The Cleveland Browns managed to cash in on their two top-five picks in the 2018 NFL Draft with the selection of quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward. It goes without saying that the Browns do not expect Mayfield to start for them right away with quarterback Tyrod Taylor in the mix.

However, the same cannot be said for Ward. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland will treat Ward as the starter for the 2018 NFL season:

I do. The Browns drafted him No. 4 to be their shutdown corner against the best receivers in the NFL such as Antonio Brown, AJ Green and DeAndre Hopkins. I think they’ll start him in the opener against Pittsburgh and let him learn on the job.

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Cleveland's selections in the draft took many by surprise. Although there had been speculation about their interest in Mayfield throughout the draft process, many did not fall into the hype until Cleveland ultimately pulled the trigger on taking him.

They followed it up with another surprising pick in Ward. Many assumed they would have taken defensive end Bradley Chubb since he was rated as the best defensive prospect in his class. However, it appears the Browns felt that their biggest need was in the secondary. That said, it appears Cleveland is hoping to see some immediate return on their investment.

Ward certainly possesses the skill set of a shutdown corner with his solid size and 4.3 speed. However, he will have his work cut out for him to start the season with matchups versus the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. It seems Cleveland will be taking a sink-or-swim approach with their coveted rookie.