Between the suspension of Big Ben, and the NFL Draft this weekend; it has been an interesting couple of days for the AFC North.

Here are a couple of quick hits on the Ravens divisional opponents:

Cincinnati:

Carson Palmer has to be excited about Jermaine Gresham. Combine him with Free Agent Antonio Bryant, and that should be an improved receiving core. They also added Texas WR Jordan Shipley, who might be able to help underneath.

I really liked the selections of D-lineman Carlos Dunlap, and Geno Atkins, and CB Brandon Ghee. Unfortunately for Baltimore, I think the Bengals greatly improved their depth.

Cleveland:

I’ll be interested to see how Joe Haden works out for the Browns. I liked Bosie State’s Kyle Wilson better, but Holmgren apparently made the decision for Haden because he was from the SEC.

I would imagine that 2nd round RB Montario Hardesty is going to get a chance to compete with James Harrison to be the starting RB.

Getting Colt McCoy in the 3rd round is a bonus. Going that late, there is going to be no pressure on McCoy. With Delhomme, and Wallace in front of him, he will have the opportunity to grab a clip-board and learn for a year.

It seems like every review of their draftees indicates they added good size/speed.

Pittsburgh:

The Steelers do what they also do, have excellent drafts which allow them build internally. The draft started with all of the turmoil surrounding Roethlisberger, and is going to end with Steelers having obtained a lot of talent.

With Pouncey, you hope that the Steelers have not found their 2010 version of Dermontti Dawson.

Their 2nd round pick of Virginia Tech DE Jason Worilds was basically their answer to Baltimore adding Kindle. Thinking they could never have enough of those DE/OLB hybrid’s they also added Thad Gibson from Ohio State. Just gives them two other edge rushers to team with Woodley, and Harrision.

Due to my familiarity with the ACC, I also think they got good players with the additions of CB Credzon Butler from Clemson, and RB Jonathan Dwyer from Georgia Tech. Butler has the size and speed you can not teach. He might be raw technically, but the Steelers should always be able to rush the passer. When you have that pass-rush, you want the guy in the Secondary that has the athleticism to potentially be on an island.

Dwyer is 2 inches taller, and 10 pounds heavier than Mendhenhall. He will be very solid between the chains, and I’m annoyed they were able to get that value in the 6th round.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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