You know what's funny about the draft? The discussions leading up to it.
For the past month or so, Cleveland Browns fans were praying that S Eric Berry wall fall to them in the first round. We almost began believing he was already going to be a member of our team. The Chiefs put a dagger in that by taking Berry fifth overall.
The discussion regarding the second round involved taking a quarterback, primarily Colt McCoy. With Jimmy Clausen falling yesterday out of the first round, the overnight discussions amongst fans and the media was, "McCoy or Clausen?"
But then, with the 38th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns drafted Oregon safety T.J. Ward.
This is the type of pick that elicits a "what the ___?" reaction as soon as the name is announced. It might be a reach, but because the pick was not made in the first round, it's the type of deal I think we can live with. Before we criticize Ward, we need to learn more about the kid. I'm not at all surprised that we went for a position of need. Looking up-and-down our roster, we desperately needed a starting safety. Ward is no guarantee to start, but we have our first "candidate."
One thing is known about Ward: he's a hard hitter.
If anyone here has seen Ward play before and would like to comment on his abilities, please do so!
0 recs | 31 comments
what happened to BAP?
The Licensed Pessimist - April 23, 2010
If we were going to go defense I was a little surprised not to see Kindle or Mays..
Brownsyup - April 23, 2010
Ward
As a Duck alum, I can tell you that this guy can play. He is known for his hard hits as referenced by the video above. Believe me that play was not a fluke. The duck’s secondary was known for making big plays, and he was definitely a big part of them.
Mankerton503 - April 23, 2010
This sort of made him sound better to me.
jaws. - April 23, 2010
Oh yea...
I’m a looking, and I’m a liking!!!
Bey - April 24, 2010
I get to watch Pac-10 games. The kid is good.
But did we have to use our 2nd? Probably yes.
Brownie's Year - April 23, 2010
After seeing that hit? I think it’s worth it.
BrownDawg1409 - April 23, 2010
Would rather have a ball-hawk than a hard hitter
The Licensed Pessimist - April 23, 2010
What?! The Browns drafted a player I’ve never heard of before?!? THAT MEANS HE MUST BE TERRIBLE!! BOOOOO! (Total Draft Expert, over here).
DrewskiC - April 23, 2010
- everyone on cleveland.com, probably.
DrewskiC - April 23, 2010
Sorry but this was a massive reach. He was more of a 4th round prospect.
TheRealSlimShady - April 23, 2010
Thanks, Walter ;)
rufio - April 24, 2010
I don’t get it.
TheRealSlimShady - April 24, 2010
Walterfootball?
rufio - April 24, 2010
That’s what I thought, but I don’t get why what I said is comparable to him.
TheRealSlimShady - April 24, 2010
walterfootball thought that the pick was a massive reach…
and walterfootball has a mancrush on clausen and graded all the picks badly in the first from what i saw b/c teams passed on clausen…sometimes for an equally good player at a similar need (like the cardinals desperately needing a NT and taking the best one at a great value pick)
bross09 - April 24, 2010
Hilarious!
golanbatrac - April 24, 2010
I just made the connection too…it just kinda clicked and I had an epiphany…brilliant.
bross09 - April 24, 2010
The funny part is I remember reading a mock draft shortly after the season ended that had the Browns going Haden-Ward with their first two picks. I don’t think it was on this site, but I can’t remember where I saw it. Anyhow, the comments on it were very positive. Fast forward, and the comments seem to be negative. I sorta like the picks, honestly. I don’t have a lot to go on for doing so, but I do…
Fundamentals - April 23, 2010
TJ Ward
his ball coverage skills are questionable. But he’ll be beyond fantastic against the run. And he’ll hit the hell out of people
David Piper - April 23, 2010
Hopefully he hits the hell out of Hines Ward and Chad Johnson.
rufio - April 24, 2010
ball skills are important but not vital. you can also refine ball skills during TC, and Practice. ball skills IMO are much more easily taught than pure instincts and knowing where to be. that is what ward has.
bross09 - April 24, 2010
don’t like those injuries.
The Brown Note - April 23, 2010
Looks like a player if he can stay healthy. I am glad we went for a safety, think this was year to draft a safety.
Roger Dorn - April 23, 2010
I like the pick as we needed a Saftey but this guy looks to be a SS and we needed a FS. I dont think Abe Elam is a FS. Also with the pick of Haden I am looking for Sheldon Brown to move to FS as he has lost a step with age. Another possiblity is McDonald at FS which is where he played at Memphis
deibson84 - April 23, 2010
True.
I penned Brown as moving to safety as well.
Bey - April 24, 2010
MacDonald at FS? Shouldn’t a FS be able to tackle? (involuntary shudder)
woodsmeister - April 24, 2010
I have heard rob ryan talk about how we need 2 balanced safeties. Elam is a SS who is better than average for a SS in coverage and Ward would be a FS who has good hitting skills for a FS. both are similar guys who can play either safety position.
and NO on McDonald.
a) he needs to be able to tackle
b) he needs to know how to position himself. he always seemed out of position and never seemed to have good instincts.
bross09 - April 24, 2010
I’ve got a good feeling about this kid. I don’t know why but i have this Butch-style feeling that he becomes an All-Pro. No idea why. Maybe the name TJ Ward just sounds badass.
jaws. - April 24, 2010
His game film reminds me of Bob Sanders. He hits like a missile.
homerun21 - April 24, 2010
That hit was sick! I can’t wait to see him unleashed on the Squeelers offense. Hey Rapelisburger, watch out for the safety blitz!
dawgtribe - April 24, 2010
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