Cleveland Browns S Larry Asante appeared ahead of S T.J. Ward initially, but Ward has seemed to be moving ahead in the competition, writes Terry Pluto, of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. That came to an end when Ward missed some time with injury towards the end of offseason workouts. The Browns need one of the two to step up and man a starting position at safety opposite of S Abram Elam.
Some scoffed at the Ward selection, whom the Browns chose in the second round but we think he’s legitimate. There are injury concerns but sometimes you gamble on talent. Meanwhile, Asante was a great value pick in the fifth round. Both safeties are very physical and attack the line of scrimmage, the type of play that will help improve the run defense. Elam is a ‘hold-the-fort’ guy and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ward eventually