Refreshed just now
rank#23$3.9M
Backtest: model vs. reality
The model graded Denzel Ward at pick #23; he was actually picked #4 by CLE. 8 NFL seasons in, he's carved out a genuine role (grading 8.1 of 20 per season), and the market has paid him — a second deal at $20.1M a year. The 4-tier model sees a strong shot at elite: 71% probability of Pro-Bowl-level career. His NFL play has graded as a solid starter (12% recent-3, 42% peak across 7 seasons). Model predicted $28M/yr; actual $20M (over by $8M).
Overview
Headline grade, verdict, and the one-line scout take
Draftanomics Rank
High conviction#23CB·Ohio St.
The league moved faster than our board — CLE took him at No. 4, 19 picks ahead of our No. 23 grade. His career is settling that argument now.
Draftanomics's take
Draftanomics had Denzel Ward at #23 on draft night — a 1st round grade — and CLE took him at No. 4. The model's case leans on scout consensus and broad top-100 board coverage. Bust risk projects at 10%, below the position median — the model has a tight grade. The room had him #8 pre-draft; our board sat 15 spots lower.
Written from the live model's numbers — projected to round 1, and it updates whenever the model does. See methodology for what drives the take.
Scouting report
The written report — drafted from the fact sheet, every number traceable, honest about what we can't see yet
Why this grade
Which signals drove the grade up or down — in plain English
Consensus
The analyst room, accuracy-weighted, plus where Draftanomics disagrees with it
Production7
Measurables, traits, and college play quality
Risk
Bust probability, injury history, character flags, pre-mortem
Team fit
How well this prospect fits each of the 32 team schemes
Will he be there?
Probability he's still on the board at each of your picks
Comps
Historical players this prospect resembles
Film & notes
Clips, scout notes, voice memos, written reports