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Todd McShay Thinks Denzel Ward is the best pick for the Denver Broncos

By Andrew Wade

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Denzel Ward to the Denver Broncos

Todd McShay believes the best pick for the Denver Broncos at number five is Ohio State Cornerback Denzel Ward. After sitting behind two first-round corners last year, Ward got the opportunity to start in 2017. He had an outstanding Junior season for the Buckeyes, and he declared for the draft.

After a fantastic combine, Ward’s stock rose very quickly despite his diminutive stature (5’10’’ and 191 pounds). In recent mock drafts, he has even been jumping above highly touted defensive backs, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James. Here is McShay’s take on the pick.

"Baker Mayfield could certainly be in play at No. 5 if he’s there, but Denver won a Super Bowl when it had the best defense in the NFL — led by its secondary. Plus, the Broncos just signed Case Keenum in free agency and have Paxton Lynch on the roster. With Aqib Talib shipped out to Los Angeles, the Broncos could use another CB and Ward is the best cover man in this class. Todd McShay, ESPN"

Does Denzel Ward to Denver make sense?

The Denver Broncos selecting Denzel Ward at number five doesn’t make sense to me. Although there is a need at the cornerback position after losing Aqib Talib, the Broncos already have Chris Harris Jr and Bradley Roby locked in as starters. Additionally, Tramaine Brock is now on the team to compete for the number three spot after signing a one year deal this offseason.

The 2018 NFL Draft is very deep at the cornerback position. There are a number of guys Denver could select with one of their three day two picks that could play immediately.

In addition to the draft depth at cornerback, Denver has more pressing needs at positions where blue-chip prospects remain. Most notably, the Denver Broncos need to find a long-term solution to the quarterback position. If not a quarterback, Denver still has a hole at the guard position and a three-down off-ball linebacker.

At this point in the draft, Baker Mayfield, Quenton Nelson, Roquan Smith, and Tremaine Edwards would all be available. Depending on how the cards fall in the actual draft, there is a chance Bradley Chubb is available as well.

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