NFL Draft 2010: In a Surprise, Cleveland Browns Draft Safety T.J. Ward at No. 38
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!
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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.
Would rather have a ball-hawk than a hard hitter
by The Licensed Pessimist on Apr 23, 2010 7:26 PM EDT reply actions
What?! The Browns drafted a player I’ve never heard of before?!? THAT MEANS HE MUST BE TERRIBLE!! BOOOOO! (Total Draft Expert, over here).
by DrewskiC on Apr 23, 2010 7:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Sorry but this was a massive reach. He was more of a 4th round prospect.
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Apr 23, 2010 7:51 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks, Walter ;)
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by rufio on Apr 24, 2010 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I don’t get it.
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Apr 24, 2010 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Walterfootball?
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
That’s what I thought, but I don’t get why what I said is comparable to him.
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Apr 24, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
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)
I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Hilarious!
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Apr 24, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
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…
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
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, SBN's Oregon Ducks blog
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
MacDonald at FS? Shouldn’t a FS be able to tackle? (involuntary shudder)
"...maybe this year, there's no gorilla" - YoDaddyWags
by woodsmeister on Apr 24, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
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.
I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.

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