Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward was one of the best rookies in the NFL last season after being drafted fourth. Many questioned general manager John Dorsey's decision to draft the undersized corner rather than pair edge rusher Bradley Chubb with Myles Garrett, but Ward proved to be the correct pick after a Pro Bowl year. A cornerstone for the upstart Browns, Ward can still improve in many ways. Here are three things for him to focus on in the offseason.

1. Tighter coverage downfield

Ward was elite when covering short routes.

That makes sense, given his excellent speed and quickness. Where Ward tended to struggle at times was farther down the field. The Browns played Ward in zone more than they probably should have, but that's not an excuse. It's hard to blame Ward for giving up space to players such as Antonio Brown, but he needs to improve at staying close to his man past the first-down marker. Maybe this involves Ward taking more risks and jumping more routes; even if he's wrong, he has the speed to recover.

Ward did give up a touchdown to Brown in their first matchup last season when the Browns played the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his coverage was as good as it could be, with the exception of getting his head turned around to the ball. Ward struggled more in the second game, giving up a long score to Brown after a Ben Roethlisberger scramble. Better medium and deep coverage will come in time as Ward learns the nuances of receivers' routes and giveaways.

2. Improved tackling

Denzel Ward stands at 5-11 and 190 pounds, but he plays like he's 6-3 and 240. He loves contact and he loves to lay the hammer on receivers. Sometimes this can be a good thing, but he is still 5-11, 190. He suffered three separate injuries during his rookie year: back spasms due to poor tackling technique in the preseason, and two concussions within the same month, the second occurring after he tried to shoulder-check a tight end.

Ward rarely breaks down and wraps up a runner; he usually dives at his legs or goes for the hit-stick at full speed. It's terrible form, but there are very few examples of Ward grabbing air. He is more than quick enough to get in position before a ball-carrier is able to employ a move, so hopefully in 2019 he will be less anxious to make a flashy hit.

Denzel Ward must learn how to wrap up and keep his head out of tackles; if he doesn't, he will have a very short NFL career.

3. Stay healthy

This goes along with the previous point, but its importance cannot be understated. The best ability is availability, and while Ward is an excellent player, he missed three games due to injury. Each time a player suffers a concussion, he increases his risk of suffering another and more serious concussion. This risk is only increased when concussions happen within a month of each other. It is very concerning, and Ward needs to change his play style to protect himself. If it comes at the cost of a reduced presence in run support, so be it. Cleveland can cover for whatever Ward doesn't provide against the run; his coverage ability cannot be replaced. The Browns should bring in a rugby-tackling instructor to teach the team better technique; Ward isn't the only defender with flawed form.

Denzel Ward has the ability to be a perennial Pro Bowl cornerback. The only thing that will stop him is his health. Ward needs to protect himself and make sure he is able to help Cleveland contend for its first playoff berth in 17 years.