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Baltimore Ravens

Deonte Thompson might have the early inside track to start at wide receiver opposite Torrey Smith. "[Thompson] could sneak in there, he looks different, is fast and catches everything," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.

How does Arthur Jones fit into what is now a crowded defensive line group?

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks at the Bengals' roster heading into the team's first OTA session of the offseason.

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com also previews the voluntary sessions.

Cleveland Browns

Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner has been impressed with what he's seen so far from quarterback Brandon Weeden. "Brandon is a one-year player in the NFL who did a lot more good things than people give him credit for," Turner said before his speech to the Akron Browns Backers banquet at Tangier Events Center. "I like his composure, the way he competes, he's worked awfully hard. He's got to be one of the hardest-working guys on our team. So you look and say, 'Hey, you hope there's a big upside.'"

Pittsburgh Steelers

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "With the Penguins knee-deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Pirates holding one of the top three records in the National League, the Steelers will open their spring practices [Tuesday] trying to forget their worst record since Bill Cowher coached the team."

Dustin Hockensmith of The Patriot-News addresses the Steelers' depth along the offensive line.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden told The Plain Dealer that he wasn't given any advance warning that the team was going to sign Brian Hoyer, and that he hasn't been told of Hoyer's role.

"It's part of this business, and if you start worrying about it, that's too much to worry about," Weeden said. "That's my mentality going forward."

What you won't hear Weeden say -- but you know he has to be thinking -- is that he likes his chances of remaining the Browns' starting quarterback. The Browns didn't trade for Alex Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick who has led a team to the NFC Championship Game. Cleveland didn't draft a quarterback such as Geno Smith in the first round.

Instead, the Browns signed Jason Campbell and Hoyer, who is likely the last offseason addition for Cleveland that involves a quarterback. While Weeden understands why the Browns aren't going to hand over the starting quarterback job to him, he also knows he could have faced stiffer competition for it. Campbell and Hoyer are journeyman who combined to play for seven teams (including their latest stop with the Browns) since 2009.

Campbell is an upgrade at the No. 2 quarterback spot over Colt McCoy, and Hoyer is clearly better than Thad Lewis at No. 3. Still, Weeden has to be considered the favorite to line up under center Sept. 8 against the Miami Dolphins.

Many forget that Weeden threw for 3,385 yards last season, which was more than rookies Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill and Russell Wilson. Now, Weeden's strong arm should be better utilized in a vertical passing attack compared to Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense.

The Browns haven't endorsed Weeden as their starter yet, but they really haven't sent a message with any move that they're ready to replace him this season. Weeden doesn't seemed fazed by having to compete for the job.

"I realize I didn't play as well as I could've last year and I know the work I've put in personally," Weeden said. "I know how hard I've worked to become a better player off the field and training and whatever may be. I'm not worried about the other stuff. I'm confident in my abilities and I have a lot of confidence in the guys around me."

In the first update on the quarterback battle, the Canton Repository reported that Campbell "definitely had better sessions than Weeden" at minicamp. Of course, this is only May and Campbell was working against the second-string defense.

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski told The NFL Network this week that he's really positive about Weeden.

"He's taken a command of the offense," Chudzinski said. "He's shown from an arm strength and from an accuracy standpoint, he's made tremendous strides on footwork and getting the ball out quicker."

By now, everyone knows the Cleveland Browns agreed on a two-year contract with quarterback Brian Hoyer. The question that remains is Hoyer's role.

My take on Hoyer is he's a notch below backup quarterback Jason Campbell but probably better than most teams' No. 3. Unless Brandon Weeden struggles mightily in training camp and the preseason, the only spot Hoyer is competing for is the backup one.

Do I know this for certain? No. There's reason to think Hoyer will be given an opportunity to have a significant role, based on an old quote from Browns general manager Mike Lombardi when he was an NFL Network analyst. It was dug up by The Plain Dealer.

"I think Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett are starters," Lombardi said in December 2011. "I've said this many times: If I would have taken the GM job of the 49ers, I would have gone after Brian Hoyer, because I think he has all the traits and characteristics. If I were the Cleveland Browns, I'd rather have Brian Hoyer behind center than Colt McCoy. I think he's got all the traits you need, in terms of leadership, toughness, the arm strength, the ability to move the team."

Before there is a buzz about Hoyer battling for the starting job, you should consider two points: Head coach Rob Chudzinski will decide the starting quarterback for the Browns and this quote is 17 months old. Since Lombardi said this, Hoyer has made one career start and bounced from New England to Pittsburgh to Arizona.

His career numbers are one start, a 59.4 completion rate, 616 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Not exactly starting-quarterback statistics there. Also, if the Browns wanted Hoyer to be the starter, they would've traded a late-round pick for him during the draft (which was the speculation) instead of hoping he would get released.

Right now, the Browns are proceeding with Weeden, who took snaps with the first team for the second minicamp in a row.

"This means a lot to me," Weeden told reporters Thursday. "This is my job. I take it seriously and I want to be the guy."

If Weeden fails to be "the guy," I believe the next quarterback up is Campbell and not Hoyer.

Cleveland Browns general manager Mike Lombardi recently spoke about the team's focus on building first-half leads.

"If you can't effectively throw the ball, if you can't get the lead ... early in the game, if you can't rush the passer, then you're going to have a hard time winning," Lombardi told The Plain Dealer. "One of the most critical statistics in football today is first-half point differential. The top five teams that lead at halftime ... typically are always going to be playoff-caliber type of teams."

This goes back to the old Indianapolis Colts strategy of jumping out to a big lead on the arm of Peyton Manning and then unleashing pass-rushers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis on the quarterback. The Browns have certainly done their part on the defensive side of the ball. They stocked up on pass-rushers this offseason, signing Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves in free agency and drafting Barkevious Mingo with the No. 6 overall pick. The challenge for coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner is jump-starting Cleveland's offense.

Cleveland didn't score a touchdown in the first quarter until the fourth game of the season and finished with 50 points in the first quarter for the season, which was the fifth-fewest in the NFL last season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, only the Philadelphia Eagles (31), Oakland Raiders (35), Dallas Cowboys (36) and Kansas City Chiefs (42) had fewer first-quarter points than the Browns.

Those struggles can be traced back to quarterback Brandon Weeden. As a rookie, he threw for 730 yards in the first quarter (an average of 45.6) with two touchdowns and three interceptions. His 39.3 Total QBR in the first quarter ranked 28th in the NFL.

As a result, Cleveland managed five leads at halftime and was just 3-2 in those games. The Browns' biggest halftime lead was 13-0 at Dallas, and they ended up losing that game in overtime. Overall, the Browns were outscored in the first half, 180-139.

In other words, Lombardi wants to turn a major trouble spot for the Browns last year into a strength this year.

The good news for Jacoby Jones is he advanced to the finals of "Dancing With The Stars" on Tuesday night. The bad news for the Baltimore Ravens is Jones advanced to the finals of "Dancing With the Stars." Jones' success on the ABC series means the team's potential No. 2 wide receiver will miss the start of offseason workouts next week. But, since next week is the show's final week, he still will be able to attend the team's mandatory minicamp, which is scheduled for June 11-13. Now let's slide our way to the wake-up call, where dancing shoes are never required ...

RAVENS: The Super Bowl champions will hold a private ring ceremony on June 7 when players, coaches and staff members will receive their championship bling. According to the team's official website, owner Steve Bisciotti looked for input into the ring's design, including from quarterback Joe Flacco and linebacker Ray Lewis. Images of the ring haven't been released but it surely will include more diamonds than what the local mall jewelry store has in stock.

BENGALS: When Cincinnati reached an agreement with James Harrison on April 19, I made the point that the linebacker will bring attitude to the Bengals' defense. Cornerback Adam Jones obviously agrees. "He gives you that swagger and that seal," Jones told the team's official website. "When you mail out the letter you have to make sure you put a stamp on it. Well, he's the stamp." I will have more on Harrison's revealing news conference later this morning.

STEELERS: In a conference call with season-ticket holders, general manager Kevin Colbert said linebacker Sean Spence is progressing from a devastating knee injury he suffered a year ago. "Sometimes it takes over a year to fully rehabilitate," Colbert said, via the team's official website. "But the good thing is we are seeing signs of progress, albeit small steps. But it is progress. Sean’s attitude is off the charts. He wants to rehab. He wants to be a great player. He is working hard to get there. He is making small progress, and as long as he is making progress, we will be patient with him and hopefully get him back at full speed at some point.” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he expected Spence to make a full recovery, which came a week after linebackers coach Keith Butler said it would be "miraculous" if Spence ever came back.

BROWNS: Quarterback Brandon Weeden doesn't seem fazed by the talk that he'll face tough competition from Jason Campbell for the starting job, according to the team's official website. "At this position – which, to me, is the hardest position in sports – you can’t be looking over your shoulder all the time," Weeden said. "You’ve got to worry about what’s most important, and that’s me getting better, building on what I did last year, and continue to grow as a player. And, if I can do that, and not really worry about what’s going on around me, and kind of have that tunnel vision, that’s going to make me a better player and that’s going to make this team better."

It's another offseason week on the AFC North blog, and it's another edition of the wake-up call ...

RAVENS: Dennis Pitta signed his restricted free-agent tender, which guarantees the tight end will remain with the Ravens for the 2013 season, according to the team's official website. The Ravens put a second-round tender on Pitta worth $2.023 million this season. Unlike two Steelers restricted free agents (wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and nose tackle Steve McLendon), Pitta wasn't signed to an offer sheet by another team. Pitta, a fourth-round pick in 2009, can now attend offseason workouts with the team. He set career highs in 2012 with 61 receptions for 669 yards and seven touchdowns. The Ravens are looking to sign Pitta to a long-term deal, but he may opt to test free agency next offseason.

BENGALS: In addition to being impressed with second-round pick Giovani Bernard's ability to catch and run between the tackles, running backs coach Hue Jackson was "pleasantly surprised" after getting an up-close look at sixth-round pick Rex Burkhead out of Nebraska. "Not that I didn't know he had ability, but watching him in person, you get to see a guy in a whole different light," Jackson told the team's official website. "He has extremely quick feet, has really good hands, is very smart, and catches on extremely well. He's just another good player for our room. There's competition all over the backfield and that's what makes it fun and that you know you've got a chance to be pretty good."

STEELERS: It's been a crazy ride for safety Ross Ventrone to get back to playing for his hometown Steelers. After signing with New England as an undrafted rookie in 2010, he bounced from the practice squad and active roster on nearly a weekly basis. In total, he was involved in 29 transactions in two years. “It was a good experience for me going through the adversity,” Ventrone told the Steelers' official website. “It got me ready. I felt like it helped me. I always had to be ready because I didn’t know if I would be activated." After sitting out last season, he signed with the Steelers in January.

BROWNS: In what have become weekly updates on Brandon Weeden's status, general manager Mike Lombardi said the team is in wait-and-see mode with the quarterback. "Everything's an evaluation," Lombardi told the Pro Football Hall of Fame's luncheon club, via The Plain Dealer. "It's only his second year in the league. He's got a great opportunity to demonstrate his talent. (Offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) has been around some really good quarterbacks. Norv and (coach Rob Chudzinski) have been able to modify their system to utilize the talent level of the player. That's what great coaches do."

» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A look at a key player from each AFC North team who needs to show something in offseason sessions:

Baltimore Ravens: Cornerback Jimmy Smith. Most Ravens first-round picks start as rookies. Smith hasn't established himself yet, and he's entering his third season. The 27th overall pick of the 2011 draft, Smith has the size and speed to be a top-tier cornerback. He just hasn't shown the toughness or consistency to warrant a place on the field. Smith's best game last season was the Super Bowl, where he successfully defended San Francisco's final two passes of the game (depending on your interpretation of pass interference). The Ravens are going to need Smith to carry that over into this offseason; Lardarius Webb is coming off a season-ending knee injury and Cary Williams went to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Smith could put himself in position to take over the starting job from Corey Graham.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick needs to show he'll be ready when training camp starts at the end of July. Injuries sidelined him for most of the offseason last year, and a bone spur in his knee limited him to five games (and a total of four tackles) last year. Kirkpatrick had another procedure on the knee four months ago, and the hope is he'll be fully recovered for training camp. It's been a disappointing start to his career, which has been magnified by the fact guard Kevin Zeitler, the Bengals' other first-round pick from a year ago, has looked like a Pro Bowl player already. The Bengals need to know they'll be able to count on Kirkpatrick come summer. He'll have a chance to compete against Terence Newman for a starting job.

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Brandon Weeden. Many first-round quarterbacks are given some time to develop. That's not the case for Weeden, who wasn't drafted by the current Browns decision-makers. The expectation is that Weeden will enter training camp as the starter. But nothing is guaranteed, especially when Weeden has yet to get a strong vote of confidence from either chief executive officer Joe Banner or head coach Rob Chudzinski. The Browns signed veteran backup Jason Campbell, which puts pressure on Weeden. He'll have to earn the starting job, and the competition begins in these offseason workouts. Weeden has to show growth from last season, when he ranked near the bottom of the league in completion rate (57.4 percent) and near the top in interceptions (17).

Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive tackle Mike Adams. Although the Steelers are currently undecided on who will start at left tackle this season, Adams could get the first crack at protecting Ben Roethlisberger's blind side in these offseason camps. The 2012 second-round pick has to prove he can stay healthy. He sprained his MCL in the preseason opener, but to his credit, he returned five days later. Adams' rookie season then ended in November after he suffered an ankle injury. In 10 games at right tackle, he allowed seven sacks and 16 quarterback hurries. If Adams struggles, the Steelers could move him back to right tackle and flip Marcus Gilbert to the left side.

League sources told The Plain Dealer last week that Jason Campbell will be given a legitimate shot at winning the starting quarterback job. Translation: This is the Cleveland Browns' latest reminder to Brandon Weeden that he will be not be handed anything.

You can't blame the Browns for handling the quarterback situation this way. When the Browns signed another strong-armed quarterback in Campbell, it put pressure on Weeden. And, when there's a report that Campbell will get a shot at winning the job, it increases the heat on Weeden even more. It makes sense to go this course because Weeden didn't earn the right to come into this season as the starter.

That being said, Weeden will most likely be the starter when the Browns play the Miami Dolphins in the season opener in 125 days from now. The only way he doesn't is if he struggles in training camp and the preseason. This is Weeden's job to lose. He wasn't Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III as a rookie last season. But he also wasn't Blaine Gabbert. Weeden threw for a Browns rookie-record 3,385 yards.

The knee-jerk reaction is to think the Browns' decision-makers want Campbell to win the job. Weeden wasn't drafted by chief executive officer Joe Banner or general manager Mike Lombardi, and Campbell was signed by them. There's also the fact that Lombardi isn't a fan of Weeden, based on what he said as an NFL Network analyst. But the coaching staff may have a different impression of Weeden. He has the strong arm that should mesh well in an offense run by Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner.

What it really comes down to is the Browns need to figure out what they have in Weeden. Sure, he's a 29-year-old quarterback but he has more upside than Campbell. This is Weeden's second season in the NFL, and this is Campbell's fourth team in five seasons. As Banner has said repeatedly, this is about building a vision for a team. The Browns have to use this season to determine if Weeden is going to be part of that. If not, the Browns have to find another young quarterback to build around in 2014.

The AFC North blog is beginning its rankings of each position for the next two weeks. This is a projection on how the group will fare this season. It's not an evaluation based on last year. First up, the quarterbacks.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: I probably should put an asterisk by this that notes: only if Ben Roethlisberger stays healthy. When he's not limping around or grimacing in pain, he's an elite quarterback. While adjusting to Todd Haley's offense is still a work in progress, he was an MVP candidate for the first nine weeks of the season, throwing 17 touchdowns and four interceptions before getting injured. Roethlisberger is in the prime of his career at 31 and can earn a lucrative contract extension if he produces this season. Plus, the Steelers upgraded at backup quarterback by signing Bruce Gradkowski in free agency.

2. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco has a Super Bowl ring. He also has a $120.6 million contract. So, putting the Ravens' quarterbacks at No. 2 will certainly draw some criticism. The Ravens would be atop these rankings if Flacco can play like he did in those four postseason games under offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell. But Flacco has never shown that type of high-end productivity over 16 games. He has never produced a Pro Bowl season. The Ravens also have a lower-tier backup in Tyrod Taylor.

3. Cincinnati Bengals: In two seasons, Andy Dalton has proven to be a solid quarterback. Will he take that next step this season? That's the big question facing the Bengals this year. He's good enough to take the Bengals to the playoffs. He may even good enough for them to win the division. I'm just uncertain whether he can take the Bengals deep into the playoffs. I like how he plays with a chip on his shoulder, but he has limitations as a quarterback. Dalton has to learn how to cut down on his 20 turnovers (16 interceptions, four fumbles) from last season. The Bengals downgraded at backup, going from Gradkowski last year to either Josh Johnson or John Skelton.

4. Cleveland Browns: This is a critical year for Brandon Weeden, who has to prove he can be the Browns' franchise quarterback. Weeden struggled in his rookie season, ranking 29th in passer rating (72.6), 27th in completion rate (57.4 percent) and tied for fifth for most interceptions (17). It's just too soon to label him a bust. He'll show improvement in the new offensive system run by Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner. The amount of progress will determine whether the Browns have to take a quarterback in the first round in 2014. Weeden has the type of big arm that Turner needs in his passing attack, but he has to improve his instincts and ability to read defenses. Cleveland improved at the backup quarterback position this offseason. The Browns signed Jason Campbell and traded Colt McCoy to the 49ers.

In the hours leading up to the start of the NFL draft, the reports varied from the Cleveland Browns drafting West Virginia's Geno Smith in the first round to the team trading for New England Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett. The Browns ultimately passed on Smith on Thursday night, and they reportedly have no interest in acquiring Mallett.

Will the Browns be able to avoid taking a quarterback on the second day of the draft? Cleveland only has a third-round pick, the 68th overall, because it used a second-rounder on wide receiver Josh Gordon in last year's supplemental draft.

Three quarterbacks -- West Virginia's Geno Smith, USC's Matt Barkley and Syracuse's Ryan Nassib -- are all expected to go in the second round Friday night. That would leave the likes of NC State's Mike Glennon, Arkansas' Tyler Wilson, Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Tennessee's Tyler Bray sitting there when the Browns are on the clock again.

With these choices, I wouldn't take a quarterback in the third round and I don't see the Browns doing so either. The one quarterback who intrigued me for the Browns was Florida State's EJ Manuel because he brought a different element than Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell. But the Browns never had a decision to make with Manuel, a second- or third-round talent who was surprisingly taken by the Buffalo Bills at No. 16.

The best decision for the Browns is to remain patient and let Weeden have a second year to prove himself. He didn't live up to expectations of being a first-round pick, but he was far from a bust. Weeden threw for 3,385 yards, which was more than Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill.

If Weeden fails to establish himself, there's always Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater and Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel next year.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns could've gone with the flashy pick by drafting West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith. They could've played it safe by taking Alabama's Dee Milliner, the top-rated cornerback in the draft.

Instead, Cleveland made the right move in going with LSU pass-rusher Barkevious Mingo with the No. 6 overall pick, sending a message to the rest of the league: The Browns are coming after your quarterback this season.

The first free-agent signing by chief executive officer Joe Banner was Paul Kruger, the sacks leader for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. The first pick of this new era was Mingo, one of the most explosive and athletic defensive players in this draft.

The Browns didn't address their biggest need at cornerback. They didn't bring in a playmaker to spark a long-struggling offense. What the Browns did accomplish was to put some fear into Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Dalton.

"We've talked about bringing in aggressive players to play in an aggressive scheme. He fits that very well," Banner said. "This was the outcome we were hoping for."

How much did the Browns want Mingo? Banner said he had a trade in place if Mingo didn't fall to them. When he was there, the Browns didn't think about trading down.

The Browns are doing more than switching to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Ray Horton. They want to change the mentality. Last week, during the Browns' first minicamp, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson talked about giving the Ravens and Steelers "a little dose of their own medicine."

That wasn't the case last season, when Browns linebackers combined for 19.5 tackles for loss and sacks, the lowest mark in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The Browns now have playmakers in Mingo and Kruger.

"We feel like building this the way we are, with character and aggressiveness and quickness, that this was the right guy at this time as we looked at our board," Banner said.

There will be some teeth-gnashing that the Browns didn't draft someone to improve upon the NFL's 24th-ranked scoring offense, but the Browns didn't need Smith, another strong-armed quarterback like Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.

Some will worry that Buster Skrine is still penciled in as the starter at cornerback. As I wrote previously, Milliner doesn't make enough plays to be taken at No. 6.

Asked about passing over a cornerback, Banner said: "We're not going to force filling a need on a short-term basis. We're not going to fill all the needs on this team this year. It's just not going to happen."

Plus, teams can get by with average corners if they can put pressure on quarterbacks. Look at the Ravens, who won a Super Bowl with Cary Williams (a seventh-round pick in 2008) and Corey Graham (Pro Bowl special teams player) at cornerback.

"It all starts with the pass rush," coach Rob Chudzinski said.

The reason I like the decision to pick Mingo goes beyond his name, which sounds more like a character in the "Harry Potter" books. (His name, by the way, was made up by his mother, who wanted something different. His brother is named Hughtavious. Yes, really.)

In his first interview with Cleveland reporters, Mingo didn't sound overwhelmed by the upcoming challenges of the NFL, which comes from his SEC pedigree. His sacks dipped to 4.5 in his final season in college, but his confidence did not.

On his vision for his pro career, Mingo said: "I think I can be as good as I want to be -- and I want to be great. I want to be one of those guys that gets their names in Canton, Ohio, and be a dominant player."

Even though Mingo didn't produce strong sack numbers, he still made quarterbacks move out of the pocket and hurry throws. He recorded 28 total pressures (hurries and knockdowns), tied for the second most in the SEC. Only Jarvis Jones (31), who was later drafted by the Steelers, had more.

Mingo is freakishly athletic. He has a tremendous upside. Sure, Mingo needs to bulk up if he wants to defend the run, but he brings something you can't teach: an explosive first step.

"I think I'm the best pass-rusher," Mingo said. "Week 1 and the preseason, I'll get to show it."

Cleveland didn't need to draft a pass-rusher. The Browns already had Kruger, Jabaal Sheard and Quentin Groves (and Browns officials said they had no immediate plans to trade Sheard).

The Browns, though, made the right pick because they went with the best player available. Reaching for a player like Smith or Milliner won't change double-digit losses season after season. This is about building a team, and that begins with embracing an attacking style of play. And, adding some 'Bark' to the Dawg Pound seems appropriate.

"It really started with our coaching search and Chud's philosophy, which is part of the reason why he got the job frankly, about playing aggressive and attacking defense and making life uncomfortable for quarterbacks," Banner said. "It's about being on the attack even when the other team has the ball. I think you could see it in the moves that we made, whether it's in the free-agent moves or what you've seen so far in the draft. It fit the plan."

There's increasing buzz that West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith will land with the Cleveland Browns, a team that has feigned interest in drafting a quarterback with their top pick for months.

In their latest mock drafts Wednesday, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock and Sports Illustrated's Peter King both have the Browns taking Smith, the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the draft. The Browns had been linked more to Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner because chief executive officer Joe Banner said a couple of times this offseason that quarterback wasn't the focus for the No. 6 overall pick.

The Browns, however, have done their homework on Smith and the rest of the quarterback class. Smith had a private workout with Cleveland, which was attended by coach Rob Chudzinski. Is this a matter of the Browns doing their due diligence, or are the Browns really interested?

"There are quarterbacks in this draft that are intriguing," Banner said at last week's pre-draft news conference. "We will have to make an evaluation between now and Thursday on just how intriguing. Other teams will be doing the same thing, so you will see what is available where. We are not going into it with a focus other than trying to build the team, especially at key positions that we think really, really good teams are strong at, and move forward that way."

It's known that general manager Mike Lombardi isn't a fan of Brandon Weeden based on his comments as a NFL Network analyst a year ago. What isn't known is the coaching staff's thoughts on Weeden, a first-round pick in 2012.

Asked about Weeden at the pre-draft news conference, Lombardi had neither good nor bad to say about the quarterback through three days of minicamp.

"I've been really busy," Lombardi said Thursday. "I've watched the tape (of Weeden). I am really studying on the draft at this point and watching the tape of the practice."

Only one team has drafted quarterbacks in the first round in consecutive years -- the 1982-83 Baltimore Colts (Art Schlichter and John Elway). Could the Browns become the second to do so?

Mayock certainly believes so: "When I look at Geno, I see a kid who's got everything you want to see in a franchise quarterback, but there's just too much bad tape. I would not take him this early; I would go for an edge or a corner. However, I really think Joe Banner might pull the trigger on the quarterback from West Virginia."

King has the Browns selecting Smith after trading with the San Diego Chargers to No. 11. "Don't let the smokescreen acquisition of Jason Campbell, a backup, fool you: the Browns want a QB in this draft, and they get one," King wrote.

My prediction? I still consider it a long shot that the Browns will take Smith at No. 6, although there is a better chance of them taking that gamble if they trade back. We'll find out what the Browns are really thinking when they're on the clock Thursday night.

It's hard to predict whether the Cleveland Browns will take a quarterback in the draft. If you agree that they will draft a quarterback, it's difficult to agree on which one they will select.

Even ESPN's draft experts have differing opinions on the Browns' quarterback issue. Todd McShay has the Browns picking West Virginia's Geno Smith with the No. 6 overall pick, and Mel Kiper Jr. has them taking Florida State's EJ Manuel in the third round.

I believe it's a long shot that the Browns would take Smith that high, even though they have worked him out. McShay also acknowledges this isn't likely to happen.

"I don’t think Cleveland necessarily wants to take him at No. 6," McShay said. "I had to unload him somewhere. I do think there is a small chance that they could take him. I know [general manager Mike] Lombardi doesn’t like [Brandon] Weeden very much, but that doesn’t mean the coaching staff doesn’t like him."

So, where does McShay expect Smith to land?

"I can honestly tell you that I’ve never been this close to a draft and had no clue with a top quarterback like this," he said. "I know how I evaluate him. I know what I believe are his strengths and weaknesses. I feel like I’ve got him down as well as any quarterback I’ve ever evaluated but I don’t know where he’s going."

Taking Manuel in the third round is a more realistic scenario. I could see the Browns picking him in the second round if they can acquire another pick by trading down in the first round. The Browns have a private workout scheduled with Manuel for Saturday, a league source told The Plain Dealer.

Some have compared Manuel to Cam Newton, who ran Browns coach Rob Chudzinski's offense in Carolina. Manuel has a strong arm and can be a bullish runner at 6-foot-4, 237 pounds.

"I don't think he's anywhere near to a finished product, but I do think he has a big upside," ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said. "He has a tremendous skillset that allows him to do a lot of different things. If you're with a creative offensive coach, look out."

The Browns aren't in a position where they need to draft a quarterback this year. They can be patient and see if Weeden makes strides in his second NFL season after the team invested a first-round pick in him a year ago. Cleveland also has a veteran backup in Jason Campbell.

Chudzinski refused to tip the team's draft plan. Asked about the workout with Smith, Chudzinski told reporters Tuesday, "We've had the chance to work out a number of guys and all have gone well. I'm not going to get too much into detail on those. I know that we're going to talk later on this week about some of the draft things."

The Cleveland Browns are the first team in the division to take to the field this offseason because teams with new coaches are allowed to hold an early voluntary minicamp. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have begun their offseason workout programs, but those teams won't hold on-field activities until May. Lucky for you, there's never such a wait when it comes to the wake-up call ...

RAVENS: The Ravens have been able to take risks with reclamation projects in the past because they've had such strong leaders in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Now, with both of them gone, Baltimore believes it can still have success with troubled players like inside linebacker Rolando McClain, who signed a one-year contract last week. "I think the guys in the locker room will be able to provide him with the proper guidance that he needs as to the way John wants his football team and football players to be," general manager Ozzie Newsome said, via The Baltimore Sun.

BENGALS: Tight end Alex Smith, who signed with the Bengals on Tuesday, believes switching from Cleveland to Cincinnati will allow him to go from the bottom of the AFC North to the top of it. "I thought the division was definitely leaning in Cincinnati's favor based on some of the roster moves that teams were doing," Smith said, via the team's official website. "Cleveland is going through another transition with a new coach (and) just seeing the way players were exiting out of Pittsburgh and Baltimore, I thought the way Cincinnati was able to keep the nucleus … they already had a nice, young talented roster, so I think being able to build off of that, you've already seen success and I expect them to run away and be even better now. Especially with the shape of the rest of the division."

STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told WDVE in Pittsburgh that he is "really excited" that the Steelers have matched the offer sheet for Emmanuel Sanders, which keeps the wide receiver around for one more season. “He’s a lot better than people give him credit for being,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s really smart. It’s good for the team. He’s a good teammate. He can really help. If he stays healthy, I think he can do some great things.” Roethlisberger had lobbied to keep Sanders since the New England Patriots signed Sanders to the offer sheet.

BROWNS: It's still about five months until the start of the regular season, but Brandon Weeden took the first reps at quarterback when the Browns opened their first offseason camp under new coach Rob Chudzinski. Weeden told The Plain Dealer that "this is probably the biggest time of my entire career, just because the rookie year is tough. Going into year two, you've got to show you can play." The Browns signed Jason Campbell to compete with Weeden, and there is still a chance that Cleveland could draft a quarterback. Weeden said he hasn't been told of the team's draft plans. "That's above my pay grade," he said.

Leading up to the start of the NFL draft (it's only 10 days away), the AFC North blog will evaluate each position and where it stands as a need for each division team. Let's start with the quarterbacks, which is an intriguing draft talking point in the AFC North.

The Cleveland Browns are the only AFC North team without an established starter, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the other division teams use a mid-to-late round pick on a quarterback. While I list the Browns as having the biggest draft need at quarterback, you can make a case for the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers being No. 2.

This is the ranking in terms of needing to draft a quarterback:

1. Cleveland Browns: I don't see Cleveland taking a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick. The Browns, though, could take one as early as the second round if they trade back in the first round and acquire a pick in the second. Cleveland has taken an up-close look at most of the top quarterbacks, from Geno Smith to Matt Barkley to E.J. Manuel to Ryan Nassib. All of the options are open for the Browns, who can draft a quarterback to compete with Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell or select one to develop behind them.

2. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have Josh Johnson and John Skelton as backups to Andy Dalton. I wouldn't say they are set at quarterback. Johnson and Skelton have a combined 8-14 record as starters. The Bengals have worked out Manuel and Nassib, which shows they're doing their homework on some of the top quarterbacks in the draft. Still, it would be a surprise to see Cincinnati draft a quarterback in the first three rounds. The Bengals may take one in the middle rounds if the right quarterback is there.

3. Baltimore Ravens: This may raise some eyebrows because the Ravens have gone with Tyrod Taylor as the backup to Joe Flacco for the past two seasons. There has been a sense that the Ravens would like to upgrade the backup spot. Baltimore brought in Curtis Painter to compete with Taylor last offseason. Taylor also didn't instill confidence in a sporadic performance in the regular-season finale at Cincinnati. The Ravens have multiple picks in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. In other words, they have enough to take a flier on a quarterback.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have been questioned in recent years about when they're going to draft a quarterback to develop behind Ben Roethlisberger. With Roethlisberger turning 31 last month, those questions will only increase. The Steelers created some buzz when they had dinner with quarterback Tyler Bray before attending his pro day. Pittsburgh is set at backup quarterback after signing Bruce Gradkowski this offseason. The Steelers, though, can draft a quarterback to compete with John Parker Wilson for the No. 3 spot.