Los Angeles Rams 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Denzel Ward

One of the most elite cornerbacks in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams should be keeping an eye out for Ohio State’s Denzel Ward.

The Los Angeles Rams are going to need to address the secondary during the 2018 off-season. Last season, a good pass-rush and linebacker core allowed the Rams’ secondary to over-perform. However, there is definitely still room for improvement, especially with what could happen this off-season.

The biggest potential loss for the Rams’ defense this off-season is number one cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Johnson was franchised tagged last season, and with Aaron Donald potentially receiving the franchise tag this go around, the Rams need to negotiate a contract with Johnson.

If not, the secondary is going to be left barren. E.J. Gaines was traded last year for Sammy Watkins, making the next guy up Kayvon Webster. Webster had one interception and seven pass deflections last season. Although he is good, he certainly is not number one corner good.

Thus, the Los Angeles Rams may need to turn to the 2018 NFL Draft. There is no better corner to turn to in the draft than Ohio State’s Denzel Ward.

Ward looks to be the 2018 NFL Draft’s version of Marshon Lattimore; a former Buckeye that will make an immediate impact in the NFL in his rookie year. Lattimore won Defensive Rookie of the Year last season; Ward has the prowess to repeat the honors, making it three straight Buckeyes to win the award — Joey Bosa, Lattimore, Ward.

Ward is universally touted as a top-tier corner in the 2018 NFL Draft. Walter Football has Ward as the second-best cornerback behind Joshua Jackson. Sports Illustrated has Ward as the tenth-best overall prospect in the draft. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares Ward to Chris Harris Jr; a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time All-Pro cornerback for the Denver Broncos.

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Ward has everything it takes to be a lockdown zone corner in the NFL. His speed, athleticism and natural instincts will allow Ward to pick off routes and keep up with the best receivers in the game.

The only hole in his game may come with man-to-man coverages one-on-one. Ward will struggle against bigger-bodied receivers that can bully him around in coverage; a guy like Mike Evans may eat Ward up if left one-on-one. Plus, he could use coaching up in using less arm-tackling and being a more physical presence in the run game.

All of these drawbacks are things that can be coached up and will be coached up once he hits the NFL. With Aaron Donald terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, Ward can use his athletic prowess and instincts alone to intercept passes a la Casey Hayward.

Next: Redrafting the Rams' 2017 NFL Draft

Overall, it may take some moving up in the draft or some great luck for Ward to fall to the 23rd overall selection. However, if he does fall on the Los Angeles Rams’ lap, the team would be foolish not to select him to cushion the potential loss of Trumaine Johnson.