Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback Charvarius Ward was mentioned among the NFL’s top cornerbacks in the latest 2025 rankings from ESPN.
With insights from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has been compiling his ranking of the top 10 players at each position group.
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Along with the top 10 list, Fowler has also highlighted honorable mentions and those who received votes. Ward was in the receiving votes category, with 12 other cornerbacks.
Ward signed a three-year, $54 million deal to join the Colts this offseason. He is just one year removed from an All-Pro season in 2023, where Ward was absolutely dominant.
During that 2023 season, Ward surrendered a completion rate of just 54% while tallying five interceptions and a whopping 17 pass breakups, which was the most in the NFL. Quarterbacks also had a passer rating of just 63.7 when targeting Ward, according to PFF.
Beyond the production, Ward is also a very good fit for Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme. He can defend a variety of different wide receiver skill sets and is comfortable being on an island, something we will see a lot more of under Anarumo.
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We’ve even heard Anarumo discuss the idea of Ward following the opponent’s top wideout if that’s what the game plan calls for.
“He’s been a really good player,” said Anarumo of Ward. “A really consistent corner in our league for a long time. He can matchup on the best receivers, he’s got length, he guards bigger guys but he’s quick enough to handle short, faster guys, and he’s a good tackler. He’s a full package, for sure.”
Also not to be overlooked, but with Ward having played in two Super Bowls, which includes winning one of them, he brings high-level winning experience to the Colts defense, an element there isn’t much of with the team having missed the playoffs the last four seasons.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ CB Charvarius Ward mentioned in rankings by NFL execs, coaches