The Browns Rookies Must Continue to Improve
After trading Corey Coleman to the Buffalo Bills in training camp, the Cleveland Browns do not possess any first-round pick prior to the 2017 draft on their roster dating back to 2008. Three of those seasons they had multiple first round draft picks. That’s honestly quite remarkable, but the reason I’m bringing it up is because the Browns actually had multiple rookies play quite well during the season opener. Like any team, you have to hit on draft picks if you want to change the direction of a franchise.
Cleveland had the two top rookie Week 1 performers, according to William Moy of Pro Football Focus. Moy had this to say about Denzel Ward and Genard Avery:
Denzel Ward, Cornerback: The fourth overall pick had his hands full with Antonio Brown and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in his professional debut and he certainly stepped up to the challenge. While Brown did get the best of him for a touchdown on a back shoulder throw that Ward was still able to contest, it was an impressive debut for the rookie. Ward finished the game with two interceptions, peeling off his coverage for the first one to dive in front of Antonio Brown with Pittsburgh in the red zone. Ward also recorded a pass breakup and two stops. The former Ohio State star exits Week 1 as our sixth highest-graded cornerback. – William Moy, PFF
Ward Interception #1
Excellent work from Denzel Ward reading Ben's eyes. Steelers go hitch/pivot & Ward sits on Switzer's route until he notices Ben commit to Brown's pivot then makes one hell of an athletic play on the ball. You'll see him flash from outside the screen 2x in replay. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/9T0yey9z24
— OBR Film Breakdown (@TheOBRFilmBDN) September 10, 2018
Ward Interception #2
Finish the 1st half breakdown w Ward's 2nd INT. Steelers go to one of their favorites, TE pop off IZ action or when they catch an overload blitz. This one is just a fortunate bounce off James' hands. Nice reactionary play from Ward. 2 INT in your debut is big time. #BrownsFilmBDN pic.twitter.com/b8CmpRvuYt
— OBR Film Breakdown (@TheOBRFilmBDN) September 10, 2018
Genard Avery, Edge: We’ve made it two spots into this list and so far, we’ve got two Cleveland Brown defenders. Avery logged 44 snaps against the Steelers in his rookie debut. He exits Week 1 as our second highest-graded edge defender. He was disruptive as a pass-rusher, recording three pressures (one hurry, one hit and one sack) with one being a strip sack with 48 seconds to go in overtime that set up a game-winning field goal opportunity. Avery also recorded two run stops on 10 run-defense snaps. His 20 percent run-stop percentage was the second highest among any defender who saw at least 10 snaps in run defense. – Wiliiam Moy, PFF
Excellent stuff again from Genard Avery. Recognizes draw, quick swim move, full effort to make the ankle tackle for minimal gain. Again, he plays like a five year vet with his savviness. #BrownsFilmBDN. pic.twitter.com/3MDJLn2JEG
— OBR Film Breakdown (@TheOBRFilmBDN) September 11, 2018
That’s high praise from the guys over at Pro Football Focus. Ward was a game-changer on Sunday, matching his college total in interceptions during his pro debut. Avery generated a pass rush necessary opposite Myles Garrett. Add those in with contributions from wide receiver Antonio Callaway and running back Nick Chubb. That’s a nice 2018 rookie class and Baker Mayfield hasn’t touched the field yet. Merge that talent with the 2017 class that had three first rounders and you have a strong foundation to build on.
