Denzel Ward feels Browns have 'best corner group in NFL,' especially with Greg Newsome II

BEREA — Confidence has no greater home than within an great NFL cornerback. There are three such players — Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. — on the Browns defense.

Don't think that's necessarily the case? Ward, for one, would beg to differ.

"I mean I feel we're the best corner group in the NFL," Ward said during a media availability on the second day of the Browns' voluntary offseason program. "I feel that we went out there and showed that, but this is a new year and we got to go out there and show that again. So that's what we're doing now, putting that work in to go out and show why we're the best group and so that's all it is, just getting to the work and going out there and showing that. But I definitely feel we're the best though."

The Browns have steadily been building up at cornerback through the years. It started with Ward, who was taken No. 4 overall in the 2018 draft.

They used their first pick in both the 2021 and 2022 drafts on cornerback: the No. 26 overall pick in '21 on Newsome and the No. 68 overall in '22 on Emerson. Now, as they approach their third season together, the familiarity will be something they consider an added strength.

"I think you guys seen what we are capable of at most of the times this season," Newsome said Tuesday after helping with a Berea-Midpark girls flag football practice. "So it's definitely great to have each other again, be our second year in the scheme, our second year with all of us playing together again. So I'm super excited for it."

Newsome, though, has often been seen as the one potentially on the outside. Not necessarily in the scheme, where he's often lining up in the slot, but in terms of the roster.

This has been the second offseason where Newsome, who's eligible for his fifth-year option for the 2025 season to be picked up by May 2, has seen his name dangled among the trade rumors. Well, those close to Newsome have seen it, because the Northwestern University product insists he's blocking out the noise.

"I don't pay attention, but obviously my family and stuff tell me and ask me," Newsome said. "What goes through my head is nothing. I feel like I'm comfortable here. I feel like AB (general manager Andrew Berry) and the ownership and all my coaches know what I'm capable of, they know what I bring to this team, not just on the field, being one of those glue guys, being a guy that's always energetic, celebrating no matter what, I feel like they know my value. So I wasn't too worried about that."

Nor is Newsome concerned about the possibility of a long-term extension. He said he's left that to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and Berry.

The Browns corner trio combined for eight interceptions a year ago, led by Emerson's four. Ward earned his third Pro Bowl appearance last season as part of Cleveland's top-ranked defense.

It goes beyond raw numbers, however, to the impact they make within the defense.

"We're all in the building now working towards the same goal and trying to be the best," Ward said.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II feel Browns have best corner trio in NFL