AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals
It comes as no surprise that the Cleveland Browns have the largest rookie pool. With 11 draft picks, including two first-rounders, the Browns were allowed to spend $9.7 million to sign their selections.
The league determines the numbers for the rookie pool by how many picks a team has and where those picks were located in each round.
The rest of the AFC North is in the middle of the NFL in terms of the rookie pool: Cincinnati Bengals ($6.8 million), Pittsburgh Steelers ($5.1 million) and Baltimore Ravens ($4.3 million).
The Ravens were the first team in the NFL to sign all of their draft picks. There's only two unsigned picks for the Steelers (guard David DeCastro and linebacker Sean Spence) and the Browns (running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden).
The Bengals still need to sign six of their draft picks: cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, guard Kevin Zeitler, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, tight end Orson Charles and running back Dan Herron.
The league determines the numbers for the rookie pool by how many picks a team has and where those picks were located in each round.
The rest of the AFC North is in the middle of the NFL in terms of the rookie pool: Cincinnati Bengals ($6.8 million), Pittsburgh Steelers ($5.1 million) and Baltimore Ravens ($4.3 million).
The Ravens were the first team in the NFL to sign all of their draft picks. There's only two unsigned picks for the Steelers (guard David DeCastro and linebacker Sean Spence) and the Browns (running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden).
The Bengals still need to sign six of their draft picks: cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, guard Kevin Zeitler, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, tight end Orson Charles and running back Dan Herron.
Just a reminder that the AFC North blog is going to huddle for our weekly chat Wednesday. It's going to kick off at 2 p.m. ET, so clear your meeting schedule or take a late lunch to join us. As always, it's never too early to post your questions. So put in your best query or two about the Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers.
Remember, you can follow me on Twitter at @afc_north and @jamisonhensley and on Facebook.
» NFC pressure points: West | North | South (5/17) | East (5/18)
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South (5/17) | East (5/18)
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Cincinnati Bengals and why.
It would be easy to say Marvin Lewis faces a pivotal season because the Bengals coach is in the final year of a two-year extension. But, by all accounts, owner Mike Brown has approached Lewis a handful of times about a new deal, and it's Lewis who hasn't found time for a sitdown.
While it looks like there is no fear with job security, there is still a great amount of pressure on Lewis to take the Bengals to the next level. In his nine years as Bengals coach, Lewis has yet to win a playoff game or guide the team to consecutive winning seasons. If the Bengals want to elevate themselves to the ranks of the Steelers and the Ravens, Lewis has to get the Bengals to make noise in the postseason. During Lewis' tenure in Cincinnati, he has watched the Steelers win two Super Bowls and the Ravens reach the AFC Championship Game twice.
There's no question that Lewis is a good coach. He's done what others have failed to do in Cincinnati. Lewis has become the franchise's winningest coach, holding the team together through the death of a player (wide receiver Chris Henry), an extended holdout by his franchise quarterback (Carson Palmer) and numerous arrests. But Lewis' track record is his team wins when expectations are low but disappoints when the anticipation is high. And the buzz has never been higher in recent years than the 2012 season.
The Bengals surprisingly went to the playoffs last season and improved in most areas this offseason. Cincinnati upgraded at running back (BenJarvus Green-Ellis), guard (Travelle Wharton and Kevin Zeitler) and cornerback (Dre Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman and Jason Allen). The Bengals' top two offensive players from a year ago, quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green, are having their first full offseason with the team after last year's lockout.
What hangs over the franchise is the NFL's longest playoff win drought (21 seasons). It's up to Lewis to get this team to end that.
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South (5/17) | East (5/18)
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Cincinnati Bengals and why.
It would be easy to say Marvin Lewis faces a pivotal season because the Bengals coach is in the final year of a two-year extension. But, by all accounts, owner Mike Brown has approached Lewis a handful of times about a new deal, and it's Lewis who hasn't found time for a sitdown.
While it looks like there is no fear with job security, there is still a great amount of pressure on Lewis to take the Bengals to the next level. In his nine years as Bengals coach, Lewis has yet to win a playoff game or guide the team to consecutive winning seasons. If the Bengals want to elevate themselves to the ranks of the Steelers and the Ravens, Lewis has to get the Bengals to make noise in the postseason. During Lewis' tenure in Cincinnati, he has watched the Steelers win two Super Bowls and the Ravens reach the AFC Championship Game twice.
There's no question that Lewis is a good coach. He's done what others have failed to do in Cincinnati. Lewis has become the franchise's winningest coach, holding the team together through the death of a player (wide receiver Chris Henry), an extended holdout by his franchise quarterback (Carson Palmer) and numerous arrests. But Lewis' track record is his team wins when expectations are low but disappoints when the anticipation is high. And the buzz has never been higher in recent years than the 2012 season.
The Bengals surprisingly went to the playoffs last season and improved in most areas this offseason. Cincinnati upgraded at running back (BenJarvus Green-Ellis), guard (Travelle Wharton and Kevin Zeitler) and cornerback (Dre Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman and Jason Allen). The Bengals' top two offensive players from a year ago, quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green, are having their first full offseason with the team after last year's lockout.
What hangs over the franchise is the NFL's longest playoff win drought (21 seasons). It's up to Lewis to get this team to end that.
Wake-up: Newsome not considered 'traitor'
May, 16, 2012
May 16
8:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Browns fans who attended Ozzie Newsome's speaking engagement in Cleveland on Monday don't consider the current Ravens general manager/former Browns tight end "a traitor," according to those interviewed by the Akron Beacon Journal.
Newsome enjoyed 13 seasons and a Hall of Fame career with the Browns. He didn't play for another team, but he left with owner Art Modell when the Browns relocated to Baltimore in 1996.
Newsome, who became the NFL's first African-American general manager, said he isn’t sure he would have received the same opportunity if he had remained in Cleveland when the Browns returned in 1999.
“I don’t know if that would have happened because a whole new administration came in with Carmen [Policy] and Dwight [Clark], a San Francisco crew,” Newsome told fans, according to the Beacon Journal. “I don’t know if I would have had a chance to be part of that. A lot of you would have wanted that to happen, but when Carmen came in, he had the keys to the car and he wanted to build the front office the way he wanted.”
Hensley's slant: Newsome is right. He probably wouldn't have ascended to the general manager's role as quickly if he chose to stay in Cleveland. But just think of how the fortunes of the two franchises would have changed if Newsome didn't leave with the Ravens and eventually worked his way up to being the Browns' top decision-maker. Baltimore probably wouldn't have won a Super Bowl in 2000, and Cleveland likely wouldn't be a perennial last-place team.
BENGALS: Jacob Bell acknowledged that his contract influenced his retirement, along with the risks of playing the sport. Bell, 31, who was a Bengals guard for a little over a month before announcing his retirement last week, signed with Cincinnati this offseason for $890,000 after being released by the Rams. Sports Illustrated's Peter King asked Bell if he would have retired under his previous $6 million contract with the Rams. "That's a very good question,'' he said. "And therein lies the problem. How can you say when you're being offered so much money, the kind of money that can secure your future, to play football? So of course it played a role." Hensley's slant: A majority of hardcore football fans didn't even know Bell was in the league despite making 100 starts. Now, his name will be remembered as the player who decided to quit the game because of health concerns. But, as Bell acknowledged, you should also remember that it would have been difficult for him to walk away from a $6 million paycheck no matter what the risks.
RAVENS: Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata told the team's official website that he stayed away from the game and workouts for a month after the Ravens' AFC championship loss at New England. “This year was probably the hardest, the worst I’ve felt at the end of the season,” Ngata said. “We went further and I think I played more snaps this year than other years. This past season took a lot out of me. And that loss just kind of sucked, so it took a little bit more.” Hensley's slant: The strange part of the article is that the team's website referred to Ngata undergoing a "procedure" after the season, but there are no details given to what was repaired or whether it will sideline him for offseason workouts. Ngata previously said he played with a thigh injury for the majority of the 2011 season and didn't play in the Pro Bowl because of the injury. He has been one of the most durable defensive tackles in the NFL, missing two games in six seasons.
STEELERS: No new news is still not good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter said on Tuesday's "NFL Live" that "it may be awhile" before wide receiver Mike Wallace reports to Steelers headquarters, which essentially was Wallace's stance last month. Wallace has yet to sign his $2.7 million restricted free-agent tender. The Steelers could reduce that tender to $577,000 if he doesn't sign it by June 15. Hensley's slant: It would be a surprise to see Wallace show up for the offseason workouts. It would also be a surprise to see the Steelers reduce his tender. Pittsburgh would like to see its top receiver learning Todd Haley's new offensive scheme, but the Steelers also don't want to create a rift with a player they want to sign long-term. Wallace will probably report to the Steelers for the start of training camp.
Browns fans who attended Ozzie Newsome's speaking engagement in Cleveland on Monday don't consider the current Ravens general manager/former Browns tight end "a traitor," according to those interviewed by the Akron Beacon Journal.
Newsome enjoyed 13 seasons and a Hall of Fame career with the Browns. He didn't play for another team, but he left with owner Art Modell when the Browns relocated to Baltimore in 1996.
Newsome, who became the NFL's first African-American general manager, said he isn’t sure he would have received the same opportunity if he had remained in Cleveland when the Browns returned in 1999.
“I don’t know if that would have happened because a whole new administration came in with Carmen [Policy] and Dwight [Clark], a San Francisco crew,” Newsome told fans, according to the Beacon Journal. “I don’t know if I would have had a chance to be part of that. A lot of you would have wanted that to happen, but when Carmen came in, he had the keys to the car and he wanted to build the front office the way he wanted.”
Hensley's slant: Newsome is right. He probably wouldn't have ascended to the general manager's role as quickly if he chose to stay in Cleveland. But just think of how the fortunes of the two franchises would have changed if Newsome didn't leave with the Ravens and eventually worked his way up to being the Browns' top decision-maker. Baltimore probably wouldn't have won a Super Bowl in 2000, and Cleveland likely wouldn't be a perennial last-place team.
BENGALS: Jacob Bell acknowledged that his contract influenced his retirement, along with the risks of playing the sport. Bell, 31, who was a Bengals guard for a little over a month before announcing his retirement last week, signed with Cincinnati this offseason for $890,000 after being released by the Rams. Sports Illustrated's Peter King asked Bell if he would have retired under his previous $6 million contract with the Rams. "That's a very good question,'' he said. "And therein lies the problem. How can you say when you're being offered so much money, the kind of money that can secure your future, to play football? So of course it played a role." Hensley's slant: A majority of hardcore football fans didn't even know Bell was in the league despite making 100 starts. Now, his name will be remembered as the player who decided to quit the game because of health concerns. But, as Bell acknowledged, you should also remember that it would have been difficult for him to walk away from a $6 million paycheck no matter what the risks.
RAVENS: Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata told the team's official website that he stayed away from the game and workouts for a month after the Ravens' AFC championship loss at New England. “This year was probably the hardest, the worst I’ve felt at the end of the season,” Ngata said. “We went further and I think I played more snaps this year than other years. This past season took a lot out of me. And that loss just kind of sucked, so it took a little bit more.” Hensley's slant: The strange part of the article is that the team's website referred to Ngata undergoing a "procedure" after the season, but there are no details given to what was repaired or whether it will sideline him for offseason workouts. Ngata previously said he played with a thigh injury for the majority of the 2011 season and didn't play in the Pro Bowl because of the injury. He has been one of the most durable defensive tackles in the NFL, missing two games in six seasons.
STEELERS: No new news is still not good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter said on Tuesday's "NFL Live" that "it may be awhile" before wide receiver Mike Wallace reports to Steelers headquarters, which essentially was Wallace's stance last month. Wallace has yet to sign his $2.7 million restricted free-agent tender. The Steelers could reduce that tender to $577,000 if he doesn't sign it by June 15. Hensley's slant: It would be a surprise to see Wallace show up for the offseason workouts. It would also be a surprise to see the Steelers reduce his tender. Pittsburgh would like to see its top receiver learning Todd Haley's new offensive scheme, but the Steelers also don't want to create a rift with a player they want to sign long-term. Wallace will probably report to the Steelers for the start of training camp.
There's a feeling the AFC North doesn't get the respect it deserves, and I am among those who believe that at times. Well, not this time. Someone from the Big D is putting the division on the Cowboys' radar for this season.
ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins put together a list of five troublemakers for Dallas this season while excluding the obvious stars like Ben Roethlisberger and Ray Lewis. Of those five players to watch, two come from the AFC North: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw. As a matter of full disclosure, I worked with Watkins at the Baltimore Sun, so he has a familiarity with the division.
Here's what Watkins had to say about Dalton, who was the best rookie quarterback in the AFC in 2011 and would've been the top one in the NFL if not for that quarterback named Cam. A second-round pick in 2011, Dalton became the only rookie in NFL history to throw for 20 or more touchdowns passes while winning eight or more games as a starting quarterback.
The other player who could cause some problems for the Cowboys is Upshaw. A second-round pick this year, Upshaw is expected to replace Jarret Johnson and is is eager to prove himself after watching four Alabama teammates get selected in the first round. He has a high motor and should make an impact as a pass rusher (15.5 sacks the past two seasons in college). This is Watkins' take on Upshaw:
The AFC North has had moderate success against the Cowboys. Since becoming the AFC North in 2002, the division has gone 5-3 against Dallas (including a combined 4-0 by the Steelers and Ravens).
ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins put together a list of five troublemakers for Dallas this season while excluding the obvious stars like Ben Roethlisberger and Ray Lewis. Of those five players to watch, two come from the AFC North: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw. As a matter of full disclosure, I worked with Watkins at the Baltimore Sun, so he has a familiarity with the division.
Here's what Watkins had to say about Dalton, who was the best rookie quarterback in the AFC in 2011 and would've been the top one in the NFL if not for that quarterback named Cam. A second-round pick in 2011, Dalton became the only rookie in NFL history to throw for 20 or more touchdowns passes while winning eight or more games as a starting quarterback.
The former TCU standout proved last year he can play in this league. When the Cowboys visit Cincinnati on Dec. 9, they will take on the second-year quarterback who compiled a 78.1 quarterback rating but threw eight touchdowns and six interceptions in home games in 2011. NFL teams aren't waiting on quarterbacks to develop, they're playing them now and getting results. Dalton is another example of this.
The other player who could cause some problems for the Cowboys is Upshaw. A second-round pick this year, Upshaw is expected to replace Jarret Johnson and is is eager to prove himself after watching four Alabama teammates get selected in the first round. He has a high motor and should make an impact as a pass rusher (15.5 sacks the past two seasons in college). This is Watkins' take on Upshaw:
Terrell Suggs' Achilles injury might keep him out for the Oct. 14 matchup between Baltimore and Dallas. If he's not available -- and it appears he won't be -- the rookie from Alabama will show the Cowboys what he can do. Jason Garrett saw him at Alabama's Pro Day. There's a thought that Upshaw is no different than Anthony Spencer in terms of skill set from the outside linebacker position. Early in the draft process, the Cowboys were linked to Upshaw as a mid-first round pick. But Upshaw dropped to the second round. We'll see what he can do against Dallas.
The AFC North has had moderate success against the Cowboys. Since becoming the AFC North in 2002, the division has gone 5-3 against Dallas (including a combined 4-0 by the Steelers and Ravens).
Quarterback Carson Palmer said both sides won when the Cincinnati Bengals traded him to the Oakland Raiders last season.
PalmerNot sure whether we should file this under "What did you really expect him to say" or "Players are sometimes delusional about their own situation." Palmer made this comment when asked if he needed to patch things up with his former team.
"It was time to move on and it was time for them to move on," Palmer said Monday on the Dan Patrick Show, "and they're in a better place and I'm definitely in a better place."
Palmer added, "I think in the years to come both organizations will look back and say this thing was the best thing to happen."
It's fair to say that Palmer's time with the Bengals had run its course. But it's inaccurate to say both organizations are happy with the results, at least based on last season.
The Bengals went to the playoffs with new quarterback Andy Dalton and received two additional draft picks (including cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round this year) in the deal with Oakland. Palmer ended up going 4-5 as the Raiders' starter and lost the head coach (Hue Jackson) who spearheaded the move to get him to Oakland. The Bengals even ended up with Jackson as an assistant. Not sure how Palmer is counting, but this was a win-win-win for Cincinnati.
For Palmer to justify Oakland giving up a first-round pick in 2012 and a second-rounder in 2013, he has to do more than lead the Raiders to the playoffs. He has to win postseason games and a good number of them. Some might say Palmer would have to guide Oakland to the Super Bowl to validate what the Raiders gave up for him.
"It was time to move on and it was time for them to move on," Palmer said Monday on the Dan Patrick Show, "and they're in a better place and I'm definitely in a better place."
Palmer added, "I think in the years to come both organizations will look back and say this thing was the best thing to happen."
It's fair to say that Palmer's time with the Bengals had run its course. But it's inaccurate to say both organizations are happy with the results, at least based on last season.
The Bengals went to the playoffs with new quarterback Andy Dalton and received two additional draft picks (including cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round this year) in the deal with Oakland. Palmer ended up going 4-5 as the Raiders' starter and lost the head coach (Hue Jackson) who spearheaded the move to get him to Oakland. The Bengals even ended up with Jackson as an assistant. Not sure how Palmer is counting, but this was a win-win-win for Cincinnati.
For Palmer to justify Oakland giving up a first-round pick in 2012 and a second-rounder in 2013, he has to do more than lead the Raiders to the playoffs. He has to win postseason games and a good number of them. Some might say Palmer would have to guide Oakland to the Super Bowl to validate what the Raiders gave up for him.
Wake-up: Andre Smith eyes 'tip-top' shape
May, 15, 2012
May 15
8:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Offensive tackle Andre Smith continues to look in "terrific shape" as the Cincinnati Bengals began their fifth week of offseason conditioning, according to the team's official website.
Smith, who reported at 330 pounds, hopes to lose another five pounds.
"Last year I wasn't in as good [of] shape as I could have been, but it was the smallest I'd been in the NFL so I was able to maintain it playing the game," Smith said. "This year I want to be in tip-top shape. Put together strength and wind so I can breathe."
Hensley's slant: Smith, the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft, looked like a bust after starting five games in his first two seasons. But he was one of the most improved players in the AFC North last season. In 2011, Smith gave up two sacks and was called for one holding penalty.
BROWNS: Even though the Browns didn't practice with pads, quarterback Brandon Weeden called running back Trent Richardson "a freak" by the third day of rookie minicamp. "Just look at him," Weeden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Whatever he is, 5-[foot]-10, 225 pounds and he's 2 percent body fat. He's got a special ability when the ball's in his hands. You can tell when you hand it to him, he takes it from you. He runs hard, and I'm really anxious to see him when he puts the pads on." Hensley's slant: The most important part of camp for Richardson was that he was on the field. The third overall pick said he's 100 percent after undergoing a minor knee scope after the college season. He did practice with a rubber sleeve on his left knee, but it was considered precautionary.
RAVENS: Wide receiver Torrey Smith told the Carroll County (Md.) Times that he has fully recovered from surgery in February to repair a double sports hernia that he played through last season. He has been cleared for offseason workouts and the team's June minicamp. "Yeah, I'm good," Smith said . "I've been running routes. I'm good to go. I'll be doing everything. I played in my [charity] basketball game and had like five dunks." Hensley's slant: Smith had three catches of at least 29 yards in the month of December. That's impressive considering he did that while playing injured. Plus, the ability of Jacoby Jones (averaged 16.5 yards per catch last season) to stretch the field could free up Smith even more.
STEELERS: Rookie seventh-round pick Kelvin Beachum received his Master’s degree from SMU and delivered the commencement address for his class at SMU’s Simmons School of Education & Human Development on Saturday. The offensive lineman earned his Masters in Liberal Studies with a concentration on organizational behavior in only 16 months. “I don’t know the statistics on how many people go into the NFL with their Masters, but to be able to succeed on the football field and in the classroom go hand in hand for me,” Beachum told the team's official website. “You have to work hard on the football field and in the classroom just to be able to stay on the field.” Hensley's slant: While other teams in the division are making headlines with injuries, the Steelers continue to make news with their players earning degrees (quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attended his commencement earlier this month). Beachum's next goal is to make an improving Steelers offensive line. He could become the third rookie to earn a spot along with David DeCastro and Mike Adams, the team's top two picks of this year's draft.
Offensive tackle Andre Smith continues to look in "terrific shape" as the Cincinnati Bengals began their fifth week of offseason conditioning, according to the team's official website.
Smith, who reported at 330 pounds, hopes to lose another five pounds.
"Last year I wasn't in as good [of] shape as I could have been, but it was the smallest I'd been in the NFL so I was able to maintain it playing the game," Smith said. "This year I want to be in tip-top shape. Put together strength and wind so I can breathe."
Hensley's slant: Smith, the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft, looked like a bust after starting five games in his first two seasons. But he was one of the most improved players in the AFC North last season. In 2011, Smith gave up two sacks and was called for one holding penalty.
BROWNS: Even though the Browns didn't practice with pads, quarterback Brandon Weeden called running back Trent Richardson "a freak" by the third day of rookie minicamp. "Just look at him," Weeden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Whatever he is, 5-[foot]-10, 225 pounds and he's 2 percent body fat. He's got a special ability when the ball's in his hands. You can tell when you hand it to him, he takes it from you. He runs hard, and I'm really anxious to see him when he puts the pads on." Hensley's slant: The most important part of camp for Richardson was that he was on the field. The third overall pick said he's 100 percent after undergoing a minor knee scope after the college season. He did practice with a rubber sleeve on his left knee, but it was considered precautionary.
RAVENS: Wide receiver Torrey Smith told the Carroll County (Md.) Times that he has fully recovered from surgery in February to repair a double sports hernia that he played through last season. He has been cleared for offseason workouts and the team's June minicamp. "Yeah, I'm good," Smith said . "I've been running routes. I'm good to go. I'll be doing everything. I played in my [charity] basketball game and had like five dunks." Hensley's slant: Smith had three catches of at least 29 yards in the month of December. That's impressive considering he did that while playing injured. Plus, the ability of Jacoby Jones (averaged 16.5 yards per catch last season) to stretch the field could free up Smith even more.
STEELERS: Rookie seventh-round pick Kelvin Beachum received his Master’s degree from SMU and delivered the commencement address for his class at SMU’s Simmons School of Education & Human Development on Saturday. The offensive lineman earned his Masters in Liberal Studies with a concentration on organizational behavior in only 16 months. “I don’t know the statistics on how many people go into the NFL with their Masters, but to be able to succeed on the football field and in the classroom go hand in hand for me,” Beachum told the team's official website. “You have to work hard on the football field and in the classroom just to be able to stay on the field.” Hensley's slant: While other teams in the division are making headlines with injuries, the Steelers continue to make news with their players earning degrees (quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attended his commencement earlier this month). Beachum's next goal is to make an improving Steelers offensive line. He could become the third rookie to earn a spot along with David DeCastro and Mike Adams, the team's top two picks of this year's draft.
AFC North links: Weeden ready to compete
May, 14, 2012
May 14
9:45
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Baltimore Ravens
Sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter has been working out with linebacker Ray Lewis ever since he was drafted, writes Matt Vensel of the Baltimore Sun.
Vensel also reports that rookies Kelechi Osemele and Gino Gradkowski spent most of minicamp playing guard and will compete with Jah Reid.
Courtney Upshaw made good use of the three-day rookie minicamp, the Sun's Jeff Zrebiec writes.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer wraps up the Bengals' minicamp.
Cleveland Browns
The Akron Beacon's Nate Ulrich reports that Trent Richardson's goal is to become one of the greatest running backs of all time.
Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer says rookie Brandon Weeden is ready to compete against Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed struggled in a tryout with the Giants.
The recent success of the Steelers helped the AFC North finish second in the Sporting News' analysis of the strongest divisions over the past five seasons.
Sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter has been working out with linebacker Ray Lewis ever since he was drafted, writes Matt Vensel of the Baltimore Sun.
Vensel also reports that rookies Kelechi Osemele and Gino Gradkowski spent most of minicamp playing guard and will compete with Jah Reid.
Courtney Upshaw made good use of the three-day rookie minicamp, the Sun's Jeff Zrebiec writes.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer wraps up the Bengals' minicamp.
Cleveland Browns
The Akron Beacon's Nate Ulrich reports that Trent Richardson's goal is to become one of the greatest running backs of all time.
Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer says rookie Brandon Weeden is ready to compete against Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed struggled in a tryout with the Giants.
The recent success of the Steelers helped the AFC North finish second in the Sporting News' analysis of the strongest divisions over the past five seasons.
With the bulk of free agency over as well as the draft, I'm going to squeeze in an extra day for family time. I will be off Monday but will return Tuesday with some thoughts on rookie minicamps as well as any other issues facing each team.
The blog editors will take care of you today if any news breaks, and if you're lucky, another update on Terrell Suggs' injury. I'll check back with everyone on Tuesday. Play nice while I'm away.
The blog editors will take care of you today if any news breaks, and if you're lucky, another update on Terrell Suggs' injury. I'll check back with everyone on Tuesday. Play nice while I'm away.
Cole from Ontario, Canada, writes: I'm a huge Ravens fan and though I like Jacoby Jones as a player we all know that Cam Cameron's offense barely acknowledges the third wide receiver. With that being said, why would they pay a two-year, $7 million deal to a guy who is going to be a return specialist? I just don't understand the move.
Jamison Hensley: I didn’t know the Ravens’ fandom crossed the border. As for your question, I don’t think Cam Cameron has ignored a third wide receiver. I get the feeling that the Ravens want to become a more pass-oriented team as Joe Flacco progresses. The problem has been Baltimore catching veterans at the end of their careers -- T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Lee Evans -- who never lived up to expectations as the No. 3 receiver. You saw toward the end of last season that the Ravens put more of a focus on getting Evans the ball. Baltimore showed that it wanted to spread the ball around. And while Jones will never be a primary target, he has more years left than Houshmandzadeh and Evans. The reasons for the size of the contract are: Baltimore needed more experience at the receiver position and it had to pay that much so it wouldn’t lose Jones to the Panthers.
Zach from Ohio writes: Looking at all the players drafted by AFC North teams, what three offensive and defensive players do you think will have the best season and biggest impact on their team?
Hensley: For offense, Browns running back Trent Richardson is a no-brainer. He is my pick for offensive rookie of the year. The easy picks for the other two would be the two guards, the Steelers’ David DeCastro and the Bengals’ Kevin Zeitler. If you want to go beyond the first round, I would keep my eye on Steelers running back Chris Rainey and Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones.
On defense, Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw will have to step up in place of the injured Terrell Suggs. The same goes for Browns defensive tackle Billy Winn, who has a chance to fill in for the injured Phil Taylor. Those two likely will make the biggest impact on their teams. While many will point to Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, I can see defensive tackle Devon Still playing a big role in Cincinnati’s rotation up front.
Michael from Oldenburg, Indiana, writes: What do you think about the Bengals potentially adding Braylon Edwards to their suddenly crowded wide receiver position?
Hensley: I'm not saying it would be a move that would definitely work out, but it's a move Cincinnati should explore. Unlike a lot of teams, the Bengals have the cap room to take a chance on Edwards. Cincinnati needs a No. 2 wide receiver and a target with experience. As I pointed out in a "Wake-up Call" this week, no wide receiver on the Bengals has more than 65 career receptions. Edwards has 341 catches (but just 15 last season) and has averaged 15.6 yards per reception for his seven-year career. One question is whether he would ready for the season. He is still rehabbing a knee injury and expects to participate in training camp.
Frank from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., writes: As a regular follower, I was a little nervous about the changing of the guard at first, but you have done a fine job since taking over our division's blog. Keep it up. My question revolves around the best rivalry in football, the Steelers and Ravens. As a Steelers fan, last year’s rivalry games were miserable for us: A Week 1 blowout making me want to cry, and a Week 9 loss that the Ravens stole from us with eight seconds to go. With the additions to the offensive line for the Steelers, and not any "significant" additions to the Ravens, do you see the sweep going the other way, in favor of the Steelers, this year? Also, since the two games are played in a span of 15 days, do you think momentum will be a force here? If Suggs is back in time, will he be the difference maker?
Hensley: To start off, I think it’s absolutely crazy that the NFL schedule makers put the Steelers-Ravens games so close together. There should be a rule where they play one game early and one game in December. That will allow the teams to gauge where they stand in the first half of the season and to fight for a playoff spot (or division title) at the end of the season. As far as predictions go, I usually say it will be a split. It’s tough for these teams to sweep one another. The health of Suggs is a major factor. He plays some of his best games against Pittsburgh. Suggs also has the distinction of sacking Ben Roethlisberger more times than anyone else.
Kenneth from West Salem, Ohio, writes: Just had a question involving the statement of Colt McCoy being able to compete for his starting role. If Brandon Weeden struggles early does it open the door for a quarterback controversy? My thoughts are a resounding yes. The Browns should have just released him. We gave a third rounder [for McCoy], but gave a first for Weeden. The fans would not be chanting Seneca nearly as quickly.
Hensley: If Weeden gets the starting job -- and I believe everyone can agree this is going to happen -- it would take a major rut for the Browns to turn back to McCoy. Browns fans can chant for McCoy all they want, but the team knows the importance of Weeden playing this season. Weeden would have to throw a lot of interceptions, lose composure and look lost in the offense for the Browns to pull him.
Head coach Pat Shurmur would have to be convinced that Weeden’s confidence would be damaged if the Browns left him in there. Just remember that Cleveland averaged 13 points per game with McCoy as the starter last year and the Browns didn’t bench him. And, just like last year, Cleveland has to figure out if Weeden is the franchise quarterback. I don’t see the Browns sitting down Weeden unless there is an injury.
Jamison Hensley: I didn’t know the Ravens’ fandom crossed the border. As for your question, I don’t think Cam Cameron has ignored a third wide receiver. I get the feeling that the Ravens want to become a more pass-oriented team as Joe Flacco progresses. The problem has been Baltimore catching veterans at the end of their careers -- T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Lee Evans -- who never lived up to expectations as the No. 3 receiver. You saw toward the end of last season that the Ravens put more of a focus on getting Evans the ball. Baltimore showed that it wanted to spread the ball around. And while Jones will never be a primary target, he has more years left than Houshmandzadeh and Evans. The reasons for the size of the contract are: Baltimore needed more experience at the receiver position and it had to pay that much so it wouldn’t lose Jones to the Panthers.
Zach from Ohio writes: Looking at all the players drafted by AFC North teams, what three offensive and defensive players do you think will have the best season and biggest impact on their team?
Hensley: For offense, Browns running back Trent Richardson is a no-brainer. He is my pick for offensive rookie of the year. The easy picks for the other two would be the two guards, the Steelers’ David DeCastro and the Bengals’ Kevin Zeitler. If you want to go beyond the first round, I would keep my eye on Steelers running back Chris Rainey and Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones.
On defense, Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw will have to step up in place of the injured Terrell Suggs. The same goes for Browns defensive tackle Billy Winn, who has a chance to fill in for the injured Phil Taylor. Those two likely will make the biggest impact on their teams. While many will point to Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, I can see defensive tackle Devon Still playing a big role in Cincinnati’s rotation up front.
Michael from Oldenburg, Indiana, writes: What do you think about the Bengals potentially adding Braylon Edwards to their suddenly crowded wide receiver position?
Hensley: I'm not saying it would be a move that would definitely work out, but it's a move Cincinnati should explore. Unlike a lot of teams, the Bengals have the cap room to take a chance on Edwards. Cincinnati needs a No. 2 wide receiver and a target with experience. As I pointed out in a "Wake-up Call" this week, no wide receiver on the Bengals has more than 65 career receptions. Edwards has 341 catches (but just 15 last season) and has averaged 15.6 yards per reception for his seven-year career. One question is whether he would ready for the season. He is still rehabbing a knee injury and expects to participate in training camp.
Frank from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., writes: As a regular follower, I was a little nervous about the changing of the guard at first, but you have done a fine job since taking over our division's blog. Keep it up. My question revolves around the best rivalry in football, the Steelers and Ravens. As a Steelers fan, last year’s rivalry games were miserable for us: A Week 1 blowout making me want to cry, and a Week 9 loss that the Ravens stole from us with eight seconds to go. With the additions to the offensive line for the Steelers, and not any "significant" additions to the Ravens, do you see the sweep going the other way, in favor of the Steelers, this year? Also, since the two games are played in a span of 15 days, do you think momentum will be a force here? If Suggs is back in time, will he be the difference maker?
Hensley: To start off, I think it’s absolutely crazy that the NFL schedule makers put the Steelers-Ravens games so close together. There should be a rule where they play one game early and one game in December. That will allow the teams to gauge where they stand in the first half of the season and to fight for a playoff spot (or division title) at the end of the season. As far as predictions go, I usually say it will be a split. It’s tough for these teams to sweep one another. The health of Suggs is a major factor. He plays some of his best games against Pittsburgh. Suggs also has the distinction of sacking Ben Roethlisberger more times than anyone else.
Kenneth from West Salem, Ohio, writes: Just had a question involving the statement of Colt McCoy being able to compete for his starting role. If Brandon Weeden struggles early does it open the door for a quarterback controversy? My thoughts are a resounding yes. The Browns should have just released him. We gave a third rounder [for McCoy], but gave a first for Weeden. The fans would not be chanting Seneca nearly as quickly.
Hensley: If Weeden gets the starting job -- and I believe everyone can agree this is going to happen -- it would take a major rut for the Browns to turn back to McCoy. Browns fans can chant for McCoy all they want, but the team knows the importance of Weeden playing this season. Weeden would have to throw a lot of interceptions, lose composure and look lost in the offense for the Browns to pull him.
Head coach Pat Shurmur would have to be convinced that Weeden’s confidence would be damaged if the Browns left him in there. Just remember that Cleveland averaged 13 points per game with McCoy as the starter last year and the Browns didn’t bench him. And, just like last year, Cleveland has to figure out if Weeden is the franchise quarterback. I don’t see the Browns sitting down Weeden unless there is an injury.
AFC North chat rewind: Stop the T.O. talk
May, 12, 2012
May 12
2:00
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Here are some highlights -- because there are never any lowlights -- for this week's AFC North chat. If you want more, click here for a full transcript.
Kris (Missouri): How devastating is the loss of Terrell Suggs? Ray [Lewis] and Ed Reed only have how many more shots at a title.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): When Suggs got hurt, most talked about how the Ravens would miss him in the pass rush. But Suggs was a really good run defender as well. I think people are underestimating his absence when it comes to stopping running backs.
Brian (Philadelphia): Assuming the Bengals follow up last season with a successful 2012 season, who do you think would be more likely to leave for a head coaching position: defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer or offensive coordinator Jay Gruden?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I say Gruden. He has the name recognition plus he has the advantage of having developed a young QB on his resume. Whatever team is looking for a head coach is probably in a position to take a QB in the first round. That's why Gruden would be more enticing.
Jordan (Raleigh): What are Mike Wallace's options? Sign or sit out? Can he be dealt? Can teams even make trades at this point in the offseason?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Wallace can sit out as long as he wants if he doesn't sign the tender. He is technically not under contract until he signs it. Wallace has until June 15 to sign it or the Steelers can reduce his RFA tender after that point.
Bodman34 (Ada,OH Home of the Wilson Football Factory): Is there any reason the Browns shouldn't take a look at Terrell Owens and offer a minimum salary with incentives? He would be an instant upgrade at receiver, and if it didn't work out, not much invested.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Have you seen the effect of T.O. on the other teams he played for? Not happening.
Brad (Berkeley, CA): Maurkice Pouncey was the first Steelers rookie to start 13 or more games in like 30 years (he started all 16, I know). Will [David] DeCastro be the only Steelers rookie this year to do the same?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): DeCastro is battling two players who were originally undrafted rookies, Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster. It would be a major surprise if DeCastro doesn't start from the first day of camp.
Andre (Tallahassee, FL): Is John Harbaugh on the hot seat if Baltimore misses the playoffs? And will Joe Flacco be gone too?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Are you not aware that the Ravens and Flacco have made the playoffs for the past four seasons? If you think they would be on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for one year, you have crazy expectations.
Dillion (Ohio): Should the browns sign T.O to help show the younger reciver on the team how to catch the ball and he can catch the ball
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Again, has anyone else except me seen the negative effect of TO on teams?
Aaron (Bloomington IL): With Pittsburgh upgrading its offensive line, there appears to be few weaknesses remaining from the three teams pushing for the AFC North title. Which unit from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore do you see as having the greatest weakness this year?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Steelers: Cornerback. Bengals: Wide receiver. Baltimore: Left guard and outside linebacker (Suggs' absence).
Michael (Cincinnati): Can you ban people who think the Browns should sign TO?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Only [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell has the power to ban people in football. Sorry.
Kris (Missouri): How devastating is the loss of Terrell Suggs? Ray [Lewis] and Ed Reed only have how many more shots at a title.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): When Suggs got hurt, most talked about how the Ravens would miss him in the pass rush. But Suggs was a really good run defender as well. I think people are underestimating his absence when it comes to stopping running backs.
Brian (Philadelphia): Assuming the Bengals follow up last season with a successful 2012 season, who do you think would be more likely to leave for a head coaching position: defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer or offensive coordinator Jay Gruden?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I say Gruden. He has the name recognition plus he has the advantage of having developed a young QB on his resume. Whatever team is looking for a head coach is probably in a position to take a QB in the first round. That's why Gruden would be more enticing.
Jordan (Raleigh): What are Mike Wallace's options? Sign or sit out? Can he be dealt? Can teams even make trades at this point in the offseason?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Wallace can sit out as long as he wants if he doesn't sign the tender. He is technically not under contract until he signs it. Wallace has until June 15 to sign it or the Steelers can reduce his RFA tender after that point.
Bodman34 (Ada,OH Home of the Wilson Football Factory): Is there any reason the Browns shouldn't take a look at Terrell Owens and offer a minimum salary with incentives? He would be an instant upgrade at receiver, and if it didn't work out, not much invested.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Have you seen the effect of T.O. on the other teams he played for? Not happening.
Brad (Berkeley, CA): Maurkice Pouncey was the first Steelers rookie to start 13 or more games in like 30 years (he started all 16, I know). Will [David] DeCastro be the only Steelers rookie this year to do the same?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): DeCastro is battling two players who were originally undrafted rookies, Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster. It would be a major surprise if DeCastro doesn't start from the first day of camp.
Andre (Tallahassee, FL): Is John Harbaugh on the hot seat if Baltimore misses the playoffs? And will Joe Flacco be gone too?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Are you not aware that the Ravens and Flacco have made the playoffs for the past four seasons? If you think they would be on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for one year, you have crazy expectations.
Dillion (Ohio): Should the browns sign T.O to help show the younger reciver on the team how to catch the ball and he can catch the ball
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Again, has anyone else except me seen the negative effect of TO on teams?
Aaron (Bloomington IL): With Pittsburgh upgrading its offensive line, there appears to be few weaknesses remaining from the three teams pushing for the AFC North title. Which unit from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore do you see as having the greatest weakness this year?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Steelers: Cornerback. Bengals: Wide receiver. Baltimore: Left guard and outside linebacker (Suggs' absence).
Michael (Cincinnati): Can you ban people who think the Browns should sign TO?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Only [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell has the power to ban people in football. Sorry.
Here's the buzz surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens as they hold rookie minicamps this weekend:
BENGALS: First-round cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick had an uneven start in his first minicamp. "[He] got challenged often as he was matched up against Vidal Hazelton and [Armon] Binns," the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy wrote. "Some times he did well and other times he struggled as the receivers got a step or two in coverage." Undrafted linebacker Vontaze Burfict had an uneventful first day, meanwhile. He told reporters that he is motivated to prove people wrong. "Not being picked, going undrafted, I have a big chip on my shoulder," Burfict said. "I’m ready to hit somebody.”
BROWNS: Much of the focus was on first-round quarterback Brandon Weeden. "He displayed an arm strength not seen around these parts since Derek Anderson, but the smooth touch on short passes that Anderson didn't possess," the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot wrote. The third overall pick, running back Trent Richardson also made an impression. He stiff-armed a defender and knocked him to the ground even though it was a non-contract practice.
RAVENS: Baltimore's rookie minicamp was closed to reporters. According to the team's website, which had access to practice, second-round linebacker Courtney Upshaw moved around at different positions and looked solid in pass coverage. The website reported: "He recognized a swing pass on one play, and would have had a tackle for loss, drawing praise from linebackers coach Ted Monachino. He also had a tipped pass that was picked off."
BENGALS: First-round cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick had an uneven start in his first minicamp. "[He] got challenged often as he was matched up against Vidal Hazelton and [Armon] Binns," the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy wrote. "Some times he did well and other times he struggled as the receivers got a step or two in coverage." Undrafted linebacker Vontaze Burfict had an uneventful first day, meanwhile. He told reporters that he is motivated to prove people wrong. "Not being picked, going undrafted, I have a big chip on my shoulder," Burfict said. "I’m ready to hit somebody.”
BROWNS: Much of the focus was on first-round quarterback Brandon Weeden. "He displayed an arm strength not seen around these parts since Derek Anderson, but the smooth touch on short passes that Anderson didn't possess," the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot wrote. The third overall pick, running back Trent Richardson also made an impression. He stiff-armed a defender and knocked him to the ground even though it was a non-contract practice.
RAVENS: Baltimore's rookie minicamp was closed to reporters. According to the team's website, which had access to practice, second-round linebacker Courtney Upshaw moved around at different positions and looked solid in pass coverage. The website reported: "He recognized a swing pass on one play, and would have had a tackle for loss, drawing praise from linebackers coach Ted Monachino. He also had a tipped pass that was picked off."
AFC North draft report card: Fans vs. Kiper
May, 11, 2012
May 11
12:00
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
The AFC North blog wanted to know what the fans thought about the drafts for each of the division teams. Now, let's compare your grades against the ones given by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.:
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The picks: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (first round), G Kevin Zeitler (first round), DT Devon Still (second round), WR Mohamed Sanu (third round), DT Brandon Thompson (third round), TE Orson Charles (fourth round), CB Shaun Prater (fifth round), WR Marvin Jones (fifth round), S George Iloka (fifth round), RB Dan "Boom" Herron (sixth round).
Kiper's grade: A-minus
Fans' grade: A (42 percent in the SportsNation poll)
Fans' comments:
Adam from Dayton: Bengals Draft Grade: A -- I thought that the Bengals did an excellent job in adding depth. The one "head scratcher" that seemed to come about this year was trading their second first round pick when they could have got David DeCastro, the highest-rated guard. Granted they received an extra pick and still grabbed a very big and strong guard a few picks later in Kevin Zeitler with that trade, I think it really boiled down to the fact they could have got the best guard, instead all of Bengal Nation saw him go to the Steelers. All-in-all, everyone knows the AFC North is an old-school run -first division, so beefing up the D-Line with a couple of huge, strong, and athletic linemen was a sound way to go and I for one am happy to see the new blood that the team has. These Bengals have tapped into the fountain of youth rather quickly, yet they are getting better and being built for the future.
Andheez: I went for an A. Kirkpatrick is solid. Zeitler is a beast. Some publications had Still as the top DT pre-combine. Not sold on Sanu, but I think the Charles pick was fantastic. I am not one to ostracize someone for a DUI. Prater, Iloka and Herron probably won't stick, but sounds like Jones was a nice find.
mann_usmc: I give the Bengals a C. Here we go drafting a CB in the first round again. Keep Johnathan Joseph and you can fill other spots (safety). The next four picks draw a big question mark. If you're going to draft an OG, then why not take the best prospect in a decade in DeCastro? You pass on him and allow the Steelers to draft him and all you gain is a third-round pick. That is a big miss in my opinion. Secondly, you draft two DTs when you already have Domata Peko and Geno Atkins. Sure these guys provide depth, but I would think that with my second-round and third-round picks to be a contributor. I wouldn't use draft picks that high for backups.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The picks: RB Trent Richardson (first round), QB Brandon Weeden (first round), OT Mitchell Schwartz (second round), NT John Hughes (third round), WR Travis Benjamin (fourth round), LB James-Michael Johnson (fourth round), G Ryan Miller (fifth round), LB Emmanuel Acho (sixth round), DL Billy Winn (sixth round), CB Trevin Wade (seventh round), TE-FB Brad Smelley (seventh round).
Kiper's grade: B-minus
Fans' grade: B (38 percent)
Fans' comments:
Kovacs from Dallas: This draft is an A if Weeden works out but probably a low B or high C if he doesn't. Worst case the draft added two starters at key positions, RB and RT, and much-needed depth at areas where it was badly needed, DT and LB. If that's the worst case it's still a nice-looking haul.
Kyle from Columbus, Ohio: The Browns did a pretty good job of filling some holes and adding some depth. I really like the T. Richardson pick, but I think they reached a little for B. Weeden. My only complaint is that if you decide to take a first-round QB, you have to give him some weapons. T. Benjamin looks like a special-team guy, who may help out in the slot.
JBT1MIAMI: Simple D-minus. I'm still waiting for any fan to address why it's not an issue that Trent Richardson didn't compete at the combine because he had his knee scoped. How is he any better injury-wise than [Montario] Hardesty, knowing he's also had both ankles reconstructed. Why no issue with this? Why not just trade for [Rashard] Mendenhall if it's no issue. He's proven on the pro level. Think Steelers believe this kind of thing is an issue with running backs? I guess it's like training a dog, people have to separate emotional attachment of drafting a hyped running back, and learn about calm reasoning. Emotions just gave the Browns a 3-13 record.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The picks: OLB Courtney Upshaw (second round), OT-G Kelechi Osemele (second round), RB Bernard Pierce (third round), C-G Gino Gradkowski (fourth round), S Christian Thompson (fourth round), CB Asa Jackson (fifth round), WR Tommy Streeter (sixth round), DT DeAngelo Tyson (seventh round).
Kiper's grade: B
Fans' grade: B (40 percent)
Fans' comments:
Shadowwolf1001: It's really toss-up. There are some strong picks here that would warrant an A, but there are also some picks I'm not too sure about which probably warrant a B. I'd have to vote B-plus with the potential of an A grade later on.
jdille123: C-plus. Ozzie [Newsome] must have taken this one off. Still got some good talent, but he usually does better.
youmadbromad: I gave them a D because they did not draft a new FG kicker.
Dave from Mansfield, Ohio: I'm giving the Raven a 'B.' They came into the draft with holes at LB, OT, OG and filled all of these needs. However while Upshaw should help feel the void left by Terrell Suggs, Kelechi Osemele should step in and start at guard and hopefully Gino Gradkowski develops as the replacement for Matt Birk. Plus Tommy Streeter has the potential to be a huge steal if his football skills catch up to his physical stature and speed.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The picks: G David DeCastro (first round), OT Mike Adams (second round), ILB Sean Spence (third round), NT Alameda Ta'amu (fourth round), RB Chris Rainey (fifth round), WR Toney Clemons (seventh round), TE David Paulson (seventh round), CB Terrence Frederick (seventh round), G Kelvin Beachum (seventh round).
Kiper's grade: B
Fans' grade: A (61 percent)
Fans' comments:
WhoDeyAJGreen: As a Bengal fan (obviously) and an OSU football fan, I graded them as a A-minus. Great value picks while also filling needs. The player that will make the difference between an A-minus and A-plus is Mike Adams. If he can get his [act] together, then they had one heck of a draft from top to bottom.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The picks: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (first round), G Kevin Zeitler (first round), DT Devon Still (second round), WR Mohamed Sanu (third round), DT Brandon Thompson (third round), TE Orson Charles (fourth round), CB Shaun Prater (fifth round), WR Marvin Jones (fifth round), S George Iloka (fifth round), RB Dan "Boom" Herron (sixth round).
Kiper's grade: A-minus
Fans' grade: A (42 percent in the SportsNation poll)
Fans' comments:
Adam from Dayton: Bengals Draft Grade: A -- I thought that the Bengals did an excellent job in adding depth. The one "head scratcher" that seemed to come about this year was trading their second first round pick when they could have got David DeCastro, the highest-rated guard. Granted they received an extra pick and still grabbed a very big and strong guard a few picks later in Kevin Zeitler with that trade, I think it really boiled down to the fact they could have got the best guard, instead all of Bengal Nation saw him go to the Steelers. All-in-all, everyone knows the AFC North is an old-school run -first division, so beefing up the D-Line with a couple of huge, strong, and athletic linemen was a sound way to go and I for one am happy to see the new blood that the team has. These Bengals have tapped into the fountain of youth rather quickly, yet they are getting better and being built for the future.
Andheez: I went for an A. Kirkpatrick is solid. Zeitler is a beast. Some publications had Still as the top DT pre-combine. Not sold on Sanu, but I think the Charles pick was fantastic. I am not one to ostracize someone for a DUI. Prater, Iloka and Herron probably won't stick, but sounds like Jones was a nice find.
mann_usmc: I give the Bengals a C. Here we go drafting a CB in the first round again. Keep Johnathan Joseph and you can fill other spots (safety). The next four picks draw a big question mark. If you're going to draft an OG, then why not take the best prospect in a decade in DeCastro? You pass on him and allow the Steelers to draft him and all you gain is a third-round pick. That is a big miss in my opinion. Secondly, you draft two DTs when you already have Domata Peko and Geno Atkins. Sure these guys provide depth, but I would think that with my second-round and third-round picks to be a contributor. I wouldn't use draft picks that high for backups.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The picks: RB Trent Richardson (first round), QB Brandon Weeden (first round), OT Mitchell Schwartz (second round), NT John Hughes (third round), WR Travis Benjamin (fourth round), LB James-Michael Johnson (fourth round), G Ryan Miller (fifth round), LB Emmanuel Acho (sixth round), DL Billy Winn (sixth round), CB Trevin Wade (seventh round), TE-FB Brad Smelley (seventh round).
Kiper's grade: B-minus
Fans' grade: B (38 percent)
Fans' comments:
Kovacs from Dallas: This draft is an A if Weeden works out but probably a low B or high C if he doesn't. Worst case the draft added two starters at key positions, RB and RT, and much-needed depth at areas where it was badly needed, DT and LB. If that's the worst case it's still a nice-looking haul.
Kyle from Columbus, Ohio: The Browns did a pretty good job of filling some holes and adding some depth. I really like the T. Richardson pick, but I think they reached a little for B. Weeden. My only complaint is that if you decide to take a first-round QB, you have to give him some weapons. T. Benjamin looks like a special-team guy, who may help out in the slot.
JBT1MIAMI: Simple D-minus. I'm still waiting for any fan to address why it's not an issue that Trent Richardson didn't compete at the combine because he had his knee scoped. How is he any better injury-wise than [Montario] Hardesty, knowing he's also had both ankles reconstructed. Why no issue with this? Why not just trade for [Rashard] Mendenhall if it's no issue. He's proven on the pro level. Think Steelers believe this kind of thing is an issue with running backs? I guess it's like training a dog, people have to separate emotional attachment of drafting a hyped running back, and learn about calm reasoning. Emotions just gave the Browns a 3-13 record.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The picks: OLB Courtney Upshaw (second round), OT-G Kelechi Osemele (second round), RB Bernard Pierce (third round), C-G Gino Gradkowski (fourth round), S Christian Thompson (fourth round), CB Asa Jackson (fifth round), WR Tommy Streeter (sixth round), DT DeAngelo Tyson (seventh round).
Kiper's grade: B
Fans' grade: B (40 percent)
Fans' comments:
Shadowwolf1001: It's really toss-up. There are some strong picks here that would warrant an A, but there are also some picks I'm not too sure about which probably warrant a B. I'd have to vote B-plus with the potential of an A grade later on.
jdille123: C-plus. Ozzie [Newsome] must have taken this one off. Still got some good talent, but he usually does better.
youmadbromad: I gave them a D because they did not draft a new FG kicker.
Dave from Mansfield, Ohio: I'm giving the Raven a 'B.' They came into the draft with holes at LB, OT, OG and filled all of these needs. However while Upshaw should help feel the void left by Terrell Suggs, Kelechi Osemele should step in and start at guard and hopefully Gino Gradkowski develops as the replacement for Matt Birk. Plus Tommy Streeter has the potential to be a huge steal if his football skills catch up to his physical stature and speed.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The picks: G David DeCastro (first round), OT Mike Adams (second round), ILB Sean Spence (third round), NT Alameda Ta'amu (fourth round), RB Chris Rainey (fifth round), WR Toney Clemons (seventh round), TE David Paulson (seventh round), CB Terrence Frederick (seventh round), G Kelvin Beachum (seventh round).
Kiper's grade: B
Fans' grade: A (61 percent)
Fans' comments:
WhoDeyAJGreen: As a Bengal fan (obviously) and an OSU football fan, I graded them as a A-minus. Great value picks while also filling needs. The player that will make the difference between an A-minus and A-plus is Mike Adams. If he can get his [act] together, then they had one heck of a draft from top to bottom.
nyontopin2003: This draft looks like the 2002 draft from a potential standpoint and one can only hope it is that good. Interesting to see if the Steelers are going the four year route on players rounds 2 through 7 due to the Wallace situation, small cap issues expected in 2013-2015, or because they see those players being that good through the depth of this entire Steelers draft class. Only time will tell.
Tyrion_Scannister: Putting aside the fact that grading a draft right away is the dumbest thing ever, I gave it an "A". On paper, DeCastro looks like he was a steal, and Ta'amu will fit perfectly in that defense after some grooming. If those two pan out, and Mike Adams develops into a legitimate starting LT, this could be one of the best drafts for any team in a number of years.
Tyrion_Scannister: Putting aside the fact that grading a draft right away is the dumbest thing ever, I gave it an "A". On paper, DeCastro looks like he was a steal, and Ta'amu will fit perfectly in that defense after some grooming. If those two pan out, and Mike Adams develops into a legitimate starting LT, this could be one of the best drafts for any team in a number of years.
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said the team isn't close to signing free-agent wide receiver Braylon Edwards, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
A move wouldn't happen until next month because Edwards is still rehabbing his knee. He is expected to be ready for training camp.
“We’re pretty full with players and we’ll keep seeing if there are guys who are released who can help us and make us competitive,” Lewis said. “We want to strike the balance with the young players too. I don’t want to fill up our 90 spots with all old players. We’ve got to have some young guys to help supplement the draft picks and so at the end of the day you have an opportunity of guys trending up. We don’t want to have too many guys on the other side of their careers.”
Lewis doesn't think Edwards would disrupt chemistry because the receivers room belongs to A.J. Green, adding "it's his offensive football team and he has come back with that attitude."
Hensley's slant: The Bengals have the cap room to take a chance on Edwards. Cincinnati needs a No. 2 wide receiver and a target with experience. No wide receiver on the team has more than 65 career receptions. Edwards has 341 catches (but just 15 last season) and has averaged 15.6 yards per reception for his seven-year career.
BROWNS: Phil Taylor's agent said the defensive tackle is remaining positive while awaiting results of the MRI. Taylor injured his pectoral muscle Thursday while lifting weights. "Phil is staying positive. He's got a great attitude," Peter Schaffer told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He'll either be 100 percent [when the results come in] or if he needs surgery, he'll come back 100 percent. Things happen. Phil is going to be fine either way. If he misses time, he'll come back strong." Hensley's slant: The surprise contributor of the 2012 draft could be defensive tackle Billy Winn, a sixth-round pick out of Boise State. He slid in the draft because of questionable work ethic, but his skills could make him the top candidate to fill in for Taylor.
RAVENS: Fellow cornerback Lardarius Webb has high expectations for Jimmy Smith, last year's first-round pick. Smith's rookie season was thrown off course after he basically missed the first five games of the season with an ankle injury.“He can make a huge step,” Webb told the team's official website. “With his talent, his knowledge, I think he’s going to be a Pro Bowl corner coming up next year.” Hensley's slant: It was only last month when Webb said he wanted to be better than Darrelle Revis, so he obviously likes to think big. But as I said at that time, Smith has a chance to be better than Webb this season. Smith has the size and speed to be a shutdown cornerback.
STEELERS: Ben Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he majored in education at Miami (Ohio) because he wanted to teach and coach. He received his degree last weekend. “I still may want to coach, still like to be a coach," he told the paper. "I wouldn’t rule teaching out, but I’d say it’s unlikely.’’ As the Post-Gazette pointed out, Roethlisberger would have to serve as a student-teacher if he wanted to teach. Hensley's slant: Just imagine the pressure on the quarterback for the team Roethlisberger would be coaching. You see the Super Bowl rings when Roethlisberger is holding the play-calling sheet, and you know you can't leave the game unless you have two or three broken bones. Those are some high standards to meet.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said the team isn't close to signing free-agent wide receiver Braylon Edwards, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
A move wouldn't happen until next month because Edwards is still rehabbing his knee. He is expected to be ready for training camp.
“We’re pretty full with players and we’ll keep seeing if there are guys who are released who can help us and make us competitive,” Lewis said. “We want to strike the balance with the young players too. I don’t want to fill up our 90 spots with all old players. We’ve got to have some young guys to help supplement the draft picks and so at the end of the day you have an opportunity of guys trending up. We don’t want to have too many guys on the other side of their careers.”
Lewis doesn't think Edwards would disrupt chemistry because the receivers room belongs to A.J. Green, adding "it's his offensive football team and he has come back with that attitude."
Hensley's slant: The Bengals have the cap room to take a chance on Edwards. Cincinnati needs a No. 2 wide receiver and a target with experience. No wide receiver on the team has more than 65 career receptions. Edwards has 341 catches (but just 15 last season) and has averaged 15.6 yards per reception for his seven-year career.
BROWNS: Phil Taylor's agent said the defensive tackle is remaining positive while awaiting results of the MRI. Taylor injured his pectoral muscle Thursday while lifting weights. "Phil is staying positive. He's got a great attitude," Peter Schaffer told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He'll either be 100 percent [when the results come in] or if he needs surgery, he'll come back 100 percent. Things happen. Phil is going to be fine either way. If he misses time, he'll come back strong." Hensley's slant: The surprise contributor of the 2012 draft could be defensive tackle Billy Winn, a sixth-round pick out of Boise State. He slid in the draft because of questionable work ethic, but his skills could make him the top candidate to fill in for Taylor.
RAVENS: Fellow cornerback Lardarius Webb has high expectations for Jimmy Smith, last year's first-round pick. Smith's rookie season was thrown off course after he basically missed the first five games of the season with an ankle injury.“He can make a huge step,” Webb told the team's official website. “With his talent, his knowledge, I think he’s going to be a Pro Bowl corner coming up next year.” Hensley's slant: It was only last month when Webb said he wanted to be better than Darrelle Revis, so he obviously likes to think big. But as I said at that time, Smith has a chance to be better than Webb this season. Smith has the size and speed to be a shutdown cornerback.
STEELERS: Ben Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he majored in education at Miami (Ohio) because he wanted to teach and coach. He received his degree last weekend. “I still may want to coach, still like to be a coach," he told the paper. "I wouldn’t rule teaching out, but I’d say it’s unlikely.’’ As the Post-Gazette pointed out, Roethlisberger would have to serve as a student-teacher if he wanted to teach. Hensley's slant: Just imagine the pressure on the quarterback for the team Roethlisberger would be coaching. You see the Super Bowl rings when Roethlisberger is holding the play-calling sheet, and you know you can't leave the game unless you have two or three broken bones. Those are some high standards to meet.
Ravens are first to sign entire draft class
May, 10, 2012
May 10
7:30
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
In a race that doesn't earn you anything except a blog post like this, the Baltimore Ravens became the first team in the NFL to sign their entire 2012 draft class.
That means all eight draft picks had signed contracts as they attended their first team meeting Thursday night.
This shouldn't come as a surprise because the Ravens were one of five teams not to have a first-round pick. Baltimore wrapped up its signings Thursday afternoon by agreeing to terms with second-round pick Courtney Upshaw and sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter.
The new collective bargaining agreement has sped up the signings. In previous seasons, teams wouldn't begin striking deals until after the July 4th holiday. Now, NFL teams are signing picks at a record pace.
As far as the rest of the AFC North, the Steelers have two more picks left to sign while the Browns have five remaining, including both first-round picks (running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden). The Bengals have signed two of their 10 draft picks.
That means all eight draft picks had signed contracts as they attended their first team meeting Thursday night.
This shouldn't come as a surprise because the Ravens were one of five teams not to have a first-round pick. Baltimore wrapped up its signings Thursday afternoon by agreeing to terms with second-round pick Courtney Upshaw and sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter.
The new collective bargaining agreement has sped up the signings. In previous seasons, teams wouldn't begin striking deals until after the July 4th holiday. Now, NFL teams are signing picks at a record pace.
As far as the rest of the AFC North, the Steelers have two more picks left to sign while the Browns have five remaining, including both first-round picks (running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden). The Bengals have signed two of their 10 draft picks.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Jamison Hensley
Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife.
