is Denzel Ward. (we're of course operating under the assumption that Chubb, Nelson, and Barkley are gone)
Ward is the best cover corner in the draft by a wide margin. I know a lot of people are starting to mock Derwin James to us as our primary plan B option, and I'm totally ok with that pick. But as we're seeing in free agency, filling voids at safety with talented players can be done during any given year for relatively cheap. Filling voids with legit #1 outside corners is next to impossible, and if you're able to get one, it costs an arm and a leg.
Here's what some Ohio St. people had to say about Ward when I asked them to compare him to Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore (who is already the best CB in our division) from last year's draft. Each quote is a different person, all saying pretty much the same thing.
"better than conley. not quite as good as lattimore, though some disagree. he was a legit shutdown guy last season. i don't think any of us fully understand how he was stuck behind damon arnette two years ago"
"(Ward) On par with both. He actually may have had a better junior season than either of them (Lattimore & Conley)"
"Ward is an elite cover guy. I think he will be one of the best cover corners in the NFL in a couple years. The only questions I have with him are about his size. He is definitely on the smaller side, which raises questions about how he'll fare in press coverage against big, physical receivers in the NFL, as well as at the point of attack. Maybe whatever team drafts him plays him inside for a year to keep him a way from some big boys on the outside until he gets more comfortable. Truly an amazing talent. I really hope he ends up on the Bears but it's looking unlikely now. Very different player from both Lattimore and Conley though."
"1a. Lattimore
1b. Ward
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.
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3. Conley"
"Ward was better than Lattimore was in his last year"
"Ward had the best season of any OSU corner in 20 years. Doesn't have Lattimore's size, but he's a can't-miss prospect."
"I think Lattimore was better during his final year than Ward, but it’s very close. It’s also fair to say that Lattimore played alongside two other first round DBs and Ward got no help because our safeties were trash. He’s an elite coverage corner and I’m excited to see what he can do in the league with his coverage skills and speed."
"Denzel Ward is pretty much the perfect corner. Like others have said, size is the only downfall and his speed and vert help to make up for that. No injury history or off the field issues whatsoever."
