 13 tackles and two picks through his first two games, Ward’s stats have started to slip (even though his Pro Bowl voting has continued to climb).
The rookie has had an up and down season, but should be able to prosper more from the Browns latest coaching change. After dumping Hue Jackson, Gregg Williams has gone from defensive coordinator to interim head coach.
And the result has already been the team emphasizing a more “defense first” approach. Should this theory hold up, Denzel could be a smart money play heading into week 13.
Who’s the Best Bet?
Across the board, Darius Leonard has continued his tear as the DROY favorite followed by Derwin James, Bradley Chubb, and Leighton Vander Esch.
Leonard has been the easy standout in the virtually unknown Colts defensive set. James is enjoying his status thanks to an already strong Los Angeles Charger secondary. Bradley Chubb has had the luxury of learning from the best in Von Miller; and L-V-E has been the bright light of the Dallas D.
Everyone has a headline except Denzel Ward.
However, if Ward can take up his tackle count and pull down a few more picks, he’ll be right back in the conversation.
Regardless of what the betting board says, he is still impressing and is currently leading the Browns in interceptions, and is fourth on the team in tackles. Really, just one big performance is all that’s separating from his peers
Ryan is what you call a seasoned vet. It's been nearly 13 years and he has hosted three sports radio talk shows, two football television shows, two sports podcasts, released his first book in 2012, had his own ESPN E:60 documentary shot, and was the first inductee to ESPN's Hall of Fans.
