CB Denzel Ward isn't hiding any information from his opponents.
After competing against Eagles WR DeVonta Smith in the first joint practice on Aug. 13, Ward and Smith traded techniques and talked ball. He wasn't concerned that he was giving Smith the upper hand, saying the best player would win the battle.
"I'm telling him what I see and just having a great conversation about how we could better our game," Ward said. "I'm an open book. Once we get out there and play, regardless of whether you know (what's happening) or not, whoever the best man is wins that day."
According to teammate CB Greg Newsome II, Ward is the best cornerback in the league and doesn't have a weakness. However, even with a personal best 2024 season, Ward has higher aspirations for himself and the Browns. As a leader on the team, he is working to re-establish the defensive identity of the Browns.
"Our goal is to be the best defense in the NFL and we're going to get there," Ward said. "We're going to make it happen."
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."
Check out the top shots from Day 13 of 2025 Browns Training Camp as players got to work with drills, workouts and team prep in Philadelphia.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Former Browns Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (50) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
The defense during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy Adam Berry and Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Running back Saquon Barkley (26), Running back Toa Taua (35) and Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
The defensive backs during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) and Tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Christian Holmes (22) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Christian Holmes (22) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Darius Rush (39) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Safety Nik Needham (25) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Kisean Johnson (83) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Former Browns Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (50) and Safety Grant Delpit (9)during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Kisean Johnson (83) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) and former Browns Offensive tackle Kendall Lamm (74) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Darius Rush (39) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Ralph Holley (63) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Tight end Dallas Goedert (88) and Tight end David Njoku (85) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive tackle Kilian Zierer (54) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) and Former Browns Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (50) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jason Ivey (72) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) and Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Tight End Mitch Van Vooren (44) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) and Wide receiver Kisean Johnson (83) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Safety Nik Needham (25) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Senior Director of Player Development James Cook and Eagles Player Development Assistant Matt Leo during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach Jeremiah Washburn and Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Tight end E.J. Jenkins and Cornerback Darius Rush (39) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) and Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy and Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett's jersey during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Linebackers Coach Jason Tarver and Eagles Running Backs/Assistant Head Coach Jemal Singleton during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy Adam Berry and Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Eagles Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy Adam Berry and Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
Defensive end Titus Leo (98) during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 13 of Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 13, 2025.
In his 30 years of coaching in the NFL, Schwartz has coached cornerbacks like Cortland Finnegan, Darius Slay and Stephon Gilmore. However, he said Ward is the best cornerback he has ever coached.
Cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch has also seen the same qualities in Ward since arriving alongside Schwartz in 2023, spouting nothing but praise for Ward. Lynch has seen Ward's work ethic during the offseason, saying that Ward has been one of the first guys in the building and one of the last ones out at night.
"We asked all of our guys to attack the ball, attack the day. Really put violence, effort, swag and passion on tape," Lynch said. "He's been a guy doing it in the meeting rooms. He's been doing it in the weight room. Now, we're getting a chance to see it on the grass."
Ward's success in the secondary will be key to the Browns reclaiming the NFL defensive crown in the 2025 season after doing so in 2023.
"He's a guy who really leads us. We talk about the tip of the spear, he's the first one in battle," Lynch said. "He's the first one we look to when we need an uptick as far as with our urgency, with our attitude. He's somebody that not just our secondary leads on, but our nerve center and our engine lead on it as well."
