Chicago Bears draft profile: Cornerback Denzel Ward

Bottom line

Just to get it out of the way now, Ward is the top corner in the 2018 NFL Draft.

He’s pound-for-pound the most athletic by miles and can match up with pro receivers from that standpoint right now. Plus, he has the pedigree of having played well against top competition in the Big 10.

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Whether or not he ends up the best corner in this draft, though, remains to be seen.

I could absolutely see Josh Jackson overtaking him eventually as this class’ best cornerback. It might not happen immediately as some of Jackson’s raw technique requires refinement, but his ball-hawking skills are second-to-none among this crop of rookies.

Plus, Ward’s lack of prototypical press-man size and length could turn the Chicago Bears, namely Vic Fangio, off to him.

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Honestly, I think that the Bears would probably trade the eighth-overall pick if Ward was the guy. Someone would probably move up to take him, and that could ultimately net more value than if they took him outright.

But if the Bears decide they want a cornerback with their first pick in this draft, passing up Ward would surprise me. And he’s the only true corner that merits a top-10 selection.