The first step for Ward has been putting himself and his teammates in the right mindset for the upcoming year. He said on the first day of training camp that the Browns are being intentional about what is being said and what is going on inside CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Part of this intentional mindset for Ward has been getting on the JUGS machine to catch balls. After a season in which the Browns had four team interceptions, some that Ward said he missed on, he has committed himself to bettering his hands and recording more takeaways.
Qualities like Ward's leadership and work ethic are ones that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz already knew of when he joined the Browns in 2023. Former coaches of Ward told the 30-year NFL coaching veteran that he would fall in love with the cornerback. Even before Schwartz joined the Browns, he was watching Ward from afar, admiring the corner's craft. Coming up on his third season overseeing the defense, Schwartz now more than understands the praise of Ward.
"The thing I like about Denzel is how consistent he is with his preparation – he never phones in a performance," Schwartz said. "He's making a big effort this year to be more physical. He's such a great shadow guy and he's working a little bit more now, being a little more physical at the line of scrimmage, giving us a bit more run support and sort of rounding out some other parts of the game."