Browns star once again recognized by NFL executives and coaches

ESPN's series highlighting the best players at every position has continued. Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins was named as an honorable mention as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continues polling coaches, executives, and scouts around the NFL, but now one star player has received a favorable ranking.

Cornerback Denzel Ward has been ranked as the seventh-best cornerback in the NFL among those around the NFL. He came in as the third-ranked cornerback a year ago, so while he did receive praise, his standing around the league has seemed to drop just a bit.

Cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II, Derek Stingley Jr., Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon, Trent McDuffie, and Quinyon Mitchell were all slated above Ward in these rankings.

What they had to say about the Browns Pro Bowl cornerback

Included with these pollings are quotes from those around the league. Here is what an anonymous personnel coordinator had to say about the Pro Bowl cornerback:

"If Ward played in Kansas City or New England, he'd be the talk of the NFL... He doesn't get the credit he should. Twitch or closing speed, there's no one better. He closes faster than anyone I've ever seen. In coverage, that is a special trait."

The Browns will need Ward to continue to play at a high level after the departure of defensive end Myles Garrett. He is now the longest-tenured player on the Browns' roster and must step into that leadership role. Can new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg continue to get the most out of him?

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns star once again recognized by NFL executives and coaches