The Cleveland Browns and cornerback Denzel Ward, the No. 4 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, agreed to a four-year rookie contract.
Browns general manager John Dorsey confirmed the agreement on Wednesday.
Ward, 21, was excellent for Ohio State in 2017, registering 37 tackles (two for loss), two interceptions and 15 passes defensed. His selection filled a major need for the Browns at cornerback, no doubt, but there were some fans who wanted NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb with the pick.
Cleveland defensive coordinator Gregg Williams told Peter King of The MMQB he wanted Ward over Chubb and explained the selection:
"The reason is our need for a press cover cornerback.