MLB Trade Rumors: Jhonny Peralta a “Potential Fit” in Colorado
July 26, 2010Breaking News: Cavaliers Trade Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair to Minnesota
July 26, 2010Not long after the Browns reportedly agreed to terms with running back Montario Hardesty, a league source tells the National Football Post that the team has also inked fellow second-round pick TJ Ward out of Oregon.
A hard-hitting defensive back, the team’s selection of Ward surprised many when Southern Cal’s Taylor Mays was still available. However, as we laid out shortly after the draft, Ward’s measurables and highlight reel hits provided the Browns with all they needed to have him right below Eric Berry on their safety wish list.
A walk-on, Ward pegged his collegiate success on hard work, support, determination and focus. Coming with an injury risk due to some prior injuries, the rookie defensive back told the media that he was 100 percent following his selection by the Browns.
“I had a good talk with coach Mangini and Coach Holmgren,” Ward said on his draft day conference call. “It was a wonderful atmosphere, everyone around was real friendly. If I had to pick one team that was going to draft me, I’d pick the Browns and gratefully, they did.”
For better or worse, how Ward pans out over the course of the next three years may be the gauge for what a lot of critics hitch to the 2010 Browns draft. The fact that Ward will be in full-team camp from day one can only further help his growth at the NFL level. With Abe Elam looking at a starting safety role, Ward is expected to compete for the other starting safety slot come opening day. Given his nose for the ball, some feel that if he wins the starting spot, Ward could lead the Browns defense in tackles in his rookie campaign.
“If I do the things I’m supposed to do, then I’ll get on the field wherever the coaches need me,” said Ward. “Right now, I’m just trying to learn what I’m doing first and open some eyes on the practice field.”
As of this published post, cornerback Joe Haden remains as the only unsigned draft selection from 2010.
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(Image from Ducksports.com)
11 Comments
As of this published post, cornerback Joe Haden remains as the only unsigned draft selection from 2010.
And might I add still the #10 Cleveland Sports Tweeter.
pretty excited to see this kid on the field.
Good to see he’ll be there. I think Ward could be the best/most impactful player of this draft. Good safeties are always a premium in the NFL.
Very good news. Hope Ward is the real deal. I still can’t get the picture of Pryor juking him out of his shoes on the first drive in Rose Bowl out of my head. Perhaps his first bone-crushing hit on OchoCinco will clear it out.
Nice job by Heckert so far getting these kids into camp. 1 to go.
Yay Browns
Brings us one step closer to having a hard-hitting safety like we use to have in Eric Turner!! RIP ET.
Its Late JUly and i am getting that Browns Fever baby!!
Here we go brownies here we go! Here we go brownies here we go!
Can’t say I was too excited when we drafted Ward. Guys like he and Hardesty will either make me love this new front office or make me consider it more of the same.
The good teams always seem to draft guys that no one else had pegged as high and turn them into studs. I really want that to be us for once.
I wish Browns fans could watch Ward’s ’08 games. He absolutely dominated Jahvid Best and consistently was more impressive than Patrick Chung, a guy the Patriots picked in the 2nd round.
Hopefully, Ward will stay healthy and more than live up to his draft position.
Let’s hope he ends up having the same attitude and effectiveness of a certain other walk-on from Kent State.
hey man this is a really great blog, it’s unfortunate to see the browns statistics being from ohio and all. at least there’s the buckeyes…