Let’s hop on up to the AFC North for a look at the RAVENS dominated division. 3 of the 4 teams in the division had winning records last season, but the Bengals missed the Play-Offs at 9-7, and despite going 10-7 and gaining a Wild Card spot, the Steelers were one and done again in the Play-Offs. The division as a whole currently has 33 Picks with the Ravens holding serve with 11 of those. Not that it is enough to probably matter, but the BROWNS are next with 10 Picks, with the other two both having 6 each. The BROWNS. need just about everything, although money talks and MYLES GARRETT will be still with them going forward after all. BENGALS need big help on Defense, but they did hold on to both HIGGINS & CHASE after all. They are still trying to keep HENDRICKSON. The STEELERS don’t have a vet QB on their roster, other than a returning former Steeler form the Titans in MASON RUDOLPH. Methinks they realize that’s not a real answer, but he is a vet QB.
Here’s a quick peak, at my guess for all 3 and each team’s Picks inside their Top 100.
CLEVELAND: The BROWNS finally have most of their Draft Picks back, post WATSON, but they still don’t have a legit QB in play, unless you think KENNY PICKETT is legit… I don’t. So let’s start drafting.
Pick 2 BROWNS CAMERON WARD QB Arguably the top QB in this year’s Draft, and PICKETT might be able to man the starter’s job while WARD learns NFL basics early in the season.
Pick 33 BROWNS DONOVAN JACKSON OL Some retooling is needed along their OL and JACKSON proved his versatility last season when he shifted out to OT during their championship run.
Pick 67 BROWNS JAYLEN NOEL WR/RS At 5’10/195 he feels like a fit for the slot receiver job. He’s quicker than fast, but his Combine 40-time 4.39 is not shabby. Let’s just say he has moved up in many scouts’ eyes since his Senior Bowl & Combine work.
Pick 94 BROWNS EMERY JONES 6’5/310 Played primarily RT at LSU, but really stood out at OG during Senior Bowl work. He and JACKSON will both be considered for starting slots competition.
Watch for a RB in Round 4 for this team, since NICK CHUBB has been injury prone the past few seasons and may be too banged up to regain his past success, unfortunately.
CINCINNATI: The name of the drafting game for the Bengals would seem to be “Defense” now that their receiving corps is secure for “Batman” BURROW. The new D.C. is college guru AL GOLDEN who may be better equipped to handle younger talent on their retooling D than former DC LOU ANARUMO who seemed more comfortable with pro vets than Rookies. We shall see.
Pick 17 BENGALS KENNETH GRANT DT 6’4/340 Look at his size numbers here, then go watch some tape of him in action. He ran sub 5.00 seconds in his Combine 40-time. He’s a monster man who can move well and hold the line-of-scrimmage against the run. GRANT could finally be the replacement they have been looking for since READER left them.
Pick 49 BENGALS MARCUS MBOW OG 6’5/320 A stout young fella who is strong and reasonably athletic. They may just slide him into CAPPA’s old slot, but he may have a shot at OT as well.
Pick 81 BENGALS DARIEN PORTER CB A long, lean Corner (6’3/195) who blossomed after switching to D from O last season at Iowa St. Didn’t hurt himself at Combine with a 4.30/40. His lack of experience at CB may be a coaching challenge, but they need young/athletic help for their secondary D.
PITTSBURGH: The STEELERS have some urgent need for new, functional bodies all around their roster, in addition to QB. They need RB help after letting NAJEE HARRIS depart, but the good news appears to be that they have found their WR to compliment PICKENS with the trade addition of METCALF from Seattle. That trade leaves them with only 2 Picks in the first 3 Rounds.
Pick 21 OMARION HAMPTON RB 6’0/221 The work horse for UNC looks like a more athletic version of NAJEE. He and WARREN should make a nice combo , not to mention VFA Kenneth Gainwell from the Eagles. This trio could give the team the type of run dominated Offense they historically have been built on. Especially if last year’s Rookie OL all come thru for them and stay healthy.
Pick 83 JALEN MILROE QB 6’2/217 And now my surprise Pick and a somewhat long-shot effort to find a long term QB option. But the highly athletic MILROE is still a work in progress as a pro level passer. If the QB option doesn’t work out it is my feeling that MILROE could be their version of TAYSOM HILL/Saints as a multi-purpose weapon for their Offense.
BALTIMORE: Don’t think that the RAVENS don’t have needs, because they always lose some key players to VFA signings by others. They did hold on to several of their potential OL starters, which is huge, although with 11 Picks they will certainly look to the OL on Day 3. Look for them to try to trade a few Day 3 Picks for some 2026 Picks if possible.They may have added their best back up QB in a while with the steady COOPR RUSH coming over from Dallas.
Pick 27 RAVENS DERRICK HARMON DT The DL has lost some guys in VFA and to age. HARMON truly blossomed in his time at Oregon after transferring there. He is solid sized and has the athleticism to chase the ball as well. at 6’5/313. He was among a cluster of DL who ran under 5.00/40 at this year’s Combine.
Pick 59 RAVENS KEVIN WINSTON S 6’2/215 PENN ST A nice sized, athletic strong S who ran a 4.5/40. The team has parted ways with big $ former VFA Marcus Williams so WINSTON should get a serious shot at playing time. Good player against the run and alert in coverage schemes.
Pick 91 RAVENS JACK BECH WR 6’1/215 This exceptional athlete has been a major mover up prospect ranking lists since his Senior Bowl & Combine work. He has very strong hands and leaping ability, but jump balls are not his only skill. I would also bet he plays a lot of Special Teams time as a Rookie. He & D-HOP are likely to force a couple journeymen receivers off of their roster.
I do not see any reason, other than serious QB injuries, to expect any changes in the AFC North division this year. The Steelers & Bengals have chances to improve a little bit, which means if they don’t cannibalize each other in divisional play 3 of the 4 teams could make the Play-Offs this season.
Cheers Pigskin
Next up the NFC North.
