Morning take: Newton or Gabbert to Cincy?

April, 1, 2011
4/01/11
8:00
AM ET
By James Walker | ESPN.com
Here are the most interesting stories Friday in the AFC North:
  • Will the Cincinnati Bengals definitely take a quarterback at No. 4 if Auburn's Cam Newton and/or Missouri's Blaine Gabbert become available?
Morning take: The Bengals aren't showing their hand, because they're looking at most of the top quarterbacks in this draft. With Carson Palmer's situation in flux, you cannot rule out Newton or Gabbert. But it would be risky to invest such a high pick without deciding on Palmer's future.
  • Is Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens?
Morning take: Smith has the tools, but character concerns are something teams will consider. Personally, I don't view cornerback as a huge need for Baltimore in the first round.
  • University of Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey is working hard to join his twin brother, Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, in the NFL.
Morning take: The Steelers and Ravens appear to be two logical landing spots for Mike Pouncey in this division. How interesting would the Pittsburgh-Baltimore rivalry be if one twin played for each team?
Morning take: The Browns are in need of a right tackle but not to the point of taking one at No. 6. Therefore, the chances of landing Smith appear remote barring a trade down in the first round.

James Walker | email

NFL
  • ESPN AFC East Blogger
  • Joined ESPN in 2008
  • A Temple graduate and Hyattsville, Md., native who lives in Miami
Tags:

Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, AFC North, AFC North, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL, NFL draft, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Pouncey, Cam Newton, Tyron Smith, Blaine Gabbert, Jimmy Smith

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Jamison Hensley
Jamison Hensley

Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife and son.

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