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Defense has been the big brother on the Baltimore Ravens for more than the past decade. It's been the one responsible for hard-fought wins, playoff victories and even a Super Bowl title.

Now, linebacker Ray Lewis is 37. Safety Ed Reed "isn't committed" to football this year. And linebacker Terrell Suggs, the best defensive player in the game last season, is out for an extended period with an Achilles injury.

The Ravens can't lean on their defense any longer. It's unfair to ask these defenders to hold teams to 16.6 points per game like last season. If the Ravens want to reach the playoffs for a fifth straight season, the offense has to take charge.

Being an average offense isn't going to cut it. The pressure is on for the Ravens to produce more points and yards than they've done the past 14 years, and quarterback Joe Flacco says he wouldn't want it any other way.

"I hope it does put more pressure on us," Flacco said. "I feel like we need that pressure. I feel like I want that pressure on us. I feel like we need to become a better offense and we need to become somebody that goes out there and puts points on the board week in and week out and is really responsible for winning a lot of games. If it does put pressure on us, I’m all for it."

You have to wonder if Flacco relishes the pressure. He certainly seems to invite it. Flacco is heading into the final year of his contract and is coming off an offseason in which he declared himself the best quarterback in the league.

To his credit, Flacco has played his best when faced with pressure situations. He's won in Pittsburgh the past two years with touchdown passes in the final 32 seconds of the game. He would've thrown the winning pass in the AFC Championship Game if Lee Evans had held onto the ball.

No one can accuse Flacco for lacking confidence. He's played with a chip on his shoulder since coming to the NFL from the University of Delaware, which Flacco himself called the "minor leagues of college football." Then, in early April, Flacco was asked if he was a top-five quarterback. His response: "I don’t think I’m the top five, I think I’m the best."

Flacco has since said the comments have been blown out of proportion. But he has never backed down from them. Maybe this is Flacco's way of putting more pressure on himself.

"I believe I'm the best at what I do," Flacco said this week. "I’m not comparing myself to anybody, but I do believe in myself. Just like anybody else that has any pride or feels like they want to be the best would say. What do you want me to say? I’m mediocre. I’d rather take criticism for believing that I’m the best than saying, ‘I’m probably somewhere in the middle of the pack.’ That’s kind of crazy to me."

The reality is Baltimore has been a middle-of-the-pack offense despite its talent. The Ravens have the league leader in total yards in running back Ray Rice. They have one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history in Anquan Boldin (the fastest player ever to 400, 500 and 600 catches in a career) and an emerging deep threat in Torrey Smith (five of his seven touchdowns covered at least 25 yards). Their fullback is a Pro Bowl player (Vonta Leach), their two offensive tackles are former first-round picks (Bryant McKinnie and Michael Oher) and their right guard (Marshal Yanda) is perhaps the best at his position.

"We just continue to keep getting better every year, and we flashed some really good things last year," Yanda said. "We just need to be more consistent. I think we’ve flashed tools to be the No. 1 offense."

The problem is their potential hasn't led to production. Baltimore has never had an offense ranked higher than 13th since Vinny Testaverde left in 1998. In four seasons with Flacco and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the offense has ranked 18th, 13th, 22nd and 15th.

"Those are some names that should make this offense more than just a par-for-average offense," said Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst. "This is an offense that is 15th-ranked and should be better than that."

Some might say the Ravens have underachieved because they haven't been put in a position where they've needed to be aggressive. With one of the best defenses every year, Baltimore knows a win is virtually assured when it scores more than two touchdowns. In fact, the Ravens have won 82 percent of their games (46-10 record) since 2008 when they score more than 14 points.

That mindset has to change with Suggs out of the lineup and an imposing schedule that features seven quarterbacks who have totaled 22 Pro Bowls and six Super Bowl titles: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton.

The Ravens have to think touchdowns instead of field goals. They have to attack downfield instead of worrying about a turnover. The Ravens' playoff hopes rest on the offense getting out of the passenger seat and living up to the expectations of being a top-10 one in the league.

"You definitely want to be that," Flacco said. "I think we have the ability to be that. It's just a matter of making our mind up and having the confidence to do that."

A respected committee of ESPN experts -- including Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Gary Horton and Matt Williamson -- got together to look into the crystal ball and produce the NFL Future Power Rankings .

The projection is for the 2015 season and takes into account five factors: roster (32.5 percent), quarterback (17.5 percent), draft (15 percent), front office (15 percent) and coaching (20 percent).

You'll need an Insider subscription to see the entire post, but here's the AFC North portion of it:

5. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Williamson: The "Steeler Way" has been working extremely well for a long time, as Pittsburgh's front office evaluates college talent and its own players as well as any team in the league. They are exceptional.

Hensley: The key was the Steelers using their top two picks on offensive linemen. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is protected and stays healthy, the Steelers will be among the top teams in the NFL.

10. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Kiper: No team consistently delivers as much value. Ozzie Newsome is a Hall of Famer … in the front office, too. The Ravens face some big personnel losses on defense coming soon, but few are better equipped to move on.

Hensley: The biggest question mark facing the Ravens by 2015 is how do they replace the leadership of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Baltimore needs its offense to become the dominant unit in order for the Ravens to be a top-10 team at this point.

11. CINCINNATI BENGALS

Dilfer: Andy Dalton quietly had an exceptionally good rookie season. Only Cam Newton diminished it. He has maintained a mature approach that we saw when he was at TCU; he gets deep into his reads, has an accurate arm and should continue to get better. If they can run it a little better, this offense will take a big leap.

Hensley: The Bengals have certainly set themselves up with two really strong drafts. The key is developing this talent and making sure these young players reach their potential. Cincinnati could be the most complete team in the division by 2015, with the emphasis on could.

32. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Williamson: Color me skeptical of the Browns' front office -- and this organization isn't exactly patient. Cleveland's front office is now directly tied to Brandon Weeden's future success. I can't say that is the perfect position to be in.

Hensley: With the exception of Trent Richardson, this team lacks playmakers. That's a rough spot to be in when you play defenses like the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals. And don't forget that Weeden will turn 32 during the 2015 season.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh believes Ed Reed will play despite recent comments that suggest the Pro Bowl safety is wavering.

"Ed is a guy that I really trust and I really care about and believe in," Harbaugh said after Wednesday's workout. "There's been no indication that he's not going to play as far as I'm concerned. I don't worry about Ed. He's a mature guy. He's a superstar. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer. He's a leader. We're counting on Ed being here."

Reed was among a handful of veterans who didn't attend Wednesday's voluntary practice.

He created a stir last week when he told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he was "not 100 percent committed right now to playing this year." Reed later clarified his comments, saying he plans on playing in 2012 and possibly beyond.

In trying to interpret Reed's comments, Harbaugh said he believes Reed was talking about not being committed to the offseason workouts.

"He's got a lot of things going on and he's working on personal things," Harbaugh said. "I guarantee he's training. I guarantee he's preparing for the season. That's just Ed."

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Browns general manager Tom Heckert said he's "100 percent" sure that defensive tackle Phil Taylor will play this season. Taylor underwent surgery to repair a torn left pectoral muscle Wednesday.

"I don't think there's any question about that," Heckert told the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Monday night. "We think he'll probably be [ready by the] end of October, early November, but he'll definitely be back. [It's] six months at the most. That's being very, very cautious. He could be back earlier than that."

This timetable decreases the chances of the Browns adding a veteran defensive lineman. "We're really happy with the guys we have, especially the two guys we drafted [third-rounder John Hughes and sixth-rounder Billy Winn]," Heckert said.

Hensley's slant: Getting Taylor back at any point this season is a major plus for the Browns. Hughes and Winn are likely not ready to handle the challenges of starting a full season as rookies, and there is no veteran free agent who can significantly upgrade the position.

BENGALS: Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden shot down speculation that there are some in the Bengals organization who have their doubts about Andy Dalton’s upside and his arm strength limitations. "If there were reservations about Andy Dalton there would be a lot more quarterbacks here right now," Gruden told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We know and he knows he has to get better and he is chomping at the bit to get going. I have no reservations about his arm strength. I think he can do it all. If you can throw it 62, 63 yards, that is pretty strong. He does have a long way to go to get better. We’re not putting his jersey or shoes in Canton right now, but we have every reason to believe he will continue to improve.” Hensley's slant: Dalton doesn't have great arm strength, which is one of the reasons he fell into the second round last year. But Dalton succeeded last season because Gruden tailored the offense to Dalton's strengths and made him feel comfortable. Every quarterback has limitations, but it's the team's job to accentuate his strengths.

RAVENS: Safety Bernard Pollard is remaining supportive of Ed Reed, who indicated last week that he isn't committed to playing football right now. "This is a business, and Ed and I have had these talks before, but whatever he decides to do, we back him 100 percent," Pollard said, via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "The guy is a heck of a football player, he’s been a heck of a football player his whole career and for me it’s exciting playing with him. I guess I will put this out there: He better not leave me hanging so we’ll be alright.” Hensley's slant: Teammates, especially the defensive backs, have tremendous respect for Reed. But they understand there are some things you have to deal with when it comes to playing with him, whether it's his tendency to gamble during games and his constant wavering in the offseason.

STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said his relationship with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley is fine. There was drama this offseason when Roethlisberger and Haley didn't meet for two weeks after the Steelers hired Haley to replace Bruce Arians. “People blew it way out of proportion,” Roethlisberger told KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. “It’s something new, we’re getting to know each other … There’s no trouble between us at all. When you get a comfort level of like eight years of the same thing and then you change it, it’s just something different. So I’m not saying I don’t like the playbook or anything like that. Some of the concepts are awesome. It’s just getting an understanding of something new.” Hensley's slant: Roethlisberger will get a better feeling for Haley's new offense when he takes the field today for the start of OTAs. This offense will still be centered around Roethlisberger, but there will be a transition period after being in Arians' system for five years. That's why it would help if wide receiver Mike Wallace attended these workouts.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Ravens safety Ed Reed is backpedalling once again, saying he now plans on playing in 2012 and beyond.

Reed created a stir Thursday when he told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he was "not 100 percent committed right now to playing this year." He has since changed his stance.

"It's not about retirement, it's about my focus in the offseason, health, family and football," Reed said in a statement given to the Carroll County (Md.) Times. "This is the time of year where players think through things. My goal is to play football in the years to come."

In his interview on SiriusXM, Reed indicated that he was in "deep thought" about whether he would attend the team's mandatory minicamp in June. He said there are "other things" taking place in his life that are making him think differently.

Reed talked at length about his relationship with general manager Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens, mentioning a lack of support and “mental” issues that they were going through. He is also entering the final year of his contract.

“It has nothing to do with negotiating and all that, man,” Reed told SiriusXM. “It’s deeper than negotiating, man.”

Hensley's slant: No one reads quarterbacks better than Reed, but he might be the hardest player to read in the game right now. I'm done guessing what Reed is trying to communicate. It's like you need an interpreter to get the real meaning of his quotes. As I wrote Thursday, I won't believe he is going to retire until he actually walks away from the game.

BENGALS: The key for rookie defensive tackle pick Devon Still is to improve his down-to-down consistency. Last year's Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year slid to the second round because of his hot-and-cold motor. "He's a very talented guy and I want him to push himself past where he has gone," Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes told the Bengals' official website. "I want him where he's not taking a blow on the field. Part of it was he didn't come out very much. He felt like he had to conserve his energy. We don’t have that issue." Hensley's slant: Even though Still isn't expected to start, he will play a lot of snaps in his first season. The strength of the Bengals' defensive line last season was rotating players throughout the game and keeping everyone fresh. Thickly built with a large wingspan, Still certainly looks the part of a dominant interior linemen.

BROWNS: There have been questions about Trent Richardson's long-term durability given his bruising running style. But the Browns' first-round running back told the NFL Network that he won't avoid contact in the NFL and will continue to take on tacklers. "I'm not going to change my game," Richardson said. “That’s who I am. That’s how I got here, that’s how I made the progress to be who I am today. So when it comes down to it, I’m still going to do what I do. I have a lot of pride in my football and the football skills God blessed me with. I’m just here to make a big difference on this team, so I’m trying to get everybody on the same page.” Hensley's slant: Richardson shouldn't change his style. One of the reasons why the Browns drafted him was because his toughness fit the division. And a big part of his game is gaining yards after contact. Running backs must avoid the mindset of "don't get hurt" because that's when they often get hurt.

STEELERS: Rookie second-round pick Mike Adams will get the first crack at being the Steelers' starting left tackle, a source close to the situation told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There was speculation by the paper Thursday that Marcus Gilbert could shift from right to left tackle. Now, it looks like Pittsburgh will begin camp with Adams starting on the left side and Gilbert staying on the right. Hensley's slant: Adams has to prove he is strong enough to start immediately. As many pointed out, Adams did only 19 reps in the 225-pound bench press at the combine, which is a disappointing number for an offensive lineman. But starting Adams puts the Steelers' best five linemen on the field.

Ravens safety Ed Reed said he's "not 100 percent committed right now to playing this year," according to tweets from Sirius Radio's Rich Gannon and Adam Schein.

When asked if the Ravens know he's not committed, Reed said, "I'm sure they will after this interview."

Let's not overreact to this. This isn't news. This is Ed being Ed. This is the same player who has contemplated retirement every year since the end of the 2008 season because of a nerve impingement in his neck -- even saying he was 50-50 to return in January 2010 -- but he always ends up playing. And, in an all-too-familiar update to this story, Reed said hours after the radio interview that he is now planning to play this season and possibly beyond.

There will come a time soon when Reed will call it quits on a likely Hall of Fame career. He turns 34 when the season begins and has played only one full season in the past three. The feeling is that he won't be leaving the game this year.

It gets increasingly more difficult to believe Reed the more he uses the retirement card. It has come to the point when Reed should say the word "retirement" only when he is announcing his retirement.

Trying to read Reed and his clues are often a struggle. After the Ravens’ AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots, Reed didn't speak to reporters but sang "I think I better let it go ..." from the Teddy Pendergrass song “Love TKO” as he walked out of the locker room. A month later, Reed told coach John Harbaugh that he was preparing himself to play in 2012.

Reed often contradicts himself, which makes it so hard to analyze what he really means. In late March, Reed said playing four to five more seasons was "a reality for me." In early April, Reed talked about how he has been trying to get a new contract from the Ravens. Now, he's saying on the radio that he is not committed.

So what is it, Ed? Do you want the Ravens to give you a long-term deal or are you going to retire?

Maybe this is about wanting a new contract. Perhaps this is Reed's way of getting the Ravens' attention. Reed is entering the final year of a six-year, $44.4 million contract, and he could be feeling left out because the Ravens signed cornerback Lardarius Webb to a six-year, $50 million extension this offseason and are in talks with quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice. Maybe he feels like he has leverage considering the Ravens could be without linebacker Terrell Suggs this season.

If this is truly about a contract, Reed is hurting himself by saying he's not committed to this season. It wouldn't be wise for the Ravens to give a big signing bonus to Reed if he's not invested in playing for an extended period.

When asked about Reed's future in March, owner Steve Bisciotti told the Baltimore Sun: “We’ll either have to get him signed to an extension, he has to say that he’s done, or we have to face the possibility of seeing him play in another uniform. That’s the reality of this.”

As I've said before, trying to get in the head of Reed is laborious, frustrating and often pointless. I won't believe he is going to retire until he actually walks away from the game.

No one knows how Browns rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden will react when James Harrison is bearing down on him or when Ed Reed is baiting him into a throw.

But what the 22nd overall pick proved in rookie minicamp this past weekend is he doesn't lack confidence.

"We are coming with a goal to win games," Weeden told reporters last weekend when asked about his message to Browns fans. "Obviously, our first goal is to get to the playoffs, then go as far as we can, and ultimately, before it’s all said and done to win a Super Bowl. That’s my goal as a player. Before I am done playing, I want to win a Super Bowl."

Using the words "Super Bowl" in the first weekend of putting on an NFL uniform can be chalked up to youthful exuberance. Just remember that Weeden can back up that confidence with his track record in college. He went 23-3 as a starter at Oklahoma State. Last season, he beat the three quarterbacks selected before him in the draft (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill). Those were the labels on Weeden coming out of college: he's got a strong arm and he's a winner.

This should be Weeden's mindset in joining the Browns, and this is what the Browns were looking for when they used a first-round pick on him. When you draft a quarterback that high, you're looking for a new start and distance yourself from the last-place finishes and double-digit losses nearly every year. And you don't want to bring in a quarterback who simply wants to win the starting job. He should expect to win games and eventually championships.

Talking like this in May is the easy part, though. The true test to his confidence will come in four months, when he actually puts on pads and goes head-to-head against the likes of Harrison and Reed.

Here are some highlights -- because there are never any lowlights -- for this week's AFC North chat. If you want more, click here for a full transcript.

Kris (Missouri): How devastating is the loss of Terrell Suggs? Ray [Lewis] and Ed Reed only have how many more shots at a title.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): When Suggs got hurt, most talked about how the Ravens would miss him in the pass rush. But Suggs was a really good run defender as well. I think people are underestimating his absence when it comes to stopping running backs.

Brian (Philadelphia): Assuming the Bengals follow up last season with a successful 2012 season, who do you think would be more likely to leave for a head coaching position: defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer or offensive coordinator Jay Gruden?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I say Gruden. He has the name recognition plus he has the advantage of having developed a young QB on his resume. Whatever team is looking for a head coach is probably in a position to take a QB in the first round. That's why Gruden would be more enticing.

Jordan (Raleigh): What are Mike Wallace's options? Sign or sit out? Can he be dealt? Can teams even make trades at this point in the offseason?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Wallace can sit out as long as he wants if he doesn't sign the tender. He is technically not under contract until he signs it. Wallace has until June 15 to sign it or the Steelers can reduce his RFA tender after that point.

Bodman34 (Ada,OH Home of the Wilson Football Factory): Is there any reason the Browns shouldn't take a look at Terrell Owens and offer a minimum salary with incentives? He would be an instant upgrade at receiver, and if it didn't work out, not much invested.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Have you seen the effect of T.O. on the other teams he played for? Not happening.

Brad (Berkeley, CA): Maurkice Pouncey was the first Steelers rookie to start 13 or more games in like 30 years (he started all 16, I know). Will [David] DeCastro be the only Steelers rookie this year to do the same?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): DeCastro is battling two players who were originally undrafted rookies, Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster. It would be a major surprise if DeCastro doesn't start from the first day of camp.

Andre (Tallahassee, FL): Is John Harbaugh on the hot seat if Baltimore misses the playoffs? And will Joe Flacco be gone too?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Are you not aware that the Ravens and Flacco have made the playoffs for the past four seasons? If you think they would be on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for one year, you have crazy expectations.

Dillion (Ohio): Should the browns sign T.O to help show the younger reciver on the team how to catch the ball and he can catch the ball

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Again, has anyone else except me seen the negative effect of TO on teams?

Aaron (Bloomington IL): With Pittsburgh upgrading its offensive line, there appears to be few weaknesses remaining from the three teams pushing for the AFC North title. Which unit from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore do you see as having the greatest weakness this year?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Steelers: Cornerback. Bengals: Wide receiver. Baltimore: Left guard and outside linebacker (Suggs' absence).

Michael (Cincinnati): Can you ban people who think the Browns should sign TO?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Only [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell has the power to ban people in football. Sorry.

Pardon the pun, the Baltimore Ravens and Bernard Pollard were a hit from the start.

Baltimore's defense wants physical players, and Pollard thrives on physical play. That's why no one was surprised when the Ravens announced a three-year extension with the 27-year-old Pollard, who was entering the final year of his contract. His new deal goes through the 2015 season.

Signed during training camp last year, Pollard didn't need too much time to take the starting job from Tom Zbikowski. He finished fourth on the team in tackles (75) and recorded two sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and a career-high 13 passes defended. Pollard made 12 stops in the AFC championship game.

"Bernard showed last year that he is a Raven,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. “He's smart, tough and brings a passion to the games, our practices and in the weight room. His physical presence on the back end is very important to the way we play defense."

Reaching an extension only solves half of the Ravens' predicament at safety. Ed Reed is entering the final year of his deal, and the Pro Bowl safety said he's been unable to get a new deal from the team.

Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed believes quarterbacks will think differently when they play the Ravens' defense without linebacker Terrell Suggs, who partially tore his Achilles tendon last week.

Reed talked about how Suggs didn't have to make plays to affect games. Just the threat of him coming off the edge changed how quarterbacks played.

"We know what Terrell Suggs brings to the table, the fear that he puts in quarterbacks’ heads," Reed told a local Baltimore radio station, via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "So he’s definitely going to be missed."

Suggs, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, recorded 19 sacks in his past 18 games (including playoffs). His impact went beyond hitting the quarterback. Suggs is the team's all-time leader in forced fumbles with 29, which is 10 more than anyone else in the history of the Ravens.

The loss of Suggs for an extended time not only affects the pass rush but the entire defense as well. Reed said not having Suggs puts more pressure on the secondary.

"[Quarterbacks] might try to hold it now longer cause they know Terrell is not there, but like I said Paul Kruger and those guys are going to step up and make plays," Reed said. "We are going to miss Terrell ... but we are going to have to cover a little bit longer. We are going to get together as defensive backs and talk about some things now that we know the situation with Terrell going down. You know you gotta get things situated going forward.”

This is the time of the offseason when the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers shine. They build the foundation for Super Bowl-contending teams by finding players in April and not in March.

When it comes to drafting Pro Bowl players, the Ravens and Steelers rank among the top four since 1996, according to the Ravens' public-relations department. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have each selected 15 Pro Bowl players during that span, tied for third-most in the league. Only the New England Patriots (17) and Green Bay Packers (16) have produced more.

The secret to the Ravens' and Steelers' drafting success is establishing a vision of what type of player fits their teams. That philosophy comes from the stability of the organizations. Ozzie Newsome has been the Ravens' chief decision-maker since the team relocated to Baltimore in 1996, and Kevin Colbert has been the Steelers' general manager since 2000. The teams each have had two head coaches (Mike Tomlin and Bill Cowher for the Steelers, and John Harbaugh and Brian Billick for the Ravens) for the previous 13 seasons.

That type of cohesion builds a relationship to the point where the scouting department knows what players the coaches want. The front office has insight on what players succeed in their teams' offensive and defensive systems.

"I think that's one of the enjoyable things about Pittsburgh," Tomlin said at the Steelers' pre-draft press conference this week. "We don't get caught up in draft grades and the evaluation of the draft, and things of that nature like a lot of other things that could distract you. It's simply measured in terms of how we perform."

The Steelers have drafted four Pro Bowl players in the past five years: linebacker LaMarr Woodley (2007), wide receiver Mike Wallace (2009), center Maurkice Pouncey (2010) and receiver-returner Antonio Brown (2010).

Last season, seven of the Ravens' eight Pro Bowl players were drafted by the team: inside linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, running back Ray Rice and guards Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda.

This type of consistent success is more amazing when you consider the level of difficulty. The Steelers and Ravens are finding these Pro Bowl players despite annually picking toward the bottom of each round.

These division rivals don't like each other, but they tend to like the same type of player. The Ravens and Steelers target tough, physical and competitive players.

“His motor in the fourth quarter is really, really important,” Ravens director of player of personnel Eric DeCosta said. “A lot of the guys who impress me are the guys who are getting their butts kicked in the fourth quarter, losing by 20, 25 points, and he’s still making plays or trying to make plays."

DeCosta added, "How does a guy tackle? If it’s a cornerback, does he face up and use his facemask? Does he bring you down? Does he miss a lot of tackles? If he’s a running back, does he run through contact? Does he lower his pads and try to break tackles? You get a sense. When you talk to people, you get a sense. Then when you interview a guy, you get a sense for his toughness.”

The true measure of draft success isn't the number of Pro Bowl players produced. There is a higher standard.

"Super Bowl championships," Colbert said. "That's it. There is no scorecard. Never will be, never has been."

The genius of Ed Reed lies on his ability to get in the heads of quarterbacks. But getting in the head of Reed is laborious, frustrating and often pointless.

In Ed Reed's latest interview (on a local Baltimore radio station), one point is clear: he is unhappy.

Reed wants respect. And how teams show players respect, according to Reed, is to pay them. Reed, who is entering the final year of his contact, feels he should get paid more than every defensive back because, well, he's Ed Reed.

But it's so hard to analyze his comments because, as owner Steve Bisciotti said this year, Reed doesn't give definitive answers.

Just listen to Reed's answer when he was asked yesterday if he plans on playing in 2012.

"I plan on playing, but everybody in the world knows plans can change," Reed told 105.7 The Fan. “I got some unfinished business. I got a lot on my mind I’ve been thinking about. The truth of the matter is, it’s about respect. It’s about getting respect, and it’s a business.”

My guess is his "unfinished business" has something to do with a new contract. What the Ravens are going to do with Reed long-term is going to be a major storyline next offseason. He said last week that he thinks he could play four to five more years.

Reed said he tried to rework his contract with the Ravens last year but “took the back seat” when negotiations didn’t go the way he expected.

“My plan when I went to negotiate was always, it’s always to help the team. I was not trying to break the bank," Reed said. "Do I deserve a good substantial amount? I mean you look at Peyton [Manning, Broncos quarterback]. Peyton got five [years] for $96 [million]? I know I’m not a quarterback, but at the end of the day … They pay certain positions certain ways. I’m different, man.”

Reed is scheduled to make $7.2 million -- which, by most bank accounts, is not disrespectful -- in the final season of a six-year, $44.4 million contract. But Reed could be feeling left out because the Ravens are in contract talks with quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Ray Rice, as well as cornerbacks Lardarius Webb and Cary Williams.

“Honestly, I got to take a look at myself from the outside in,” Reed said. “For what I offer on the football field, for what I give on the football field, and for what they know they’re going to get, it’s much more than these young guys out here today and what they’re getting. And I’m talking about at any defensive back position right now.”

Reed also mentioned that he's been dealing with some comments made "from people who I work with."

"Whether they know it or not, they made them,” Reed said. “Whether you think I’m a business-minded man or don’t listen to you, I do. It’s not bad, but it’s something that you take to heart, because at the end of the day, I know I’m giving everything, and they know I’m giving everything on that football field.”

The Ravens face a major decision next year when Reed becomes an unrestricted free agent. Judging from his comments, Reed isn't going to be giving any hometown discounts.

ESPN's Todd McShay offered the fourth version of his 2012 mock draft this week. Here's a look at the AFC North part of it:

4. Cleveland Browns

Version 1.0: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Version 2.0: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Version 3.0: Richardson

Version 4.0: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Hensley's comment: I agree with version 3.0 more than 4.0. Blackmon doesn't have the speed that the Browns really need at wide receiver. That's why the Browns should go with Richardson at this spot.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Version 1.0: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Version 2.0: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Version 3.0: Kirkpatrick

Version 4.0: DeCastro

Hensley's comment: It will be a tough decision for the Bengals if DeCastro and Kirkpatrick are still available at this spot. DeCastro would make more of an immediate impact for the Bengals, who have done a nice job of adding veteran cornerbacks this offseason.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Version 1.0: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Version 2.0: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Version 3.0: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Version 4.0: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Hensley's comment: If the Bengals want to take a cornerback here, the choice is between Gilmore or Janoris Jenkins. While Jenkins has better coverage skills, Gilmore doesn't have the same character issues as Jenkins. Don't rule out a wide receiver at this spot either.

22. Cleveland Browns

Version 1.0: Kevin Reddick, OLB, North Carolina

Version 2.0: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Version 3.0: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Version 4.0: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Hensley's comment: Version 4.0 is a better prediction than Brockers, because the Browns have a big need at right tackle. But there are concerns, because Adams lacks a mean streak, which is a must-have in the AFC North. The Browns might wait until the second round to take a right tackle.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Version 1.0: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Version 2.0: Adams

Version 3.0: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Version 4.0: Hightower

Hensley's comment: This still seems like a no-brainer to me. Hightower would step into the void left by James Farrior. Pittsburgh could also take an offensive lineman or cornerback in the first round.

29. Baltimore Ravens

Version 1.0: Adams

Version 2.0: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

Version 3.0: Peter Konz, C-G, Wisconsin

Version 4.0: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Hensley's comment: There is a definite need at safety. Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard are entering the final years of their contact, and longtime backups Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura signed elsewhere this offseason. Smith, who had been pegged as a second-round pick, has been rising up boards recently. I'm just not completely sold on his playmaking ability.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The Bengals and coach Marvin Lewis are at a standstill in contract talks, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Lewis is entering the final year of a previous two-year extension. The Enquirer reported that there isn't any movement in negotiations because Lewis and Brown have yet to talk about it.

“The way I would answer that is when we get to the point that we have something to announce we will announce it," Brown said at the NFL owners meetings. "I’m not going into a blow by blow description of how we’re making sausage.”

Hensley's slant: There's two things I don't understand about this: Why isn't Lewis talking to the Bengals yet about a new deal, and when did the Bengals start making sausage? OK, I'm joking on the latter but not the Lewis part. Lewis said last month that Brown had already approached him two or three times about a new deal. At this point, the Bengals are the ones who want to get negotiations started and Lewis does not.

BROWNS: NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said the Browns would be crazy not to draft quarterback Ryan Tannehill. "I think Cleveland has to take him at No. 4," Mayock said after Tannehill's pro day Thursday, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He's not ready to play Day 1, but to me, he's a franchise quarterback, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go at No. 4 and maybe even 3 [in a trade]." He said Tannehill would give the Browns an upgrade over Colt McCoy in both athletic ability and arm strength. Hensley's slant: It was at this time last year when Mayock said Blaine Gabbert should be taken over Cam Newton. "Bottom line, he's the first quarterback off the board," Mayock said after Gabbert's pro day. From my viewpoint, the Browns' choice at No. 4 should be between running back Trent Richardson and wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

RAVENS: Owner Steve Bisciotti said the team will survive without linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed when they decide to retire. Lewis, 36, is entering his 17th year. Reed, 33, is going into his 11th. “I saw Ed sit out the first six games in 2010 and we went 12-4. Then I saw Ray Lewis go down for four games last year and we went 12-4 and 4-0 in those specific games,” Bisciotti told the team's official website at the NFL owners meetings. “So no, I don’t [have concern].” Hensley's slant: Bisciotti and the Ravens will face a decision about Reed's future next season, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. I addressed this issue in a blog post last night.

STEELERS: The Steelers aren't interested in discussing next year's situation at wide receiver quite yet. Mike Wallace will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and Antonio Brown will be a restricted free agent after this season. "You are looking way into the future there," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I don't know what we will be able to do this week or next. We look at our situation as it stands today." Hensley's slant: The Steelers' track record shows they don't keep their own wide receivers when they become free agents. But Wallace and Brown should be the exceptions. It could take some more creative bookkeeping to get Wallace signed to a long-term deal next year, but the expected spike in the 2014 salary cap should help the Steelers' chances of retaining Brown.

The report that Ravens safety Ed Reed wants to play next season is not surprising. The team confirmed that last month at the NFL combine.

The shocking part is Reed thinking he can play four to five more years. This sounds like Reed is giving a subtle nudge to the Ravens as he heads into the final year of his contract.

What will the Ravens do next year when Reed is a free agent? Reed's 2012 season will go a long way in deciding his fate with the team.

His age (he turns 34 when the season begins) and his injury history suggest that a long-term deal is a risky proposition. He has missed 10 games the past three seasons. And while he played a full season last year, it was one of Reed's most disappointing. He finished with three interceptions, his fewest in a 16-game season, and he acknowledged that he missed tackles in four straight games at the end of the season because of a shoulder injury.

Still, Reed is one of the best safeties to ever play in the NFL and can still change games. In the Ravens' playoff win over Houston, he made an interception because of great anticipation and broke up three other passes. Reed's instincts and awareness have led to 57 interceptions, the most among active players. And, even though he had a bad year statistically last season, his presence in the secondary is the biggest reason why the Ravens allowed an NFL-low 11 passing touchdowns this season (four fewer than any other team).

Reed has hinted about getting an extension in recent years, but he doesn't have an agent listed with the NFL Players Association. The other problem is if the Ravens want to give a large signing bonus to a player who has been so indecisive about his future. It was only January 2010 when Reed said he was "50-50" about returning. He has been considering retirement every year since the end of the 2008 season because of a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder.

An eight-time Pro Bowl player, Reed is scheduled to make $7.2 million in 2012, the final year of a six-year, $44.4 million deal. Along with Reed, Bernard Pollard, the Ravens' other starting safety, is also an unrestricted free agent next year. That could become a predicament for the Ravens, who lost two safeties that they had been grooming (Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura) in free agency this offseason.

The only thing that's clear at this point is Reed's desire to play in 2012 and beyond.

"There's a lot of talk out there. I'm not going to say I'm 50-50, because I'm not," Reed told the Sun-Sentinel in Miami, where he was being inducted into the Hurricanes' Hall of Fame. "I want to play football. But it's something me and my team have been discussing the last couple of weeks. My partners, they do a great job of making sure I know the pros and cons of what's going on with my body and with the organization and where we're at. I plan on doing it, but depending, it could change. ...

"If it was up to me, I'd be with a walking cane out there. I don't know, man. I think four to five years is a reality for me."

By this time next year, we'll find out if the Ravens believe Reed can play that long, too.