ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Thanks for the overwhelming response. Keep them coming. Readers can send all their questions and comments to our AFC North mailbag.

Clayton from Reston writes: I see Chris Henry MIGHT be reinstated by the NFL. How likely is it that the Bengals will resign him especially after "Ocho Cincos" off season issues?

James Walker: Henry is open to the idea and the Bengals are thinking about it. Much of it depends on how confident the coaching staff is in rookies Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell. The Bengals also have to consider the potential PR hit, although they could spin it by saying charges were dropped, so technically no transgression ever took place.

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Alex from Chicago writes: Hey James, Being from Columbus originally I have always loved your coverage of my Browns and Cavs. My question for you is this... If you have filled 52 positions and have one last spot on your roster and it is for a kick returner, would you take Hester or Cribbs. My roomate (Bears fan) and I have had this running argument and I think he won't budge that if you're using him as an overall player with supreme return skills there is no better player who you would want to fill that spot up with! What are your thoughts?

James Walker: Thanks for the kind words, Alex. I would take Joshua Cribbs with my final roster spot, because his versatility to play four special teams will allow me to cut two more players. Then I'd cut a couple special teamers and pick up Devin Hester with one of the freed-up roster spots. I could win Executive of the Year!

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Tom from Baltimore writes: Just curious who your NFL squad is....your a tough one to figure out...you grew up in Hyattsville, i believe thats near redskin land, but you are from MD and you might like the real MD team, the Ravens....Temple, you might like the eagles....but HOW did you end up in OHIO....please tell me you are not a Browns fan....anyway, i enjoy reading your work and unlike alot of writers, your columns on the Ravens are very accurate. Keep up the good work.

James Walker: Thanks, Tom. Lately I've been asked this question a lot from ESPN.com readers and I'm not sure what the infatuation is? The truth is I'm not a fan of any team. I gave that up a long time ago and it's best for my line of work. But I could use some help in finding a favorite NFL team for Madden NFL 09 when it comes out next month. Any suggestions?

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Michael from Kristiansand, Norway writes: Something's not right with this Chris Henry situation, how can the Bengals do the right thing aftr showing so much patience with CH (they would have been crucified if they had waited for the legal system to play out)and CH could end up rewarded by landing with the cowboys, patriots or another top team while the Bengals get nothing from them. Can and would the commish require some type of compensation?

James Walker: Michael, how many Bengals fans are in Norway? The Bengals can't get compensation for Henry. Cincinnati chose to cut Henry before the judicial system ran its course. It was a calculated risk because it was Henry's fifth arrest. It just turned out the team was wrong in this case because Henry was vindicated.

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Aaron from San Antonio, TX writes: If the Browns can't find a cornerback after July cuts, do you that applies more pressure on Savage to find a way to sign Law or trade for Sheppard?

James Walker: The pressure is on already. Who's going to cover Terrell Owens in Week 1? The Browns are actively searching but Ty Law and Lito Sheppard are not in their plans.

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Parris from Dayton writes: As a steelers fan it pains me to say this, but I think the browns might have the most talented roster in the league from top to bottom. I know talent alone doesn't win championships, but how far do you see them going this season with the their tough schedule?

James Walker: The Browns and Steelers will be threats in the AFC -- and to one another. Their final records probably won't be a true indication of how good these teams are. Both have the potential to win a playoff round if they stay healthy and get a few lucky bounces throughout the year, because they would be battle tested.

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Chad from Cleveland writes: James do you think Lewis will have another solid year carrying the rock for the Brownies. I hear good things from mini camp about his conditioning. I know that the receiving corps will be solid but I still feel this is the guy that will be the difference in getting us over the hump.

James Walker: Jamal Lewis is a health fanatic and is never out of shape. And for some reason, people tend to think Lewis is older than he really is (28). He will be fine, especially running behind that offensive line.

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Jon from Pittsburgh, PA writes: The steelers have alot of games against the top teams in the league like the patriots,colts,cowboys,chargers etc. do the steelers have the strength to win all those games?

James Walker: The Steelers won't win all of those games. But if they take two of four, they will be in great shape.

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Chris from Franklin, OH writes: Do you expect Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Harrison to get more oppurtunities to carry the ball and be the change of pace back for Jamal Lewis that the Browns need.

James Walker: Jerome Harrison is unique because you can only use him against certain teams. He can give weaker, softer defenses trouble with his quickness. But physical teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh would stuff and beat him up pretty easily. His inability to pick up blitzes also hurts his playing time dramatically.

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Mark from Cleveland writes: Now that it appears that Joe Jurevicius will miss significant time this season, do you see the Browns picking up another WR to replace him?

James Walker: Finding another cornerback is a bigger priority. The Browns have some options at receiver with Kevin Kasper, Travis Wilson and Joshua Cribbs. Cleveland can also use tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. in the slot for certain situations. The team has virtually no options at cornerback besides two second-year players.

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Jason from Home of the Wire writes: Please, please tell me that either Troy Smith or Joe Flacco will be starting and NOT Kyle Boller. I know that 90% of the fans don't want to see Boller start, and I'm guessing around 100% of the players don't want to see Boller start. Give me percents, please, on who starts. I think it will be Smith: 55% chance of starting Flacco: 40% Boller: 5%

James Walker: The job will go to best quarterback in the preseason, but I would say those odds aren't too far off. Troy Smith right now is leading by a slight margin, but Joe Flacco has an equal shot to win the job. The Ravens are just worried about Flacco's inexperience. The team doesn't seem as confident in Kyle Boller, who is running out of chances and probably needs a change of scenery. He is in the final year of his contract.

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Tom from Philadelphia writes: James, do you think there's ANY possibility that Chad Johnson could get traded to the Eagles?

James Walker: Not this year. But I wouldn't rule out a trade in 2009 when Chad Johnson's salary-cap hit drops from $8 million to $4.865 million. Plus, "Ocho Cinco" will be treinta-y-uno (31) in January.