Cleveland’s Denzel Ward and Philadelphia’s DeVonta Smith spent a lively stretch of joint practice trading notes on ball skills, releases, and how to read a pressed defender. Ward was candid about sharing reads and technique with Smith, framing a rare mentorship moment on the field. Smith, stepping into Eagles reps with A.J. Brown sidelined, looked like the team’s top real receiving threat in camp, while Hurts spread targets to Goedert and Dotson on several plays. The vibe: two elite playmakers learning from each other with competition heating up in practice.

Smith’s connection with Hurts didn’t get a long target downfield in seven-on-seven, but the interaction with Ward underscored the strategic chess between corners and receivers. Ward’s openness to share knowledge and Smith’s willingness to absorb could lift Smith’s ceiling as an early-season fantasy asset, especially with Brown’s hamstring absence. The session also highlighted the Eagles’ depth at receiver and the Browns’ willingness to learn from top pros, a dynamic that could influence how defenses game-plan these offenses in August and beyond.

Bottom line for fantasy: Smith’s value could rise if Brown remains limited, with Dotson and Goedert providing complementary upside. Ward’s mentorship hints at Smith’s ability to win in tight coverage, potentially elevating his weekly floor. In the broader context, these joint practices are a microcosm of how elite players push one another—and how fantasy managers should monitor camp chatter for subtle shifts in targets and timing before the preseason glow fades.

The Browns head into joint practice with a high-profile, two-day session against the Eagles. Fifteen Browns players are spotlighted for a show-me environment that could sharpen fantasy value across the offense and defense. Shedeur Sanders leads the way as a rookie quarterback in a contract-year orbit, while Joe Flacco provides veteran stability. Jerry Jeudy offers surgical route-running against Philadelphia’s secondary. David Njoku aims to capitalize on a contract year, with Jerome Ford expected to lead the backfield and Joel Bitonio stabilizing the interior. The defense centers on Myles Garrett’s pass rush, with a young group around him including Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, and Cameron Mitchell. Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense looms, but the Browns’ depth could create multiple fantasy leverage points over the two days.

Expect Sanders to test the Eagles’ coverage, and watch how Njoku and Ford convert opportunities into dependable fantasy outputs as the Browns push for a decisive two-day showing. Bitonio’s return anchors the line, while Davis and Johnson provide potential sleeper targets if the offense leans into quick-game concepts. Garrett’s play will be a barometer for how quickly Cleveland can transition pressure into splash plays. In sum, the practices should yield clear signals on where fantasy value could swing in Cleveland’s offense and defense, especially for those holding Browns exposure heading into the season.

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers with significant roster changes. Most of their starters, apart from rookies, will be resting, allowing opportunities for younger players to shine. Fifth-round pick, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, is set to lead the offense, gaining valuable experience with the supporting cast he has developed chemistry with during training camp.

Among those not suiting up are notable names such as QB Deshaun Watson, WR Jerry Jeudy, and CB Denzel Ward, suggesting a focus on health and development over immediate performance. The Browns' decision to rest key players indicates their confidence in their depth and the potential of their rookies to step into larger roles this season.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward is entering his eighth NFL season with high acclaim, currently rated as the third-best cornerback in the league according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. This ranking stems from polling coaches, executives, and scouts, highlighting Ward's elite status. He only trails behind Patrick Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Ward's achievements and consistent performance reflect his significant impact on the field, reinforcing his importance to the Browns' defense.

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with a cap space of just over $17.5 million, following the release of high-salaried players like Dalvin Tomlinson and Juan Thornhill. Their offseason activities were characterized by prudent spending, with the notable acquisition of defensive tackle Maliek Collins. However, the highlight remains Myles Garrett's enormous contract, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player at $40 million annually.

Despite these changes, quarterback Deshaun Watson remains the Browns' top earner, with a staggering salary of $35.972 million. Following him are cornerback Denzel Ward at $24.561 million, and Garrett at $21.922 million. This financial landscape poses intriguing questions about the team's roster management and future salary cap implications.