Denzel Ward can’t think of a better way to start his NFL career. The number four overall pick in April’s draft plays for his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns. Ward’s first regular season game is against the hated rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Yeah, it was obviously a big rivalry,” Ward said. “I am looking forward to playing my first regular season game against this team.”
Denzel Ward ready for debut, challenge against Antonio Brown
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Will there be any first game jitters once he takes the field and sees the black and gold on the opposite side of the field? If so, its more like nervous energy.
“Really excited. Really excited for my first regular season game,” Ward said.. Looking forward to the competition in that game and getting the season started.”
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The Browns used the second of their two top five picks on the former Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback. Facing arguably the best wide receiver in the game today, Antonio Brown twice a season, Ward became a top priority after quarterback in the draft.
“A great player, a great receiver,” Ward said. “He is going to push you, and he is going to work every play. You just have to know where he is at all times on the field.”
Ward will have quite a challenge in his regular season NFL debut. The rookie is ready to face the best the NFL has to offer on Sunday.
“Definitely, I am definitely embracing that challenge,” Ward said. “I look forward to going against him.”
The goal for the hometown kid is to become an elite cornerback. So what does he see in Brown that makes the Steelers wide receiver elite?
“Really him at the catch point. By a receiver, cornerbacks could be on him at the catch point, but he comes out with those 50-50 balls.”
So you can bet Denzel will have plenty of fan support in the crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium cheering him on in the battle against Brown.
“Yeah definitely,” Ward said. “I am from Cleveland so I will probably have like 50 people at the first game.”
Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport.