AP’s All-Pro lists released on Friday and Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward once again found his name absent.
This would have been his first All-Pro honor.
Ward missed the list by the narrowest of margins, coming in fifth in positional voting out of four available spots, earning 23 points and four first-place votes to Patriots Christian Gonzalez’s 32 points with the same amount of first-place votes who took the final spot.
Ward would have joined pass rusher Myles Garrett as the only other Browns player to receive All-Pro honors but instead joins teammates Jerry Jeudy, Corey Bojorquez, and Jerome Ford (as a punt returner) who received votes but did not make the official team.
Denzel Ward may not get the official title to crown his achievements but that doesn’t mean his season shouldn’t be overlooked. On a team that regressed, Ward battled through multiple injuries to set career highs in games played and pass deflections. Ward and Garrett’s presence on this defense helped maintain a semblance of consistency through a messy season and will remain cornerstones.
More disappointing is the Pro Bowl snub which he has been awarded with four times previously. Minnesota’s Byron Murphy, Chicago’s Jaylon Johnson, Carolina’s Jaycee Horn, and Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon all received fewer All-Pro votes and were all voted into the Pro Bowl ahead of Ward.
Team success may have unfortunately played its way into Ward’s snubs as he produced at an elite level but will receive little recognition. A return to form and better offensive play should only help Ward make an even stronger case next season as he awaits his well-earned achievements.
