AFC North Draft Breakdown

This is part 2 of 8 of my post draft series, breaking down each teams draft by division. First up is the AFC East. Let’s get into it.

 

Cincinatti Bengals

 

Day 1

The Bengals had the 5th overall pick and selected Ja’Marr Chase WR from LSU. I really disliked that the Bengals went WR instead of OL, or should I say Penei Sewell. Chase is the best WR prospect in the class and some had forgotten that because he had sat out this past season due to COVID-19. Chase is a great player, but Sewell would’ve been better for this team. 

Day 2

Offensive and defensive line was addressed on day 2, with the Bengals selecting Jackson Carman OT and Joseph Ossai EDGE. I love that the Bengals addressed OL but not that they passed on some guys who I think were better options like Radunz or Cosmi. Ossai was the best EDGE guy left on the board and with the Bengals bringing in Trey Hendrickson, I don’t really know where Ossai is going to fit into things.

Day 3

Underwhelming day 3 as the Bengals took a kicker in the 5th. At least he was the best one in the class. Their 3 4th round picks were solid, as they continued to address up front on offense and defense. 

 

Grade : C+

This could be a better grade, but I really don’t like what they did. The Bengals needed to get the best OT prospect in this class to protect Burrow, their future. Instead they took a WR when they already have Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins who showed signs of stardom last season. The later rounds they could’ve done better in securing better players at the position they drafted, or getting players that would make and immediate impact. 

 

Cleveland Browns

 

Day 1 

The Browns selected Greg Newsome CB from Northwestern with their first round pick, and I love it. Newsome has elite footwork and is able to play both press man and off coverage. Newsome does have some injury history and with that comes a small sample size. I could really see this kid becoming a stud one day alongside Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, if he stays on the field.

Day 2

Robbery for the Browns as they got JOK in the 2nd round at pick 52. JOK was my #4 defensive player in the entire class and having him fall all the way to the Browns in the 2nd was crazy. If the Browns took him in the 1st round it still would’ve been a great pick. JOK is an off ball linebacker that had slot corner responsibilities at ND. With his versatility JOK should be able to fit in any scheme for years to come. In the 3rd the Browns added some speed to the WR room with Anthony Schwartz. Not sure where he’ll fit in with OBJ, Landry, and DPJ all slotted in as the starters. 

Day 3

The Browns continued robbing people selecting Tommy Togiai IDL from Ohio State. Togiai was a day 2 prospect that fell and the Browns scooped him up like they did with JOK. He has a great bull rush and can be a solid 3-tech in both the run game and the pass game.

 

Grade : A+

The Browns didn’t miss on a pick at all, getting guys that will offer something right away and getting a couple stealsin JOK and Togiai. The Browns were close to going to the AFC Championship game last year, and with this draft it only helps their case for this upcoming season.

 

Baltimore Ravens

 

Day 1

The Ravens were in desperate need for WR help and they went out and got Rashod Bateman. Bateman has NFL ready release and route running, and was a menace from the slot in 2019. 4 picks late the Ravens picked up Jayson Oweh EDGE. Oweh is a physical freak, measuring at 6’5, 257 pounds, he posted a 40-inch vertical, 134-inch broad jump, 4.39 40-yard dash, 4.15-second pro agility and 6.84-second three-cone at Penn State’s pro day. He needs to improve on his pass rush moves as in 2020 he only had 10 pressures in his last 6 games.

Day 2

The Ravens kicked off day 2 with Ben Cleveland OL from Georgia, potentially a replacement for Orlando Brown who they traded to the Chiefs. Cleveland has the size but needs to work on the technical part of being an NFL OL. The Ravens 2nd pick on day 2 was DB Brandon Stephens. Stephens gets killed by speed and quite honestly he should consider moving to safety in the NFL

Day 3

Shaun Wade and Tylan Wallace is a good day 3 for anyone. Wade got torched on the outside but shows potential being a slot CB in the NFL. Wallace plays fast, faster than his timed speed and has tremendous big play ability.

Grade : B+

Ravens went out and hit on needs but I’m worried about Oweh. If Oweh lives up to his potential then this will be the draft Ravens fans will be talking about for a while. They added 2 WR to try and solidify their WR room and help Lamar.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Day 1

I hate when a team takes a RB in the 1st round, especially when a team has bigger needs. The Steelers took Najee Harris, who was the best back in college last season. Harris will help this team, but the Steelers could’ve waited until later rounds to take a RB and address the OL.

Day 2

Round 2 the Steelers pass on OL again, and take Pat Freiermuth who was the #2 TE after Kyle Pitts. Freiermuth will get to show off his blocking ability just as much as his pass catching ability in their brand of offense. In the 3rd the Steelers FINALLY addressed the OL taking Kendrick Green from Illinois. I love this pick for Pittsburgh as Green is one of the most athletically gifted OL in this draft having good speed and being physical which makes him a fit for the Steelers run first offense mentality. 

Day 3

Quincy Roche was arguably the Steelers best pick of the night, getting him where they got him was great value. Roche might not be the best athlete off the edge but can read and react with the best of them. He’ll get a chance to make a role behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Grade : C+

The Steelers hit on needs, but not at the right time. A RB in the 1st round just isn’t good when there’s quality OL on the board. They finally did address OL and when they did they managed to scoop together a couple quality steals in the later rounds.

 

That concludes part 2 of this series. Let me know if there’s anything you agree, or disagree with in the comments below.