ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

We have questions and comments for all four teams this week. Let's dig in.

Dustin from Pittsburgh writes: James, what do you think the chances are that the Pittsburgh Steelers try to acquire Josh Cribbs? Inter-division trades are rare, but what could the Browns expect in return for Cribbs?

James Walker: I wouldn't even start to go there, Dustin. ESPN.com's John Clayton reported this week that Joshua Cribbs has requested a trade. But just because a player asks for a trade doesn't mean he will get it. Plus, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the last destination the Cleveland Browns would send a very good player. Overall, I think this situation is going to drag into the summer before anything significant develops.

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J from Ohio writes: What do you think would be fair value for a guy like Cribbs who contributes so much to the Browns?

James Walker: J, it's up to Cribbs and the Browns to come up with a figure. Usually teams and agents look at other players in similar positions and compare their production. Cribbs was banged up in 2008. But in 2007 he was arguably the best returner in the league and right up there with players like Devin Hester and Roscoe Parrish. My educated guess is Cribbs is looking for somewhere in between those deals. But it doesn't appear the Browns are interested at the moment.

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Lou from Wallingford writes: James, do you get the sense that whichever Browns QB who does not win the starting job will be released, and Brett Ratliff will be promoted? If Mangini truly wants to put an end to the controversy, that would be the most efficient move, in my opinion.

James Walker: Lou, I assume you're asking if Derek Anderson is the backup, will he be released? I doubt you really think Brady Quinn is going to be cut for not winning the job in training camp. To answer your question, the Browns are not going to release either quarterback this year, Lou. A trade might be a possibility, or Cleveland could stick with this entire group for 2009.

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Charles from Virginia Beach writes: Hey James, love reading your blogs, always great feedback. My question is during this year's draft, Rey Maualuga was available at the 32nd spot for the Steelers, but instead they picked up Ziggy Hood. Since I'm no expert, could you answer why they did this, because I think he would have made a great Steeler on the same field as USC Alum Troy Polamalu?

James Walker: Charles, Maualuga had some concerns on and off the field that dropped him into the second round. He has a ton of talent but is not a very discipline football player, which is important for middle linebackers who usually will call signals and make sure everyone else is in order. Maualuga, according to people I've talked to, will need to be coached up in that regard. If he is, he could develop into a Pro Bowl player. It also didn't help that off the field Maualuga had some maturity and temperament issues while in college. Pittsburgh went with a player it felt was a better fit in Hood.

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Ryan from N.J. writes: I know the Bengals have greatly improved this offseason, but how much success can be expected from them with both the Ravens and Steelers being in their Division?

James Walker: That is the million-dollar question, Ryan. It will mostly come down to physicality. As much as the Cincinnati Bengals got credit for their air attack in 2005, many forget how physically punishing they were on the ground behind a tough offensive line and former tailback Rudi Johnson. At some point in the last four years Cincinnati got away from that and became primarily a finesse team, and in this division that's a mistake. Quarterback Carson Palmer would throw for 4,000 yards but the team would only have seven or eight wins. I think the Bengals are starting to realize this. If you look at the acquisitions they made this offseason, an emphasis is being put on toughness and physicality. Cincinnati needs to match Baltimore and Pittsburgh in that area this year to have a chance.

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Terryo writes: AS A DIEHARD RAVEN FAN, DO YOU BELIEVE THE RAVENS ARE TRUELY HAPPY WITH THE RECEIVING CORP? OR ARE THE DIVERTING THE ATTENTION OF NOT GETTING 1 IN THE DRAFT AWAY?

James Walker: Are you screaming at me, Terryo? The Ravens say they feel confident in their receivers, so you have to take them for their word. I do believe Baltimore would like to get better at the position, or at least deeper, but this time of year the team has few options. The Ravens are hopeful young receivers like Marcus Smith and Demetrius Williams can step up. Smith looked particularly good in veteran minicamp.