The Indianapolis Colts signed Charvarius Ward this offseason. The star cornerback could prove to be a great pickup. According to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, Ward is the Colts’ most dangerous addition.
“The first-round selection of multipurpose tight end Tyler Warren may seem like the obvious answer for the Indianapolis Colts,” Sobleski wrote. “However, the front office’s neglect of the secondary over the last two years pinpoints the acquisition of cornerback Charvarius Ward as the linchpin to this offseason Sobleski wrote. General manager Chris Ballard felt confident in the draft investments the team sunk into the secondary. His belief didn’t materialize into a quality defense. Indianapolis finished among the bottom seven in pass defense last season. Alongside the hire of coordinator Lou Anarumo, the 29-year-old Ward gives the unit far more flexibility, as long as he bounces back from last year’s tough campaign (on and off the field). The seven-year veteran immediately enters the lineup as the Colts’ CB1.”
Is Sobleski right? Is Ward the Colts’ most dangerous pickup?
Cornerback Charvarius Ward Listed as Colts’ Most Dangerous Addition
Ward’s Career
Charvarius Ward went undrafted in 2018. That said, he wasn’t expected to have a successful NFL career. However, the Mississippi native has proved the doubters wrong. He helped Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV.
Later as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Ward put together a stellar season in 2023. That year, he recorded 72 combined tackles, a league-leading 23 pass deflections, and a team-leading five interceptions. Ward earned second-team All-Pro honors and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He also helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII, where they lost to the Chiefs 25-22. He had 54 tackles and seven passes defended last season.
Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) talks with San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (7) during the first half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Is He the Colts’ Most Dangerous Pickup?
Indy’s secondary struggled mightily in 2024. The unit ranked 26th in passing yards allowed. They were shredded during an embarrassing Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. New York’s Drew Lock passed for over 300 yards and four touchdowns in that game. Nothing against Lock, but he isn’t exactly an elite quarterback.
With that said, the Colts needed to upgrade their secondary this offseason. Adding Ward will certainly help. He is one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks and brings a winning attitude to Indy’s locker room.
However, Tyler Warren should be considered the team’s most dangerous addition instead. Indianapolis drafted him 14th overall in this year’s NFL draft. Last season at Penn State, Warren caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. As a result, he took home the John Mackey Award, given out each year to the top tight end in college football.
Warren could immediately become a star, teaming with the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce to give the Colts a dynamic pass-catching crew. Warren should make life a lot easier for whoever the quarterback is (Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones).
Again, Charvarius Ward is a great pickup. He’s a former All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion. But Warren should be considered the most dangerous newcomer, as he can help dramatically improve the offense.
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