AFC North Draft Recap

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens are creating a lot of youthful competition along the offensive line.  Ben Grubbs should be a standout at guard with his blend of size and athletic ability.  Marshal Yanda could be a starter at right tackle by 2008, although he’s best suited to play inside.  Yanda is smart and tough.  He’ll never become a core player, but will be an overachiever who becomes a staple within the undercurrent of a playoff team.  Jason Brown and Chris Chester showed the ability to become solid starters last season.  Keydrick Vincent is finally healthy after playing through a hernia the past two seasons.  This should create strong competition through the summer.  Le’Ron McClain was a very strong pickup at fullback.  He displays excellent physical skills as a lead blocker.

Two areas that remain questions for the Ravens are cornerback and left tackle for the long-term.  Jonathan Ogden could be entering his last season.  Adam Terry played adequately in a few games last season and will get an audition at right tackle this season.  But nothing is certain.  At cornerback, depth is thin and Samari Rolle has lost a step.  This leaves a lot of questions in Baltimore’s ability to match up against the pass in the next few years. 

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals didn’t have many picks, but have built a strong foundation the past several years.  So they addressed a major need with a definite impact player at cornerback in Leon Hall.  Hall not only has excellent physical skills, but has the ability to create turnovers.  Hall will join Jonathan Joseph to form an excellent matchup duo at cornerback for the Bengals for several years. 

Cleveland Browns: Phil Savage made the bold moves on draft day that eventually lead to championships.  It could backfire, but you have to admire the aggressiveness in potentially adding three building blocks at critical spots in regards to roster development – quarterback, left tackle, and cornerback.  The make or break of this class is Brady Quinn.  Quinn is an experienced college quarterback who has a good feel for the short passing game, but there’s a lot of concerns regarding his footwork and accuracy problems.  Joe Thomas adds another key piece to an offensive line that finally has a foundation to build around.  He’ll be a strong presence at left tackle. 

I liked the move to snag Eric Wright at cornerback.  Wright gives the Browns that much needed cover guy who can make plays.  And they added depth in the secondary with Brandon McDonald and defensive end Chase Pittman. 

When you look back at some of the players the Browns have drafted on both sides of the ball the past few years, there is an intriguing young foundation to finally build upon in Cleveland.  Hopefully, there will be patience to allow this core develop over the next few years. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Everything is built around the linebacker position and pass rush in Pittsburgh.  I believe Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley will become fixtures of this defense for many years.  Timmons has intriguing athleticism.  He has shown he can cover tight ends, flashes pass rush ability, and is very active against the run.  Woodley should provide more pass rush depth with his excellent technique and motor.  He displays that blue-collar intensity that will fit well in Pittsburgh. 

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