No. 4 – T.J. Ward
Draft: 2010 (38th overall, Cleveland Browns)
Broncos career: 2014-Present (25 games)
Pro Bowls: Two (2013, ’14)
Super Bowl: 50
“Boss” Ward has only spent a couple of seasons with Denver, but the effect he has had on the defense is undeniable. Before he came to Denver, he became the first Cleveland Brown in 18 years to start all 16 games as a rookie. He led all rookies that year with 105 tackles.
His explosive nature has earned him a few fines over the years, but that is what makes him a great motivator for his teammates. With Ward, the Broncos had the number one defense in the league in 2015. The core group consisting of Ward, Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr. Aqib Talib and Derek Wolfe carried an aging Peyton Manning to a Super Bowl 50 victory – where Ward intercepted his first pass of the season.
Ward complied 60 tackles in 2014 and 50 in 2015 during the regular season, and another nine during the Super Bowl 50 run. He credits his production to defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ transition to the 3-4 scheme.
“I love it. He uses me the way I should be used,” Ward said. “Moving me around, playing strong and free, in the box, blitzing, playing me everywhere, the offense not knowing where I am going to be.”
