Cleveland Browns: 3 cornerstone players to build around
By Greg Newland
Although the Cleveland Browns haven’t lived up to expectations yet, they have three players who are considered cornerstone pieces.
It seems like just a few years ago (because it was), this Cleveland Browns roster was as decimated as ever. There wasn’t one single household name on the roster, and the hunt for a franchise quarterback seemed like a never-ending chase.
This team has yet to truly prove anything, but there is no denying that this roster has some serious talent on it. Not only has Andrew Berry had the tough job of figuring out who to keep and who to let walk, but he has also continued to structure deals to give the Browns the best chance to have a legitimate roster year in and year out.
Now the Browns have one of the best rosters in the NFL, and they have also at least three legitimate players that could be a cornerstone to almost every team in the NFL. Keep reading to see who the Browns will continue to build around.
Cleveland Browns Cornerstone Player No. 3 – Denzel Ward
It should come as no surprise to see Denzel Ward on this list. After all, he just inked his new five-year extension worth just over $100 million with nearly 45 percent of that money guaranteed. Ward certainly has a few question marks, but none are about his ability to play.
If this guy is able to play at least 15 games a season over the next five years, this contract will be a steal for the Cleveland Browns. However, in the first three seasons, Ward missed 11 full games, with many more where he only played a few snaps.
But if you watched the back half of the 2021 season, I think that is where the game of Ward is headed. Not only was he lockdown in coverage, but he also stepped up and held the edge well in the run game and was able to stay healthy.
The Browns currently have a ton of talent at cornerback, but none are as good as Ward. I expect him to play at a level next year that causes other guys to get picked on because opposing quarterbacks won’t even look towards Ward.
At 25-years old, look for Ward to remain a centerpiece of this organization for a long time.