AFC North: Andre Smith
Wake-up: Andre Smith eyes 'tip-top' shape
May, 15, 2012
May 15
8:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Offensive tackle Andre Smith continues to look in "terrific shape" as the Cincinnati Bengals began their fifth week of offseason conditioning, according to the team's official website.
Smith, who reported at 330 pounds, hopes to lose another five pounds.
"Last year I wasn't in as good [of] shape as I could have been, but it was the smallest I'd been in the NFL so I was able to maintain it playing the game," Smith said. "This year I want to be in tip-top shape. Put together strength and wind so I can breathe."
Hensley's slant: Smith, the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft, looked like a bust after starting five games in his first two seasons. But he was one of the most improved players in the AFC North last season. In 2011, Smith gave up two sacks and was called for one holding penalty.
BROWNS: Even though the Browns didn't practice with pads, quarterback Brandon Weeden called running back Trent Richardson "a freak" by the third day of rookie minicamp. "Just look at him," Weeden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Whatever he is, 5-[foot]-10, 225 pounds and he's 2 percent body fat. He's got a special ability when the ball's in his hands. You can tell when you hand it to him, he takes it from you. He runs hard, and I'm really anxious to see him when he puts the pads on." Hensley's slant: The most important part of camp for Richardson was that he was on the field. The third overall pick said he's 100 percent after undergoing a minor knee scope after the college season. He did practice with a rubber sleeve on his left knee, but it was considered precautionary.
RAVENS: Wide receiver Torrey Smith told the Carroll County (Md.) Times that he has fully recovered from surgery in February to repair a double sports hernia that he played through last season. He has been cleared for offseason workouts and the team's June minicamp. "Yeah, I'm good," Smith said . "I've been running routes. I'm good to go. I'll be doing everything. I played in my [charity] basketball game and had like five dunks." Hensley's slant: Smith had three catches of at least 29 yards in the month of December. That's impressive considering he did that while playing injured. Plus, the ability of Jacoby Jones (averaged 16.5 yards per catch last season) to stretch the field could free up Smith even more.
STEELERS: Rookie seventh-round pick Kelvin Beachum received his Master’s degree from SMU and delivered the commencement address for his class at SMU’s Simmons School of Education & Human Development on Saturday. The offensive lineman earned his Masters in Liberal Studies with a concentration on organizational behavior in only 16 months. “I don’t know the statistics on how many people go into the NFL with their Masters, but to be able to succeed on the football field and in the classroom go hand in hand for me,” Beachum told the team's official website. “You have to work hard on the football field and in the classroom just to be able to stay on the field.” Hensley's slant: While other teams in the division are making headlines with injuries, the Steelers continue to make news with their players earning degrees (quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attended his commencement earlier this month). Beachum's next goal is to make an improving Steelers offensive line. He could become the third rookie to earn a spot along with David DeCastro and Mike Adams, the team's top two picks of this year's draft.
Offensive tackle Andre Smith continues to look in "terrific shape" as the Cincinnati Bengals began their fifth week of offseason conditioning, according to the team's official website.
Smith, who reported at 330 pounds, hopes to lose another five pounds.
"Last year I wasn't in as good [of] shape as I could have been, but it was the smallest I'd been in the NFL so I was able to maintain it playing the game," Smith said. "This year I want to be in tip-top shape. Put together strength and wind so I can breathe."
Hensley's slant: Smith, the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft, looked like a bust after starting five games in his first two seasons. But he was one of the most improved players in the AFC North last season. In 2011, Smith gave up two sacks and was called for one holding penalty.
BROWNS: Even though the Browns didn't practice with pads, quarterback Brandon Weeden called running back Trent Richardson "a freak" by the third day of rookie minicamp. "Just look at him," Weeden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Whatever he is, 5-[foot]-10, 225 pounds and he's 2 percent body fat. He's got a special ability when the ball's in his hands. You can tell when you hand it to him, he takes it from you. He runs hard, and I'm really anxious to see him when he puts the pads on." Hensley's slant: The most important part of camp for Richardson was that he was on the field. The third overall pick said he's 100 percent after undergoing a minor knee scope after the college season. He did practice with a rubber sleeve on his left knee, but it was considered precautionary.
RAVENS: Wide receiver Torrey Smith told the Carroll County (Md.) Times that he has fully recovered from surgery in February to repair a double sports hernia that he played through last season. He has been cleared for offseason workouts and the team's June minicamp. "Yeah, I'm good," Smith said . "I've been running routes. I'm good to go. I'll be doing everything. I played in my [charity] basketball game and had like five dunks." Hensley's slant: Smith had three catches of at least 29 yards in the month of December. That's impressive considering he did that while playing injured. Plus, the ability of Jacoby Jones (averaged 16.5 yards per catch last season) to stretch the field could free up Smith even more.
STEELERS: Rookie seventh-round pick Kelvin Beachum received his Master’s degree from SMU and delivered the commencement address for his class at SMU’s Simmons School of Education & Human Development on Saturday. The offensive lineman earned his Masters in Liberal Studies with a concentration on organizational behavior in only 16 months. “I don’t know the statistics on how many people go into the NFL with their Masters, but to be able to succeed on the football field and in the classroom go hand in hand for me,” Beachum told the team's official website. “You have to work hard on the football field and in the classroom just to be able to stay on the field.” Hensley's slant: While other teams in the division are making headlines with injuries, the Steelers continue to make news with their players earning degrees (quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attended his commencement earlier this month). Beachum's next goal is to make an improving Steelers offensive line. He could become the third rookie to earn a spot along with David DeCastro and Mike Adams, the team's top two picks of this year's draft.
It's only days removed from the draft, and no AFC North team has taken the field for a practice yet, but that won't stop us from looking ahead. Each day this week, we'll project the starting lineup for a team in the division. Let's start with the Cincinnati Bengals:
OFFENSE
QB Andy Dalton: The Who Dey Nation asks, Carson who?
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis: He's the prize of the Bengals' free-agent period.
FB Chris Pressley: Agreed to a two-year extension in March.
WR A.J. Green: He's been working out with Larry Fitzgerald this offseason.
WR Jordan Shipley: The No. 2 wide receiver job is wide open, but I'm giving the nod to Shipley if he's fully recovered from his knee injury.
TE Jermaine Gresham: First Bengals tight end since Dan Ross from the early 1980s to post two seasons of 50 receptions or more.
LT Andrew Whitworth: He often goes overlooked in a division with Joe Thomas in it.
LG Travelle Wharton: A free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers, where he started 99 games in eight years.
C Kyle Cook: Enters fourth season as the Bengals' starting center.
RG Kevin Zeitler: First-round pick was possibly best run-blocking guard in the draft.
RT Andre Smith: The big question is whether he can continue the progress he made last season.
DEFENSE
LDE Robert Geathers: Recorded 29 tackles last season, his lowest since his 2004 rookie season.
NT Domata Peko: Led defensive line in tackles for second straight year.
RDT Geno Atkins: Topped all NFL interior linemen with eight sacks last season.
RDE Michael Johnson: Regains his starting job after Frostee Rucker signed with the Browns in free agency.
SLB Manny Lawson: Returned to Cincinnati for a one-year, $2.1 million deal.
MLB Rey Maualuga: He could be facing a suspension from the NFL for his latest off-the-field incident.
WLB Thomas Howard: Led team in tackles in first season with the Bengals.
LCB Nate Clements: He has to fight off first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick to keep his starting job.
SS Taylor Mays: His job looks safe after the Bengals didn't take a safety in the first four rounds of the draft.
FS Reggie Nelson: Re-signed with the Bengals this offseason for $18 million over four years.
RCB Leon Hall: If Hall (Achilles injury) isn't ready to start the season, Bengals can turn to Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman or Adam Jones.
OFFENSE
QB Andy Dalton: The Who Dey Nation asks, Carson who?
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis: He's the prize of the Bengals' free-agent period.
FB Chris Pressley: Agreed to a two-year extension in March.
WR A.J. Green: He's been working out with Larry Fitzgerald this offseason.
WR Jordan Shipley: The No. 2 wide receiver job is wide open, but I'm giving the nod to Shipley if he's fully recovered from his knee injury.
TE Jermaine Gresham: First Bengals tight end since Dan Ross from the early 1980s to post two seasons of 50 receptions or more.
LT Andrew Whitworth: He often goes overlooked in a division with Joe Thomas in it.
LG Travelle Wharton: A free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers, where he started 99 games in eight years.
C Kyle Cook: Enters fourth season as the Bengals' starting center.
RG Kevin Zeitler: First-round pick was possibly best run-blocking guard in the draft.
RT Andre Smith: The big question is whether he can continue the progress he made last season.
DEFENSE
LDE Robert Geathers: Recorded 29 tackles last season, his lowest since his 2004 rookie season.
NT Domata Peko: Led defensive line in tackles for second straight year.
RDT Geno Atkins: Topped all NFL interior linemen with eight sacks last season.
RDE Michael Johnson: Regains his starting job after Frostee Rucker signed with the Browns in free agency.
SLB Manny Lawson: Returned to Cincinnati for a one-year, $2.1 million deal.
MLB Rey Maualuga: He could be facing a suspension from the NFL for his latest off-the-field incident.
WLB Thomas Howard: Led team in tackles in first season with the Bengals.
LCB Nate Clements: He has to fight off first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick to keep his starting job.
SS Taylor Mays: His job looks safe after the Bengals didn't take a safety in the first four rounds of the draft.
FS Reggie Nelson: Re-signed with the Bengals this offseason for $18 million over four years.
RCB Leon Hall: If Hall (Achilles injury) isn't ready to start the season, Bengals can turn to Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman or Adam Jones.
Will David DeCastro fall to the Bengals?
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
4:00
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Recent draft history says Stanford guard David DeCastro will fall to the Bengals at the 17th overall pick.
No guard has been selected in the top 16 in the previous 14 drafts. Since 2001, the highest a guard has been selected was No. 17 and it's happened twice (Steve Hutchinson in 2001 and Mike Iupati in 2010).
But all of that could change this year. DeCastro is considered one of the best guard prospects in over a decade. He has been projected to go as early as No. 11 to the Kansas City Chiefs. But there is talk that the Chiefs might look to trade down and take nose tackle Dontari Poe.
DeCastro has also been linked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 13, the Dallas Cowboys at No. 14 and the New York Jets at No. 16. Is there any team that's not interested in DeCastro in the middle of the first round?
It looks like the odds are against DeCastro dropping to the Bengals. Their fallback option at guard could be Georgia's Cordy Glenn.
Here are notes and numbers for the Bengals entering the draft, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information:
No guard has been selected in the top 16 in the previous 14 drafts. Since 2001, the highest a guard has been selected was No. 17 and it's happened twice (Steve Hutchinson in 2001 and Mike Iupati in 2010).
But all of that could change this year. DeCastro is considered one of the best guard prospects in over a decade. He has been projected to go as early as No. 11 to the Kansas City Chiefs. But there is talk that the Chiefs might look to trade down and take nose tackle Dontari Poe.
DeCastro has also been linked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 13, the Dallas Cowboys at No. 14 and the New York Jets at No. 16. Is there any team that's not interested in DeCastro in the middle of the first round?
It looks like the odds are against DeCastro dropping to the Bengals. Their fallback option at guard could be Georgia's Cordy Glenn.
Here are notes and numbers for the Bengals entering the draft, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information:
- Total picks: 9 (17th, 21st, 53rd, 83rd, 116th, 156th, 166th, 167th, 191st)
- The Bengals are one of three teams with multiple first-round picks (Browns and Patriots are the others).
- The Bengals have drafted four Pro Bowl players since 2010 (A.J. Green, Andy Dalton, Jermaine Gresham, Geno Atkins), which is two more than any other team.
- Cincinnati had two rookie Pro Bowl players (Green, Dalton) last season. The Bengals were the first team with multiple rookie Pro Bowl players since the 1980 Lions had Billy Sims and Eddie Murray).
- The Bengals selected tight end Gresham with 21st pick in 2010.
- Cincinnati last had multiple first-round picks in 1998 (selected linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons).
- The Bengals have drafted an offensive player with their past three first-round picks (Green, Gresham, Andre Smith).
US PresswireBen Roethlisberger, Ray Rice and Joe Thomas earned spots on the All-AFC North team.It's time to wrap up my All-AFC North team by unveiling the offense. As always, the selections were based on performance this season, and not past reputation.
Of course, tell me who I left off, who should have been on and any other opinions in the comments section below.
Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers. He carried the Steelers' offense and he did it through pain. Roethlisberger sprained his foot (which required a metal plate in his shoe), broke his right thumb and then suffered a high-ankle sprain. He was still able to lead the division with 4,077 yards passing, 21 touchdowns and a 63.2 completion rate. Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns against Tennessee, out-dueled Tom Brady and beat Cleveland in the first meeting on one leg. Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton were distant seconds.
Running back: Ray Rice, Ravens. He has really been a one-man show on the Baltimore offense for most of the season. Over the past two seasons (including playoffs), the Ravens are 21-2 (.913) when Rice gets at least 20 touches. They are 5-8 (.385) when he doesn't. Rice also produced an NFL-best 2,068 total yards and set a team record with 15 touchdowns. No one else in the NFL cracked 2,000 yards. Rice led the AFC North in rushing (1,364 yards) and receptions (76). That's a double threat.
Fullback: Vonta Leach, Ravens. One year after blocking for the NFL rushing champion, Leach paved the way for the league's No. 2 rusher in Rice this season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Ravens averaged 91.4 yards rushing and 4.5 yards per carry on runs during the regular season when Leach was the lead blocker. Baltimore also scored 14 touchdowns running behind Leach.
Wide receiver: Mike Wallace, Steelers. He finished first among division wide receivers with 72 catches and 1,193 yards receiving. Wallace continued to stretch the field with seven receptions of at least 40 yards, including touchdowns of 81 and 95 yards. His 95-yard touchdown was the longest pass play in Steelers history. He also caught one pass of 40 yards or more in six straight games this season.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Tony TribbleRookie wideout A.J. Green quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous deep threats in the NFL.
AP Photo/Tony TribbleRookie wideout A.J. Green quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous deep threats in the NFL.Tight end: Jermaine Gresham, Bengals. This was perhaps the closest call on offense. Gresham edged out Pittsburgh's Heath Miller and Baltimore's Ed Dickson because he led AFC North tight ends in receptions (56) and touchdown catches (six). In the comeback win over the Bills, Gresham pulled the Bengals to within 17-13 in the third quarter with a one-handed 17-yard touchdown grab and then had a 25-yard reception in the fourth quarter, which was the longest play in the game-tying drive.
Left tackle: Joe Thomas, Browns. Thomas wasn't at his best this season but he was still better than every left tackle in this division (yes, even Cincinnati's Andrew Whitworth). He allowed a career-low 3.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Weekly, but he was flagged a career-worst six times for false starts. When Thomas was on top of his game, no one could beat him.
Left guard: Ben Grubbs, Ravens. No offensive lineman made more of an impact with his presence this season. In 10 games with Grubbs in the lineup, the Ravens averaged 141.7 yards rushing. In six games without him (toe injury), Baltimore ran for 96.5 yards per game. That's a difference of 45.2 yards rushing.
Center: Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers. He has been named to the Pro Bowl and the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Pro team, but Houston's Chris Myers was the top center in the AFC this season. Some would argue Cleveland's Alex Mack or Baltimore's Matt Birk (who actually did have a better year than many think) were stronger throughout the season than Pouncey. Still, when Pouncey was healthy this season, there was no better center in the AFC North than him.
Right guard: Marshal Yanda, Ravens. He was the top offensive lineman in the AFC North this season and quite possibly the best right guard in football. If you need proof of that, Yanda gave up two sacks and committed one penalty. He really made his mark by playing through injuries only months removed from landing his big payday.
Right tackle: Andre Smith, Bengals. The most improved player in the division, Smith is quietly starting to distance himself from the label of being a first-round bust. This isn't to say he didn't have some poor games and a high number of penalties (eight). Overall, it was a bad year for right tackles in the division. Smith stood out because he stayed on the field for 14 games, doubling last year's total, and developed into an above-average starter.
Here are the main injuries around the division and what they mean:
BENGALS: Cincinnati could be starting two backups on the right side of the offensive line. Mike McGlynn is taking over at RG for Bobbie Williams, who has been placed on injured reserve. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) didn't practice Thursday and Friday. Anthony Collins would replace Smith, who has been among the most-improved players on the team. DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), who has been out for four of the past five games, is probable after being limited in practice all week. RB Cedric Benson (back), CB Nate Clements (hamstring), S Chris Crocker (knee) and LB Manny Lawson (ankle) are all probable.
BROWNS: Cleveland finally made it official and ruled out QB Colt McCoy (concussion), who hasn't practiced since getting hit in the head by Steelers LB James Harrison. Seneca Wallace makes his fifth start for the Browns. TE Ben Watson (concussion, placed on injured reserve), FB Owen Marecic (concussion) and SS T.J. Ward (foot) are also out. WR Josh Cribbs (groin) and RB Montario Hardesty (calf) are questionable. RB Peyton Hillis had full practices all week and wasn't listed on the injury report.
RAVENS: CB Lardarius Webb (toe, questionable) is considered the most serious after not practicing all week. Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams are expected to start for Baltimore at cornerback. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) is expected to return after being sidelined for four weeks. DE Cory Redding (ankle, questionable) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday. DT Haloti Ngata (back, questionable) has been limited all week but should start. K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) didn't practice this week but that was considered precautionary because he kicked last Sunday with the same injury.
STEELERS: Official designations will come out Saturday because the Steelers play on Monday night. QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) practiced for the first time this week, although it was on a limited basis. SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring), C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) all didn't practice.
BENGALS: Cincinnati could be starting two backups on the right side of the offensive line. Mike McGlynn is taking over at RG for Bobbie Williams, who has been placed on injured reserve. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) didn't practice Thursday and Friday. Anthony Collins would replace Smith, who has been among the most-improved players on the team. DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), who has been out for four of the past five games, is probable after being limited in practice all week. RB Cedric Benson (back), CB Nate Clements (hamstring), S Chris Crocker (knee) and LB Manny Lawson (ankle) are all probable.
BROWNS: Cleveland finally made it official and ruled out QB Colt McCoy (concussion), who hasn't practiced since getting hit in the head by Steelers LB James Harrison. Seneca Wallace makes his fifth start for the Browns. TE Ben Watson (concussion, placed on injured reserve), FB Owen Marecic (concussion) and SS T.J. Ward (foot) are also out. WR Josh Cribbs (groin) and RB Montario Hardesty (calf) are questionable. RB Peyton Hillis had full practices all week and wasn't listed on the injury report.
RAVENS: CB Lardarius Webb (toe, questionable) is considered the most serious after not practicing all week. Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams are expected to start for Baltimore at cornerback. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) is expected to return after being sidelined for four weeks. DE Cory Redding (ankle, questionable) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday. DT Haloti Ngata (back, questionable) has been limited all week but should start. K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) didn't practice this week but that was considered precautionary because he kicked last Sunday with the same injury.
STEELERS: Official designations will come out Saturday because the Steelers play on Monday night. QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) practiced for the first time this week, although it was on a limited basis. SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring), C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) all didn't practice.
Here the major injuries in the division and what they mean:
BENGALS: DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring, doubtful) hasn't practiced all week and will miss his fourth game in five weeks. CB Nate Clements (hamstring, questionable) returned to practice for the first time this week on Friday, which boosts his chances of playing after missing last game. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) has been limited the past two days and should start. RB Cedric Benson (probable, foot) has been dealing with this injury for two weeks. ... For the Texans, WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) has been ruled out. He will be replaced by Jacoby Jones, which is a major dropoff. This is the seventh missed game for Johnson this season.
RAVENS: K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) has missed the past two practices and is considered a game-time decision. "I’m hopeful. I really am hopeful," coach John Harbaugh said. "We’ll have a backup plan for sure." If he can't go, the Ravens would turn to Shayne Graham, who was in Baltimore's training camp a couple of years ago. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) hasn't practiced all week and is expected to return next week. C Matt Birk (shoulder, probable) returned to practice Friday. ... For the Colts, leading tackler Pat Angerer (knee, questionable) had a full practice Friday after being limited Thursday. TE Dallas Clark (fibula, questionable) and WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin, questionable) both had full practices Friday.
BENGALS: DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring, doubtful) hasn't practiced all week and will miss his fourth game in five weeks. CB Nate Clements (hamstring, questionable) returned to practice for the first time this week on Friday, which boosts his chances of playing after missing last game. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) has been limited the past two days and should start. RB Cedric Benson (probable, foot) has been dealing with this injury for two weeks. ... For the Texans, WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) has been ruled out. He will be replaced by Jacoby Jones, which is a major dropoff. This is the seventh missed game for Johnson this season.
RAVENS: K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) has missed the past two practices and is considered a game-time decision. "I’m hopeful. I really am hopeful," coach John Harbaugh said. "We’ll have a backup plan for sure." If he can't go, the Ravens would turn to Shayne Graham, who was in Baltimore's training camp a couple of years ago. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) hasn't practiced all week and is expected to return next week. C Matt Birk (shoulder, probable) returned to practice Friday. ... For the Colts, leading tackler Pat Angerer (knee, questionable) had a full practice Friday after being limited Thursday. TE Dallas Clark (fibula, questionable) and WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin, questionable) both had full practices Friday.
If you have a question about the AFC North, send it to my mailbag. This is the second part of our mailbag today, so let's continue to open up some mail ...
Devin from Ontario, Canada, writes: With the success of A.J. Green (in the end zone, with a touchdown), does this cause a re-think in the axiom that you don't use a top 10 pick on a wide receiver? Is this guy just that special or is this a function of the new NFL rules punishing defenses?
Hensley responds: Green is really special. You just have to look at how his rookie numbers stack up against the best wide receivers of this past decade (here's the link). If you can get an elite receiver, you have to get them in the top 10. I'm really not in favor of grabbing a wide receiver later in the first round. For the most part (and I know there are exceptions), it seems like teams reach for wide receivers when they take them in the bottom third of the first round. In this division, where defenses don't allow too many double-digit play drives, you need a playmaker who can stretch the field. It's essential.
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David from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., writes: As of right now who do you honestly think is a front runner to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl?
Hensley responds: I know this makes me sound like an AFC North homer, but the two best teams I've seen in person this year are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. Wait, make that the Ravens when they're playing at home or playing the Steelers. I know the Patriots are looking good right now, but at this point in the season, the Steelers or the Ravens look like the teams who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. I would be shocked if it didn't work out that way.
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Jeff S. from Toledo, Ohio, writes: It looks like Michael Oher will be going to the Pro Bowl. Do you believe that he is the best tackle in the division? If not, who do you think is the best tackle in the AFC North?
Hensley responds: Oher is leading the voting because of the popularity of the movie "The Blind Side." It's kind of funny that he doesn't even protect the blind side anymore. But don't expect Oher to make the Pro Bowl. The voting from the players and coaches will get Cleveland's Joe Thomas in there. He is the best left tackle in the AFC. Cincinnati's Andrew Whitworth gets overshadowed by Thomas because they play in the same division, but he's better than Oher as well.
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Jonnyplesko from Pittsburgh writes: As you may have noticed on the blog following the first Steelers-Bengals matchup, a lot of Cincy fans seemed to think injuries cost them the game against Pittsburgh. In response, a lot of Pittsburgh fans reminded them that Pittsburgh came into the game without LaMarr Woodley and Emmanuel Sanders (both pretty important players for Pittsburgh). So, my question is, who has a bigger impact on this game, A.J. Green, or LaMarr Woodley? My money is on Woodley. I think [Andy] Dalton played admirably in the first game, but with James Harrison and Woodley coming off the edges, he will have even less time and be forced into some mistakes. Your thoughts?
Hensley responds: I agree with you on this and this isn't a knock on Green. I expect the Steelers to do everything in their power to shut down Green. Pittsburgh doesn't fear Jerome Simpson or Andre Caldwell. Both those receivers didn't make an impact when Green left the previous Pittsburgh game with a hyperextended knee. Woodley, though, could show some rust having missed three games. He'll also have the challenge of going against Andre Smith. But if Woodley plays Sunday like he did before the injury, he is unstoppable at times.
Devin from Ontario, Canada, writes: With the success of A.J. Green (in the end zone, with a touchdown), does this cause a re-think in the axiom that you don't use a top 10 pick on a wide receiver? Is this guy just that special or is this a function of the new NFL rules punishing defenses?
Hensley responds: Green is really special. You just have to look at how his rookie numbers stack up against the best wide receivers of this past decade (here's the link). If you can get an elite receiver, you have to get them in the top 10. I'm really not in favor of grabbing a wide receiver later in the first round. For the most part (and I know there are exceptions), it seems like teams reach for wide receivers when they take them in the bottom third of the first round. In this division, where defenses don't allow too many double-digit play drives, you need a playmaker who can stretch the field. It's essential.
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David from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., writes: As of right now who do you honestly think is a front runner to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl?
Hensley responds: I know this makes me sound like an AFC North homer, but the two best teams I've seen in person this year are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. Wait, make that the Ravens when they're playing at home or playing the Steelers. I know the Patriots are looking good right now, but at this point in the season, the Steelers or the Ravens look like the teams who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. I would be shocked if it didn't work out that way.
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Jeff S. from Toledo, Ohio, writes: It looks like Michael Oher will be going to the Pro Bowl. Do you believe that he is the best tackle in the division? If not, who do you think is the best tackle in the AFC North?
Hensley responds: Oher is leading the voting because of the popularity of the movie "The Blind Side." It's kind of funny that he doesn't even protect the blind side anymore. But don't expect Oher to make the Pro Bowl. The voting from the players and coaches will get Cleveland's Joe Thomas in there. He is the best left tackle in the AFC. Cincinnati's Andrew Whitworth gets overshadowed by Thomas because they play in the same division, but he's better than Oher as well.
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Jonnyplesko from Pittsburgh writes: As you may have noticed on the blog following the first Steelers-Bengals matchup, a lot of Cincy fans seemed to think injuries cost them the game against Pittsburgh. In response, a lot of Pittsburgh fans reminded them that Pittsburgh came into the game without LaMarr Woodley and Emmanuel Sanders (both pretty important players for Pittsburgh). So, my question is, who has a bigger impact on this game, A.J. Green, or LaMarr Woodley? My money is on Woodley. I think [Andy] Dalton played admirably in the first game, but with James Harrison and Woodley coming off the edges, he will have even less time and be forced into some mistakes. Your thoughts?
Hensley responds: I agree with you on this and this isn't a knock on Green. I expect the Steelers to do everything in their power to shut down Green. Pittsburgh doesn't fear Jerome Simpson or Andre Caldwell. Both those receivers didn't make an impact when Green left the previous Pittsburgh game with a hyperextended knee. Woodley, though, could show some rust having missed three games. He'll also have the challenge of going against Andre Smith. But if Woodley plays Sunday like he did before the injury, he is unstoppable at times.
Wake-up: Pouncey says he's going to play
December, 2, 2011
12/02/11
6:15
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey said he expects to play Sunday against the Bengals despite losing 12 pounds from a violent stomach virus last weekend.
Pouncey coughed and sneezed through Saturday night and then got sick when he arrived at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. He's been on a diet of bread, yogurt and fluid ever since, which has helped him gain two pounds back (he's now 279 pounds).
"I'm definitely going to play," Pouncey told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday, when he returned to practice with limited participation.
Pouncey lasted 18 plays last Sunday before getting replaced by Doug Legursky.
"In between the plays, I was having dry heaves, I couldn't stop trying to throw up," he told the paper. "When I got to the sideline, they wanted to IV me."
Hensley's slant: The Steelers need Pouncey to be as close to full strength as possible against the most underrated defensive front in the NFL. The Bengals' defensive linemen have totaled 23.5 sacks this season. Cincinnati hasn't had to blitz to get after quarterbacks this year.
BENGALS: Right tackle Andre Smith said he's ready for his rematch with Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who is expected to return after missing three games. The last time Smith faced Woodley was last year, when Smith was dominated so much that he was pulled briefly for a series. "He's a phenomenal player and it's going to be a dogfight," Smith told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "When I played him last year, I wasn't as mature as I am now."
Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey said he expects to play Sunday against the Bengals despite losing 12 pounds from a violent stomach virus last weekend.
Pouncey coughed and sneezed through Saturday night and then got sick when he arrived at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. He's been on a diet of bread, yogurt and fluid ever since, which has helped him gain two pounds back (he's now 279 pounds).
"I'm definitely going to play," Pouncey told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday, when he returned to practice with limited participation.
Pouncey lasted 18 plays last Sunday before getting replaced by Doug Legursky.
"In between the plays, I was having dry heaves, I couldn't stop trying to throw up," he told the paper. "When I got to the sideline, they wanted to IV me."
Hensley's slant: The Steelers need Pouncey to be as close to full strength as possible against the most underrated defensive front in the NFL. The Bengals' defensive linemen have totaled 23.5 sacks this season. Cincinnati hasn't had to blitz to get after quarterbacks this year.
BENGALS: Right tackle Andre Smith said he's ready for his rematch with Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who is expected to return after missing three games. The last time Smith faced Woodley was last year, when Smith was dominated so much that he was pulled briefly for a series. "He's a phenomenal player and it's going to be a dogfight," Smith told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "When I played him last year, I wasn't as mature as I am now."
Hensley's slant: This really will be a true test of how much Smith has progressed since last year. He's among the most improved players in the AFC North. But Woodley was on a tear before getting hurt, recording 7.5 sacks in a span of four games.
BROWNS: Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur said he didn't have a problem with the recent venting of wide receiver Josh Cribbs, who said he was "fed up" with losing. "It sounded to me like he just wants to win," Shurmur said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cribbs tried to clarify his comments Thursday by saying: "That doesn't mean that I want to leave [because] I am sick and tired of losing like everybody is."
Hensley's slant: No one forced Cribbs to stay in Cleveland. He signed a three-year, $20 million contract last year. The Browns also have tried hard to appease Cribbs this season, giving him the second-most snaps among wide receivers and letting him play on special teams.
RAVENS: Lardarius Webb has become the top cornerback on the Ravens' defense, according to the Carroll County Times. "I'm healthy as a player; last year I wasn't healthy, I admit it," said Webb, who estimated he played at 80 percent last season which was one year after blowing out his knee. "I was thinking I was that fast and I wasn't that fast. My mind thought I was doing it, but legs weren't doing it like I thought I was doing it. I thought I got a good jump, but it really wasn't a good jump because it was slow because of my knee."
Hensley's slant: Webb's play has been one of the biggest surprises of the Ravens' defense this year. It seemed like he was going to be Baltimore's nickel back this season, but he had a strong preseason when veterans (Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr) struggled with injuries. You can envision Webb and first-round pick Jimmy Smith as the Ravens' starting cornerbacks for many years.
Revisiting the Cincinnati Bengals' 27-17 win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts:
Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith have quietly been one of the best offensive tackle combinations in the NFL. On Sunday, they did their best silencing act of the season.
The Cincinnati offensive tackles shut out Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Whitworth, who plays left tackle, and Smith, who is on the right side, held them without a tackle or a sack.
That hasn't happened to Freeney and Mathis in the same game since Week 15 of the 2009 season.
"Yeah, they told me and Andre that this is our week -- that we were going to be one-on-one with them with no help," Whitworth said after the game. "We went out and had a good night."
STAT THAT STICKS: 11 -- Penalties by the Bengals for 111 yards in Sunday's game. It was unlike the Bengals, who averaged 4.6 penalties entering this game.
OVERHEARD: "We felt like we could be as great as we wanted to be. As long as we continue to play like we are and play for one another, we are going to go as far as we want to go." Defensive end Carlos Dunlap after he scored the game-clinching touchdown on a 35-yard fumble return.
LOOKING AHEAD: The Bengals (4-2) head into their bye week before playing consecutive road games at Seattle and at Tennessee.
Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith have quietly been one of the best offensive tackle combinations in the NFL. On Sunday, they did their best silencing act of the season.
The Cincinnati offensive tackles shut out Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Whitworth, who plays left tackle, and Smith, who is on the right side, held them without a tackle or a sack.
That hasn't happened to Freeney and Mathis in the same game since Week 15 of the 2009 season.
"Yeah, they told me and Andre that this is our week -- that we were going to be one-on-one with them with no help," Whitworth said after the game. "We went out and had a good night."
STAT THAT STICKS: 11 -- Penalties by the Bengals for 111 yards in Sunday's game. It was unlike the Bengals, who averaged 4.6 penalties entering this game.
OVERHEARD: "We felt like we could be as great as we wanted to be. As long as we continue to play like we are and play for one another, we are going to go as far as we want to go." Defensive end Carlos Dunlap after he scored the game-clinching touchdown on a 35-yard fumble return.
LOOKING AHEAD: The Bengals (4-2) head into their bye week before playing consecutive road games at Seattle and at Tennessee.
Here are the latest happenings Wednesday evening in the AFC North:
- Should the Baltimore Ravens have interest in Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft?
- Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Andre Smith (foot) is still in a boot but hopes to get out by the end of the week.
- Cleveland Browns rookie fullback Owen Marecic will miss "Camp Colt" because of graduation.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers begin selling individual game tickets.
- Here is a recap of this week's chat on the AFC North.
» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: draft philosophy.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens often follow the philosophy of the right player at the right price. Therefore, Baltimore is not afraid to trade up in the draft or trade back if the value is right. As a result, Baltimore traditionally finds great players who were overlooked by other teams. The Ravens also are very good at scouting what I call "football character," which is somewhat different from regular character. Football character is having a certain toughness, confidence and an edge to fit into Baltimore's locker room full of strong personalities. The Ravens play with a certain attitude and swagger, particularly on defense, and it's not for everyone.
Cincinnati Bengals
Explaining the Bengals' draft philosophy can be tricky. Their approach is conservative. Rarely do you see a lot of wheeling and dealing coming from Cincinnati's draft room. The last time the Bengals pulled off a significant, draft-day trade in the first round was in 2004, when the St. Louis Rams moved up to draft tailback Steven Jackson and Cincinnati took Chris Perry. So expect Cincinnati to stay put this year at No. 4. But when it is time for the Bengals to pick players, they are not afraid to take character risks in exchange for talent. Sometimes it works out (Carlos Dunlap) for Cincinnati and sometimes it doesn't (Andre Smith).
Cleveland Browns
You didn't know what to expect from the Browns last year in the first draft under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert. But the pair did a solid job working together for the first time. Cleveland landed solid rookies such as cornerback Joe Haden, safety T.J. Ward and quarterback Colt McCoy in the first three rounds. All three were starters by midseason. If any trend could be read from just one year, it's that the Browns will continue to attack their biggest needs. Last year the secondary and quarterback positions were thin after the new regime cleaned house, cutting quarterback Derek Anderson and trading Brady Quinn. This year the biggest needs are defensive line and wide receiver, which Holmgren and Heckert will surely address in this draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Philosophically, the Steelers are great at projecting two and three years ahead. For example, they will draft tailback Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, despite the fact Willie Parker rushed for 1,316 yards the previous year in 2007. Three seasons later, Mendenhall is a star in Pittsburgh and Parker has hit a wall. Or they will draft linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, even if they don't need them right away. The Steelers are willing to groom players for a couple of seasons before they become productive. Defensive end Ziggy Hood, a first-round pick in 2009, is another good example. Usually Pittsburgh can afford the luxury of taking the best available players. But this year the team has well-defined needs, such as cornerback and the offensive line.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: draft philosophy.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens often follow the philosophy of the right player at the right price. Therefore, Baltimore is not afraid to trade up in the draft or trade back if the value is right. As a result, Baltimore traditionally finds great players who were overlooked by other teams. The Ravens also are very good at scouting what I call "football character," which is somewhat different from regular character. Football character is having a certain toughness, confidence and an edge to fit into Baltimore's locker room full of strong personalities. The Ravens play with a certain attitude and swagger, particularly on defense, and it's not for everyone.
Cincinnati Bengals
Explaining the Bengals' draft philosophy can be tricky. Their approach is conservative. Rarely do you see a lot of wheeling and dealing coming from Cincinnati's draft room. The last time the Bengals pulled off a significant, draft-day trade in the first round was in 2004, when the St. Louis Rams moved up to draft tailback Steven Jackson and Cincinnati took Chris Perry. So expect Cincinnati to stay put this year at No. 4. But when it is time for the Bengals to pick players, they are not afraid to take character risks in exchange for talent. Sometimes it works out (Carlos Dunlap) for Cincinnati and sometimes it doesn't (Andre Smith).
Cleveland Browns
You didn't know what to expect from the Browns last year in the first draft under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert. But the pair did a solid job working together for the first time. Cleveland landed solid rookies such as cornerback Joe Haden, safety T.J. Ward and quarterback Colt McCoy in the first three rounds. All three were starters by midseason. If any trend could be read from just one year, it's that the Browns will continue to attack their biggest needs. Last year the secondary and quarterback positions were thin after the new regime cleaned house, cutting quarterback Derek Anderson and trading Brady Quinn. This year the biggest needs are defensive line and wide receiver, which Holmgren and Heckert will surely address in this draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Philosophically, the Steelers are great at projecting two and three years ahead. For example, they will draft tailback Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, despite the fact Willie Parker rushed for 1,316 yards the previous year in 2007. Three seasons later, Mendenhall is a star in Pittsburgh and Parker has hit a wall. Or they will draft linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, even if they don't need them right away. The Steelers are willing to groom players for a couple of seasons before they become productive. Defensive end Ziggy Hood, a first-round pick in 2009, is another good example. Usually Pittsburgh can afford the luxury of taking the best available players. But this year the team has well-defined needs, such as cornerback and the offensive line.
» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: history in that spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' top pick is No. 4 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: OT Trent Williams, (Redskins)
2009: LB Aaron Curry (Seahawks)
2008: RB Darren McFadden (Raiders)
2007: DE Gaines Adams (Buccaneers)
2006: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets)
2005: RB Cedric Benson (Bears)
2004: QB Philip Rivers (Chargers)
Analysis: Draft history shows the Bengals are in a good spot at No. 4. Most players on this list have turned out to be productive pros or are getting playing time right away while trying to make a name for themselves. The last franchise quarterback taken in this spot was Rivers, who was drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers on draft day in 2004. That was a great pick in a strong quarterback class that included the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger and the Giants' Eli Manning. Is that caliber of quarterback available this year for the Bengals, whose starter, Carson Palmer, has threatened to retire? Prospects such as Auburn's Cam Newton and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert would be much riskier picks.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns' top pick is No. 6 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: OT Russell Okung (Seahawks)
2009: OT Andre Smith (Bengals)
2008: LB Vernon Gholston (Jets)
2007: S LaRon Landry (Redskins)
2006: TE Vernon Davis (49ers)
2005: CB Adam Jones (Titans)
2004: TE Kellen Winslow Jr. (Browns)
Analysis: Recent history shows the No. 6 overall pick can be hit or miss. Smith, Gholston and Jones are all certified busts as big-money draft picks. It's too early to tell with Okung, while Landry, Davis and Winslow have all had multiple productive seasons in the NFL. The Browns went 5-11 for the second consecutive year after having a similar pick in 2010. In the first year under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, Cleveland took cornerback Joe Haden at No. 7 overall, and he turned out to be a solid selection. The Browns need to add another impact player from the top of this draft to close the gap with the Ravens and Steelers.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' top pick is No. 26 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: DT Dan Williams (Cardinals)
2009: LB Clay Matthews Jr. (Packers)
2008: OT Duane Brown (Texans)
2007: LB Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)
2006: DT John McCargo (Bills)
2005: C Chris Spencer (Seahawks)
2004: RB Chris Perry (Bengals)
Analysis: Picking late in the first round is one of the toughest things to do for any franchise, but the Ravens thrive on it. General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best at finding late-round gems. Current Ravens such as Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, Ed Reed, Todd Heap and Ray Lewis were all taken with picks No. 23 and later. Matthews is the most recent gem at No. 26. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers two years ago and quickly became one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. But Baltimore also has to be careful. Most of this recent group has failed to live up to expectations.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' top pick is No. 31 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: DE Jerry Hughes (Colts)
2009: RB Beanie Wells (Cardinals)
2008: S Kenny Phillips (Giants)
2007: TE Greg Olsen (Bears)
2006: CB Kelly Jennings (Seahawks)
2005: DT Mike Patterson (Eagles)
2004: WR Rashaun Woods (49ers)
Analysis: The Steelers, who have six championships, are in the unfamiliar position of being Super Bowl losers. They will try to use the No. 31 overall pick to fill one of the team's needs. These players are not expected to be superstars. But they are first-round picks and the goal is to become productive starters. Pittsburgh is similar to Baltimore with its ability to find great players late in rounds. Since 2005, Pittsburgh has drafted Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, Ziggy Hood and Santonio Holmes with picks No. 23 and later. The Steelers will aim to continue their late-round success in this draft.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: history in that spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' top pick is No. 4 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: OT Trent Williams, (Redskins)
2009: LB Aaron Curry (Seahawks)
2008: RB Darren McFadden (Raiders)
2007: DE Gaines Adams (Buccaneers)
2006: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets)
2005: RB Cedric Benson (Bears)
2004: QB Philip Rivers (Chargers)
Analysis: Draft history shows the Bengals are in a good spot at No. 4. Most players on this list have turned out to be productive pros or are getting playing time right away while trying to make a name for themselves. The last franchise quarterback taken in this spot was Rivers, who was drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers on draft day in 2004. That was a great pick in a strong quarterback class that included the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger and the Giants' Eli Manning. Is that caliber of quarterback available this year for the Bengals, whose starter, Carson Palmer, has threatened to retire? Prospects such as Auburn's Cam Newton and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert would be much riskier picks.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns' top pick is No. 6 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: OT Russell Okung (Seahawks)
2009: OT Andre Smith (Bengals)
2008: LB Vernon Gholston (Jets)
2007: S LaRon Landry (Redskins)
2006: TE Vernon Davis (49ers)
2005: CB Adam Jones (Titans)
2004: TE Kellen Winslow Jr. (Browns)
Analysis: Recent history shows the No. 6 overall pick can be hit or miss. Smith, Gholston and Jones are all certified busts as big-money draft picks. It's too early to tell with Okung, while Landry, Davis and Winslow have all had multiple productive seasons in the NFL. The Browns went 5-11 for the second consecutive year after having a similar pick in 2010. In the first year under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, Cleveland took cornerback Joe Haden at No. 7 overall, and he turned out to be a solid selection. The Browns need to add another impact player from the top of this draft to close the gap with the Ravens and Steelers.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' top pick is No. 26 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: DT Dan Williams (Cardinals)
2009: LB Clay Matthews Jr. (Packers)
2008: OT Duane Brown (Texans)
2007: LB Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)
2006: DT John McCargo (Bills)
2005: C Chris Spencer (Seahawks)
2004: RB Chris Perry (Bengals)
Analysis: Picking late in the first round is one of the toughest things to do for any franchise, but the Ravens thrive on it. General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best at finding late-round gems. Current Ravens such as Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, Ed Reed, Todd Heap and Ray Lewis were all taken with picks No. 23 and later. Matthews is the most recent gem at No. 26. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers two years ago and quickly became one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. But Baltimore also has to be careful. Most of this recent group has failed to live up to expectations.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' top pick is No. 31 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:
2010: DE Jerry Hughes (Colts)
2009: RB Beanie Wells (Cardinals)
2008: S Kenny Phillips (Giants)
2007: TE Greg Olsen (Bears)
2006: CB Kelly Jennings (Seahawks)
2005: DT Mike Patterson (Eagles)
2004: WR Rashaun Woods (49ers)
Analysis: The Steelers, who have six championships, are in the unfamiliar position of being Super Bowl losers. They will try to use the No. 31 overall pick to fill one of the team's needs. These players are not expected to be superstars. But they are first-round picks and the goal is to become productive starters. Pittsburgh is similar to Baltimore with its ability to find great players late in rounds. Since 2005, Pittsburgh has drafted Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, Ziggy Hood and Santonio Holmes with picks No. 23 and later. The Steelers will aim to continue their late-round success in this draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals have officially listed former first-round draft pick Andre Smith as a "tackle/guard" on their offseason roster. This is not a surprise, because the Bengals have discussed a possible position switch with Smith for months.
But moving Smith to guard after just two seasons would be telling. In many ways, it would be an admission that the Bengals no longer believe Smith will be the franchise NFL tackle they expected.
Cincinnati invested the No. 6 overall pick -- usually a spot reserved for a left tackle -- and immediately moved Smith to the right side, despite paying him left tackle money. That was the first red flag.
A lengthy contract dispute, two foot injuries, inconsistent play and questions about Smith's work ethic all followed. It's been a disastrous two-year stretch for Smith, who has just five starts with the Bengals.
But perhaps a move inside could help jump-start Smith's career. He's never had the prototypical body for an offensive tackle. His strength is his girth, not his feet or ability to move quickly in space. Therefore, his weaknesses won't be exposed as much at guard.
Once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, the Bengals have to decide whether to extend Smith's contract for two additional years and pay him a $4.75 million bonus this offseason. Chances are, that won't happen.
But the Bengals are hoping to get the best out of Smith in 2011 -- even if it's from a position the team didn't expect two years ago.
But moving Smith to guard after just two seasons would be telling. In many ways, it would be an admission that the Bengals no longer believe Smith will be the franchise NFL tackle they expected.
Cincinnati invested the No. 6 overall pick -- usually a spot reserved for a left tackle -- and immediately moved Smith to the right side, despite paying him left tackle money. That was the first red flag.
A lengthy contract dispute, two foot injuries, inconsistent play and questions about Smith's work ethic all followed. It's been a disastrous two-year stretch for Smith, who has just five starts with the Bengals.
But perhaps a move inside could help jump-start Smith's career. He's never had the prototypical body for an offensive tackle. His strength is his girth, not his feet or ability to move quickly in space. Therefore, his weaknesses won't be exposed as much at guard.
Once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, the Bengals have to decide whether to extend Smith's contract for two additional years and pay him a $4.75 million bonus this offseason. Chances are, that won't happen.
But the Bengals are hoping to get the best out of Smith in 2011 -- even if it's from a position the team didn't expect two years ago.
» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: draft rewind -- examining the past five drafts.
Baltimore Ravens
Best choice: The Ravens were fortunate the Cleveland Browns were willing to do business with a division rival in 2006 when Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata became available. Cleveland considered Ngata but liked linebacker Kamerion Wimbley more and traded picks with Baltimore, allowing the Ravens to select Ngata with the 12th pick in the first round. Five years later, Ngata is arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL and one reason future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, 35, continues to play at a high level.
Worst choice: The Ravens haven't had a lot of big misses, but 2009 second-round pick Paul Kruger is a candidate with two uneventful years in Baltimore. Too often Kruger failed to make the active roster because he doesn't contribute much on special teams. Last year Kruger gained weight to focus solely on playing defensive end but was a backup in 11 games and recorded one tackle and a sack. In two years he has only 12 tackles, a sack and an interception. This is a big third season for Kruger to find a role in Baltimore's defense.
On the bubble: There was a lot of optimism in Baltimore when former Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle fell to the second round last year. The Ravens drafted Kindle in hopes that he could be the pass-rushing threat they were looking for opposite Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs. But an unfortunate accident last summer resulted in a fractured skull and kept Kindle out of football last season. Baltimore is optimistic about his recovery but has to wait to see when Kindle will be cleared to play football again.
Cincinnati Bengals
Best choice: The Bengals took cornerbacks in the first round back-to-back years in 2006 and 2007, starting with Johnathan Joseph. He has developed into one of the better cover corners in the NFL and has nine interceptions the past two seasons. Joseph is now a free agent and appears ready to join a long list of solid Bengals draft picks who bolted in free agency. The market for corners is starting at $10 million per season and Cincinnati doesn't seem interested in going that high for Joseph.
Worst choice: Despite several red flags, the Bengals were enamored with Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith in the 2009 draft and took him No. 6 overall. There were questions about Smith's weight and worth ethic entering the draft, and many of those concerns still exist two years later. Smith also suffered two foot injuries that required surgery and has only five career starts. The Bengals have the option of extending Smith's contract from four to six years this offseason, but that seems unlikely after two disastrous seasons.
On the bubble: Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga had a good rookie year in 2009 but followed it up with an average campaign last season. Now, 2011 is considered a swing season for Maualuga, a second-round pick, to prove himself. Cincinnati's coaching staff is challenging Maualuga to become the physical, dominant force he was at USC. He showed flashes of it as a rookie. The Bengals could move Maualuga to his natural position of middle linebacker this season, which could help put Maualuga in his comfort zone.
Cleveland Browns
Best choice: The Browns went with the safest pick in 2007 by selecting left tackle Joe Thomas No. 3 overall, which was a slam dunk. Thomas is one of the NFL's best left tackles and has been to the Pro Bowl in all four seasons. Cleveland's biggest issue is finding a quality quarterback for Thomas to protect. Thomas also is entering a contract year in 2011, and it would be wise for Cleveland to provide an extension before he hits the open market in 2012.
Worst choice: The Browns have had a lot of misses the past five years, but former second-round pick David Veikune gets my vote. Veikune was a surprise pick by former coach Eric Mangini in 2009 and was a bust from the start. He quickly fell out of favor with Cleveland's coaching staff and didn't contribute on special teams. When president Mike Holmgren took over the following year, he cut Veikune. I'm sure a lot of Browns fans will make the case for former quarterback Brady Quinn, a first-rounder in 2007. But Quinn at least played a few decent games, and the Browns were able to trade him for tailback Peyton Hillis. So the Quinn experiment wasn't a total loss.
On the bubble: Mohamed Massaquoi, a second-round pick in 2009, has been an enigma in two seasons in Cleveland. Is he a No. 1 receiver? Probably not. But there's a chance he could be a decent No. 2 receiver. The problem is the Browns cannot find out until they're able to land a top-flight receiver to take the pressure off Massaquoi. In many ways, Massaquoi regressed last season. His yards and touchdowns were both down compared to his rookie year. Cleveland could help quarterback Colt McCoy and Massaquoi by finding a legit No. 1 receiver this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Best choice: Considering the player and value of the pick, LaMarr Woodley was Pittsburgh's best draft choice of the past five years. Woodley was taken in the second round in 2007 and joined the starting lineup one year later. He became only the second Steeler to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons and is money in the playoffs. Last year Woodley was one of the NFL's best bargains, recording 50 tackles and 10 sacks while making only $550,000. Pittsburgh gave Woodley the franchise tag this offseason and will try to work out an extension.
Worst choice: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger asked for bigger receivers, and the Steelers tried to accommodate him by drafting Limas Sweed in the second round in 2008. The pick didn't pan out as Sweed struggled to catch the football. Sweed's issues may be mental. He didn't have a reputation for drops in college and many in Pittsburgh were easy, wide-open opportunities. The Steelers grew tired of waiting for Sweed and drafted Mike Wallace in 2009 and Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown in 2010. They have taken firm roles in the offense, leaving Sweed's future with Pittsburgh in doubt.
On the bubble: Second-round pick Jason Worilds was a surprise choice in 2010. Pittsburgh has a wealth of talented linebackers, but it's a position it likes to stockpile for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's 3-4 scheme. Like most defenders in Pittsburgh, Worilds has to wait his turn and played mostly special teams last season. Worilds recorded two sacks in limited playing time, but it doesn’t appear he will have a chance to crack the starting lineup for a while.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: draft rewind -- examining the past five drafts.
Baltimore Ravens
Best choice: The Ravens were fortunate the Cleveland Browns were willing to do business with a division rival in 2006 when Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata became available. Cleveland considered Ngata but liked linebacker Kamerion Wimbley more and traded picks with Baltimore, allowing the Ravens to select Ngata with the 12th pick in the first round. Five years later, Ngata is arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL and one reason future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, 35, continues to play at a high level.
Worst choice: The Ravens haven't had a lot of big misses, but 2009 second-round pick Paul Kruger is a candidate with two uneventful years in Baltimore. Too often Kruger failed to make the active roster because he doesn't contribute much on special teams. Last year Kruger gained weight to focus solely on playing defensive end but was a backup in 11 games and recorded one tackle and a sack. In two years he has only 12 tackles, a sack and an interception. This is a big third season for Kruger to find a role in Baltimore's defense.
On the bubble: There was a lot of optimism in Baltimore when former Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle fell to the second round last year. The Ravens drafted Kindle in hopes that he could be the pass-rushing threat they were looking for opposite Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs. But an unfortunate accident last summer resulted in a fractured skull and kept Kindle out of football last season. Baltimore is optimistic about his recovery but has to wait to see when Kindle will be cleared to play football again.
Cincinnati Bengals
Best choice: The Bengals took cornerbacks in the first round back-to-back years in 2006 and 2007, starting with Johnathan Joseph. He has developed into one of the better cover corners in the NFL and has nine interceptions the past two seasons. Joseph is now a free agent and appears ready to join a long list of solid Bengals draft picks who bolted in free agency. The market for corners is starting at $10 million per season and Cincinnati doesn't seem interested in going that high for Joseph.
Worst choice: Despite several red flags, the Bengals were enamored with Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith in the 2009 draft and took him No. 6 overall. There were questions about Smith's weight and worth ethic entering the draft, and many of those concerns still exist two years later. Smith also suffered two foot injuries that required surgery and has only five career starts. The Bengals have the option of extending Smith's contract from four to six years this offseason, but that seems unlikely after two disastrous seasons.
On the bubble: Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga had a good rookie year in 2009 but followed it up with an average campaign last season. Now, 2011 is considered a swing season for Maualuga, a second-round pick, to prove himself. Cincinnati's coaching staff is challenging Maualuga to become the physical, dominant force he was at USC. He showed flashes of it as a rookie. The Bengals could move Maualuga to his natural position of middle linebacker this season, which could help put Maualuga in his comfort zone.
Cleveland Browns
Best choice: The Browns went with the safest pick in 2007 by selecting left tackle Joe Thomas No. 3 overall, which was a slam dunk. Thomas is one of the NFL's best left tackles and has been to the Pro Bowl in all four seasons. Cleveland's biggest issue is finding a quality quarterback for Thomas to protect. Thomas also is entering a contract year in 2011, and it would be wise for Cleveland to provide an extension before he hits the open market in 2012.
Worst choice: The Browns have had a lot of misses the past five years, but former second-round pick David Veikune gets my vote. Veikune was a surprise pick by former coach Eric Mangini in 2009 and was a bust from the start. He quickly fell out of favor with Cleveland's coaching staff and didn't contribute on special teams. When president Mike Holmgren took over the following year, he cut Veikune. I'm sure a lot of Browns fans will make the case for former quarterback Brady Quinn, a first-rounder in 2007. But Quinn at least played a few decent games, and the Browns were able to trade him for tailback Peyton Hillis. So the Quinn experiment wasn't a total loss.
On the bubble: Mohamed Massaquoi, a second-round pick in 2009, has been an enigma in two seasons in Cleveland. Is he a No. 1 receiver? Probably not. But there's a chance he could be a decent No. 2 receiver. The problem is the Browns cannot find out until they're able to land a top-flight receiver to take the pressure off Massaquoi. In many ways, Massaquoi regressed last season. His yards and touchdowns were both down compared to his rookie year. Cleveland could help quarterback Colt McCoy and Massaquoi by finding a legit No. 1 receiver this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Best choice: Considering the player and value of the pick, LaMarr Woodley was Pittsburgh's best draft choice of the past five years. Woodley was taken in the second round in 2007 and joined the starting lineup one year later. He became only the second Steeler to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons and is money in the playoffs. Last year Woodley was one of the NFL's best bargains, recording 50 tackles and 10 sacks while making only $550,000. Pittsburgh gave Woodley the franchise tag this offseason and will try to work out an extension.
Worst choice: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger asked for bigger receivers, and the Steelers tried to accommodate him by drafting Limas Sweed in the second round in 2008. The pick didn't pan out as Sweed struggled to catch the football. Sweed's issues may be mental. He didn't have a reputation for drops in college and many in Pittsburgh were easy, wide-open opportunities. The Steelers grew tired of waiting for Sweed and drafted Mike Wallace in 2009 and Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown in 2010. They have taken firm roles in the offense, leaving Sweed's future with Pittsburgh in doubt.
On the bubble: Second-round pick Jason Worilds was a surprise choice in 2010. Pittsburgh has a wealth of talented linebackers, but it's a position it likes to stockpile for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's 3-4 scheme. Like most defenders in Pittsburgh, Worilds has to wait his turn and played mostly special teams last season. Worilds recorded two sacks in limited playing time, but it doesn’t appear he will have a chance to crack the starting lineup for a while.
US PresswirePeyton Hillis, Joe Flacco and Andre Smith are among the AFC North players with the most to prove.No. 7: Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens
2010 stats: 3,622 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 93.6 passer rating
Proving point: Flacco is a unique case, because he doesn't have much to prove in the regular season. The third-year quarterback has improved every year and won an average of 10.7 games per season in Baltimore. But Flacco's proving ground starts in the playoffs, and that is the next step in his maturation process. Fans in Baltimore expected better postseason play right away from Flacco and now are voicing their displeasure. Despite his putting up career highs in yards, touchdowns and passer rating last season, Baltimore's second-round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers still stings for a Ravens team many expected to get to the Super Bowl. Flacco has a 4-3 postseason record, which isn't bad. But he's only played great football in one of his seven career playoff games. Is Flacco going through the normal growing pains of a young quarterback? Or is he simply not clutch? Next season will go a long way toward answering that question.
No. 6: Ziggy Hood, DE, Steelers
2010 stats: 20 tackles, three sacks
Proving point: Hood took advantage of a luxury not many first-round picks have in the NFL. He was a backup for about a year and a half and was allowed to learn in Pittsburgh before being forced into the starting lineup. Hood became a starter after Pittsburgh veteran defensive end Aaron Smith was lost for the season with a triceps injury. The 2009 first-round pick stepped in admirably, and the Steelers finished with the NFL's No. 2 defense and top-rated run defense. Can Hood be a full-time starter? With Smith returning, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers handle this. Smith, 34, is the prototypical 3-4 defensive end and is still a good player when healthy. But Hood also is a budding talent who looks ready to step up.
No. 5: Michael Oher, LT, Ravens
2010 stats: 16 starts
Proving point: Is Oher a left tackle or right tackle? After two seasons, the Ravens are still trying to figure that out. Oher followed up a stellar rookie campaign on the right side with a so-so 2010 season at left tackle. Baltimore had contract and health issues last offseason with Jared Gaither and decided to make the switch, which is often challenging. Oher had issues protecting Flacco's blind side (no pun intended) at times and suffered too many pre-snap penalties. But Oher remains Baltimore's best offensive lineman. So there is potential to improve on the left side in his third year. Chances are, Oher will get another shot to prove that in 2011 if the Ravens cannot find a better option via the draft or free agency.
No. 4: Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
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AP Photo/Ed ReinkeCan Jerome Simpson keep the momentum going from the end of last season?
AP Photo/Ed ReinkeCan Jerome Simpson keep the momentum going from the end of last season?Proving point: After three mostly uneventful seasons, Simpson ended the final two weeks with a bang by posting back-to-back 100-yard games and three total touchdowns. Was the late surge a fluke or a sign that Simpson has finally turned the corner? Injuries to veterans Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens gave Simpson an opportunity to play. Now the Bengals have to figure out if Simpson is worthy of a larger role -- perhaps as a starter -- in 2011. Outsiders have their doubts. Most mock drafts have Cincinnati taking Georgia receiver A.J. Green with the No. 4 overall pick. If the Bengals take Green, that would show a lack of confidence in Simpson and their current group of receivers. Ochocinco also could become trade bait this offseason.
No. 3: Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
2010 stats: 1,177 rushing yards, 61 receptions, 13 total touchdowns
Proving point: Is Hillis a one-year wonder? Following a breakout 2010 season, that is the question Browns fans want answered. Hillis exploded on the scene by leading the Browns in rushing and receiving last year. He was by far the team's MVP. But Hillis needs another great season for the Browns to have a chance in the AFC North. His numbers dipped toward the end of the season, as teams keyed on Hillis and he suffered through some nagging injuries. Expect defenses to be more aware of Hillis from the start next season. It will be interesting to see whether Hillis gets the same number of opportunities. Browns rookie head coach Pat Shurmur is changing to a West Coast offense. So Cleveland is expected to pass the ball a lot more than it did under former coach Eric Mangini. Hillis has good hands and could fit in the system. He's always been productive when given the opportunity, and posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the first time would be a solid achievement for Hillis.
No. 2: Andre Smith, RT, Bengals
2010 stats: Four starts
Proving point: After two years, many have already written Smith off as a draft bust. Cincinnati took Smith No. 6 overall, despite many red flags and have gotten little out of its investment thus far. The Bengals had high hopes for Smith in his second season but injuries and inconsistent play led to just four starts. Now Cincinnati is considering moving Smith to guard to see if his play improves. The Bengals also have to decide on Smith's contract later this offseason. Cincinnati has to decide whether to keep his contract at four years or pay him for two additional years, which included a $4.75 million option bonus. Based on the first two seasons, it would be surprising if the Bengals paid Smith the additional money.
No. 1: Colt McCoy, QB, Browns
2010 stats: 1,576 yards, six touchdowns, nine interceptions, 74.5 passer rating
Proving point: There is no player in the AFC North with more to prove next season than McCoy, who received a surprising amount of playing time as a rookie. Cleveland intended for McCoy to learn from the sidelines last season. But injuries to veterans Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace led to early playing time. McCoy then performed better than expected and secured the job after eight starts. The quarterback of the future is now the quarterback of the present. The Browns' front office and coaching staff are 100 percent behind McCoy as he tries to become Cleveland's first legitimate franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar. There is a long list of failures at the position over the past dozen years. If the Browns have any chance of turning the franchise around and competing in the AFC North, McCoy has to be the answer.
