5 Cleveland Browns that are the heartbeat of the team

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 07: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns intercepts the ball thrown by Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals and returns it for a touchdown during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns heartbeat player No. 3: Denzel Ward, CB

53. . . . Denzel Ward. 3. player

Denzel Ward, the Browns talented young cornerback just signed a five-year $100 million contract this offseason which will keep him in town through 2027. The former Macedonia High School product (in Cleveland suburbs) went down to Ohio State before being drafted No. 4 in the 2018 NFL Draft.

While he’s had some durability issues, he has been more able to get through recent seasons in better shape. He’s always had a knack for finding the ball on defense. Whether it’s knocking passes down or grabbing an interception he’s usually in the middle of the action.

He’s had two pick-sixes in his time with the Browns. The most recent one was last season when his interception changed the whole complexion of the game by taking a Joe Burrow pass and sprinting 99 yards the other way for the score.

Ward has 10 interceptions in his time with the Browns. I see that total increasing this next year. He could be primed to grab four or five picks as he has his best season as a pro.

He’s helped the Browns defense regain credibility over the last several years. With him in contract for five more years look for the Cleveland native to continue to thrive and help his hometown team win.

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