AFC North: Georgia Tech
Let's dig into our AFC North inbox.
Charlie from Brunswick, Ohio, writes: What are the odds that the Browns can pick up another veteran wide receiver before the season starts? While hopefully Bobby Engram strengthens the receiving corps, I'm betting the Browns will need more help then he can provide.
James Walker: The odds are slim of Cleveland making a significant veteran pickup before training camp. But if an injury occurs this summer, that opens the door for the Browns to look for more help. The only big name left on the market that I think can be of significant help is Terrell Owens. He could probably start for Cleveland right now, considering what it has on its roster. But the feeling I get is the Browns do not want to take in that type of big personality in their locker room when they know they’re rebuilding.
Becky from Galloway, Ohio, writes: What is the status of the Marvin Lewis contract negotiations? Any chance it will get done before the season?
Walker: To my knowledge there hasn’t been a lot of movement lately. I don't want to speculate beyond that, because things can always change. I'm not sure if the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-year extension given to coach Mike Tomlin could spark things with Cincinnati or not.
Thomas from Charlottesville, Va., writes: How do you think a Cedric Benson suspension would change the Week 2 Bengals-Ravens match up?
Walker: If Benson is suspended, which hasn't been determined, I think it would impact the Bengals tremendously. He was the biggest part of Cincinnati’s offense last year. The Bengals will pass more this season, but two games against the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens to start the season would be very tough without Benson.
Ian Currie from Atlanta wants to know what rookie RB Jonathan Dwyer's role could be with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Walker: Ideally, Dwyer could step in and help in short yardage. That is an area the Steelers really struggled last year. In college at Georgia Tech, Dwyer was a strong runner. But Pittsburgh’s players haven’t put the pads on so that remains to be seen.
Zack from Bethlehem, Pa., wants to know why the Ravens and Steelers are signing rookies to three-year deals.
Walker: That's an interesting question, Zack. I haven't really thought much about it. But with the labor uncertainty teams may be looking into shorter deals just in the event the worst-case scenario plays out and there’s no football next year. The bigger the contract, the bigger the up-front signing bonuses, and that’s where players make a lot of their money.
Complaint department (Bengals edition)
What is going on in our AFC North community? There seems to be a lot of Bengal hatred lately in our division inbox. Did I miss something?
Jason from Cocoa, Fla., writes: James, I'm taking Flavor Flav's advice, and I don't believe the hype about the Bengals. They're a 6-10 team this year, 7-9 at best. They're coming of a division title, not a four-win record. So they're not sneaking up on anybody, and other teams will not look past them. We can all see that the schedule looks harder, but teams vary year to year, so that's all crap. Pittsburgh went 12-4 and won the championship with the toughest schedule, but laid an egg last year with a much easier draw - losing to inferior teams, such as the Bengals, twice. I'd appreciate it if you recognize me in January for knowing more about the Bengals than that one-trick pony who can't pronounce 85 in Spanish. Yes, that's one-trick, going deep. He's too scared to go over the middle, can't block for his RB's, and CAN'T get his team past the wild card.
Mike from Baltimore writes: I believe the Bengals overachieved last year. The Bengals were either in the game, or out of the game. But the Ravens were never out of any game last season. I believe the Bungals are more likely to pan out at 7 -9 than the Ravens are.
Jermaine B. from Baltimore writes: Why are people determined to label Carson Palmer as an "elite" QB? In six years as a starter he he's only made the playoffs twice & lost both games at home! And folks can [quit] the excuses about the teams around him. A TRULY "elite" QB elevates the players around him.
Ben from Groton, Conn., writes: Chad Ochocinco provided bulletin-board material all right--for a physical Steelers secondary. I hope he keeps talking when all those girls are in the playoffs and he's watching from the couch in January.
Denis from De Pere, Wis., writes: Dude has only broken the 100-yard barrier twice in 18 games against the Steelers. Keep talking, Chad. Keep talking.
Dennis F. from Alexandria, Va., writes: Funny the Bengals see the Steelers as their biggest rival. Too bad the Steelers don’t see it the same way. Sure they swept us last season. But when it comes to the Steelers our biggest rival is the Ravens.
James from Baltimore writes: JW, you said in the chat that the Bengals were the best team in the division last year. I think you're forgetting the last several games of last season. How can you not say the Ravens were ultimately the better team after they went into Foxborough and dismantled the Patriots while the Bengals sputtered against the Jets at home?
Adam B. from Apple Valley, Minn., writes: Chad Ochocinco recently complained that the Ravens are getting all of the offseason hype even though the Bengals are the defending AFC North champs. But I say the Ravens deserve it since they're 20-12 the last two years and have gone 3-2 in the playoffs despite all five games being on the road. While the Bengals have gone 14-17-1 in the same stretch and are 0-1 in the playoffs, despite the one game being at home.
Charlie from Brunswick, Ohio, writes: What are the odds that the Browns can pick up another veteran wide receiver before the season starts? While hopefully Bobby Engram strengthens the receiving corps, I'm betting the Browns will need more help then he can provide.
James Walker: The odds are slim of Cleveland making a significant veteran pickup before training camp. But if an injury occurs this summer, that opens the door for the Browns to look for more help. The only big name left on the market that I think can be of significant help is Terrell Owens. He could probably start for Cleveland right now, considering what it has on its roster. But the feeling I get is the Browns do not want to take in that type of big personality in their locker room when they know they’re rebuilding.
Becky from Galloway, Ohio, writes: What is the status of the Marvin Lewis contract negotiations? Any chance it will get done before the season?
Walker: To my knowledge there hasn’t been a lot of movement lately. I don't want to speculate beyond that, because things can always change. I'm not sure if the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-year extension given to coach Mike Tomlin could spark things with Cincinnati or not.
Thomas from Charlottesville, Va., writes: How do you think a Cedric Benson suspension would change the Week 2 Bengals-Ravens match up?
Walker: If Benson is suspended, which hasn't been determined, I think it would impact the Bengals tremendously. He was the biggest part of Cincinnati’s offense last year. The Bengals will pass more this season, but two games against the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens to start the season would be very tough without Benson.
Ian Currie from Atlanta wants to know what rookie RB Jonathan Dwyer's role could be with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Walker: Ideally, Dwyer could step in and help in short yardage. That is an area the Steelers really struggled last year. In college at Georgia Tech, Dwyer was a strong runner. But Pittsburgh’s players haven’t put the pads on so that remains to be seen.
Zack from Bethlehem, Pa., wants to know why the Ravens and Steelers are signing rookies to three-year deals.
Walker: That's an interesting question, Zack. I haven't really thought much about it. But with the labor uncertainty teams may be looking into shorter deals just in the event the worst-case scenario plays out and there’s no football next year. The bigger the contract, the bigger the up-front signing bonuses, and that’s where players make a lot of their money.
Complaint department (Bengals edition)
What is going on in our AFC North community? There seems to be a lot of Bengal hatred lately in our division inbox. Did I miss something?
Jason from Cocoa, Fla., writes: James, I'm taking Flavor Flav's advice, and I don't believe the hype about the Bengals. They're a 6-10 team this year, 7-9 at best. They're coming of a division title, not a four-win record. So they're not sneaking up on anybody, and other teams will not look past them. We can all see that the schedule looks harder, but teams vary year to year, so that's all crap. Pittsburgh went 12-4 and won the championship with the toughest schedule, but laid an egg last year with a much easier draw - losing to inferior teams, such as the Bengals, twice. I'd appreciate it if you recognize me in January for knowing more about the Bengals than that one-trick pony who can't pronounce 85 in Spanish. Yes, that's one-trick, going deep. He's too scared to go over the middle, can't block for his RB's, and CAN'T get his team past the wild card.
Mike from Baltimore writes: I believe the Bengals overachieved last year. The Bengals were either in the game, or out of the game. But the Ravens were never out of any game last season. I believe the Bungals are more likely to pan out at 7 -9 than the Ravens are.
Jermaine B. from Baltimore writes: Why are people determined to label Carson Palmer as an "elite" QB? In six years as a starter he he's only made the playoffs twice & lost both games at home! And folks can [quit] the excuses about the teams around him. A TRULY "elite" QB elevates the players around him.
Ben from Groton, Conn., writes: Chad Ochocinco provided bulletin-board material all right--for a physical Steelers secondary. I hope he keeps talking when all those girls are in the playoffs and he's watching from the couch in January.
Denis from De Pere, Wis., writes: Dude has only broken the 100-yard barrier twice in 18 games against the Steelers. Keep talking, Chad. Keep talking.
Dennis F. from Alexandria, Va., writes: Funny the Bengals see the Steelers as their biggest rival. Too bad the Steelers don’t see it the same way. Sure they swept us last season. But when it comes to the Steelers our biggest rival is the Ravens.
James from Baltimore writes: JW, you said in the chat that the Bengals were the best team in the division last year. I think you're forgetting the last several games of last season. How can you not say the Ravens were ultimately the better team after they went into Foxborough and dismantled the Patriots while the Bengals sputtered against the Jets at home?
Adam B. from Apple Valley, Minn., writes: Chad Ochocinco recently complained that the Ravens are getting all of the offseason hype even though the Bengals are the defending AFC North champs. But I say the Ravens deserve it since they're 20-12 the last two years and have gone 3-2 in the playoffs despite all five games being on the road. While the Bengals have gone 14-17-1 in the same stretch and are 0-1 in the playoffs, despite the one game being at home.
Every year teams have tough decisions to make to trim their rosters to 53 players. Sometimes the coaching staff and front office can't agree on who stays and who goes, and the debates get pretty heated.
With training camp approximately two weeks away, here are eight AFC North players who could be heavily debated and on the roster bubble this summer:
1. Adam Jones, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
Case for: There is no denying Jones' talent. The former first-round pick looked quick and athletic playing cornerback and returning kicks during last month's mandatory minicamp. What's interesting is Jones is still working himself back into football shape after sitting out the 2009 season. The Bengals lacked a reliable third cornerback to go with starters Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. So there is a role available.
Case against: Jones sat out last season for off-field reasons. He has said and done the right things so far in Cincinnati, but he's on a very short leash with the league office. One mishap and Jones could be off the team and out of the league for the rest of the year. But if he stays clear of trouble, he has enough ability to make the team and contribute.
Chances of making team: 80 percent
2. Matt Jones, WR, Bengals
Case for: Jones has good size and experience. The former first-round pick had 166 career receptions and 15 touchdowns during his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outside of starters Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant, Cincinnati has a pretty young group of receivers. That could give Jones a chance to earn roster spot if he's polished enough to contribute now for the defending AFC North champs.
Case against: After sitting out all of 2009 because of off-field issues, Jones appears to have lost a step. This spring he hasn't looked nearly as explosive as the freakish athlete who impressed at the NFL combine in 2005. Similar to Adam Jones, it's possible that Matt Jones can regain some of his form in the process of a grueling training camp. Jones also has an inexpensive, team-friendly contract, which the Bengals can easily terminate if they don't like what they see.
Chances of making team: 40 percent
3. Jerome Simpson, WR, Bengals
Case for: Despite a lack of production, Simpson has stuck around for two reasons: draft status and lack of receiver depth. It's hard for teams to give up on second-round picks. The Bengals invested a lot in Simpson and still want to get a return on their high pick, even if it means an extended wait. In the past, the Bengals haven't had a lot of receiver depth, which has allowed Simpson to make the 53-man roster. But that has changed this year, as Cincinnati's receiving corps has a lot of competition.
Case against: The Bengals appear tired of waiting on Simpson, who has one reception in two seasons. They drafted two rookie receivers to compete for roster spots, Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe. This is a make-or-break training camp for Simpson. He showed occasional flashes in practice but not nearly enough to earn the trust of the coaching staff when it matters in the regular season. Entering his third NFL season, there are no more excuses for Simpson not to produce.
Chances of making team: 50 percent
4. Demetrius Williams, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Case for: With his speed and athleticism, a case can be made that Williams potentially is Baltimore's most dangerous deep threat. Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason are more savvy, consistent receivers, while Donte' Stallworth is trying to get his legs under him after sitting out a year. Williams has averaged an impressive 16 yards per catch in his career, including two touchdown receptions of 70 yards or more. There is an open role for someone to get deep in Baltimore's high-powered offense, and Williams has a chance to be that player.
Case against: Health has always been an issue for Williams. He has played in 16 games once in his four-year career. Baltimore has kept Williams because of his potential, but at some point the Ravens would like to see consistency. To do that, Williams must stay healthy to find a role on a Ravens team with very high expectations.
Chances of making team: 70 percent
5. John Beck, QB, Ravens
Case for: Beck knows offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's system well from their days together with the Miami Dolphins. Beck's future in Baltimore could come down to Troy Smith's situation. There have been rumors of interest in Smith from the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback injuries in training camp and preseason could also increase Smith's trade value this summer, which would gift wrap the No. 3 quarterback job for Beck.
Case against: If nothing happens on the trade front, the Ravens have an interesting decision to make between Smith and Beck. With Joe Flacco, Marc Bulger and Smith, Beck is probably the team's fourth quarterback right now, which naturally makes him the odd man out. If Smith is still on the roster, Beck will have to make up ground the old-fashioned way and outperform Smith in the preseason to win a roster spot.
Chances of making team: 40 percent
6. Bobby Engram, WR, Cleveland Browns
Case for: The Browns have little depth and little experience at receiver. Engram potentially could provide both. The 14-year veteran played for Cleveland president Mike Holmgren when both were with the Seattle Seahawks and knows what to expect. Engram recently had a big year in 2007, when he had 94 receptions for 1,147 yards and six touchdowns. He also can serve as a mentor to young receivers such as Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.
Case against: It's questionable what Engram, 37, has left. Last season he had only five receptions in five games for the Kansas City Chiefs. Holmgren is hoping Engram has one more decent year left in him to help Cleveland's struggling offense, which finished last in the NFL in 2009. But if there's any team Engram can make this year, it's the Browns.
Chances of making team: 60 percent
7. James Davis, RB, Browns
Case for: Davis was arguably Cleveland's biggest rookie surprise last summer when he led the team in rushing during the preseason. But high expectations were crushed when a season-ending shoulder injury limited Davis to only two games. Now he's back for his second season and looks healthy.
Case against: Cleveland's situation at running back is very crowded. One of the best things Holmgren and new general manager Tom Heckert did this offseason was put together a solid group of rushers. The Browns traded up to draft tailback Montario Hardesty in the second round and got Peyton Hillis from the Denver Broncos in the Brady Quinn trade. Last year's leading rusher, Jerome Harrison, also returns to make for a versatile group of ball carriers. All three running backs are ahead of Davis on the depth chart. So barring injury, Davis looks like a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Chances of making team: 35 percent
8. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Case for: Despite being a sixth-round pick, Dwyer has a chance to contribute early for the Steelers. He displayed strong legs and good power in college, and that could translate into a short-yardage option for Pittsburgh. The Steelers struggled in the red zone and in short-yardage situations. If Dwyer proves he can move the chains, that would be more than enough to earn a roster spot.
Case against: Although the Steelers may end up with a bargain, no team is afraid to put a sixth-round pick on the practice squad. Dwyer played in a triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, which means he may need some time to learn a pro-style offense. But Dwyer could pan out in a limited role.
Chances of making team: 75 percent
With training camp approximately two weeks away, here are eight AFC North players who could be heavily debated and on the roster bubble this summer:
1. Adam Jones, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Al BehrmanBengals cornerback Adam Jones looked good in training camp.
AP Photo/Al BehrmanBengals cornerback Adam Jones looked good in training camp.Case against: Jones sat out last season for off-field reasons. He has said and done the right things so far in Cincinnati, but he's on a very short leash with the league office. One mishap and Jones could be off the team and out of the league for the rest of the year. But if he stays clear of trouble, he has enough ability to make the team and contribute.
Chances of making team: 80 percent
2. Matt Jones, WR, Bengals
Case for: Jones has good size and experience. The former first-round pick had 166 career receptions and 15 touchdowns during his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outside of starters Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant, Cincinnati has a pretty young group of receivers. That could give Jones a chance to earn roster spot if he's polished enough to contribute now for the defending AFC North champs.
Case against: After sitting out all of 2009 because of off-field issues, Jones appears to have lost a step. This spring he hasn't looked nearly as explosive as the freakish athlete who impressed at the NFL combine in 2005. Similar to Adam Jones, it's possible that Matt Jones can regain some of his form in the process of a grueling training camp. Jones also has an inexpensive, team-friendly contract, which the Bengals can easily terminate if they don't like what they see.
Chances of making team: 40 percent
3. Jerome Simpson, WR, Bengals
Case for: Despite a lack of production, Simpson has stuck around for two reasons: draft status and lack of receiver depth. It's hard for teams to give up on second-round picks. The Bengals invested a lot in Simpson and still want to get a return on their high pick, even if it means an extended wait. In the past, the Bengals haven't had a lot of receiver depth, which has allowed Simpson to make the 53-man roster. But that has changed this year, as Cincinnati's receiving corps has a lot of competition.
Case against: The Bengals appear tired of waiting on Simpson, who has one reception in two seasons. They drafted two rookie receivers to compete for roster spots, Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe. This is a make-or-break training camp for Simpson. He showed occasional flashes in practice but not nearly enough to earn the trust of the coaching staff when it matters in the regular season. Entering his third NFL season, there are no more excuses for Simpson not to produce.
Chances of making team: 50 percent
4. Demetrius Williams, WR, Baltimore Ravens
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Rob CarrRavens receiver Demetrius Williams could be the team's deep-threat option.
AP Photo/Rob CarrRavens receiver Demetrius Williams could be the team's deep-threat option.Case against: Health has always been an issue for Williams. He has played in 16 games once in his four-year career. Baltimore has kept Williams because of his potential, but at some point the Ravens would like to see consistency. To do that, Williams must stay healthy to find a role on a Ravens team with very high expectations.
Chances of making team: 70 percent
5. John Beck, QB, Ravens
Case for: Beck knows offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's system well from their days together with the Miami Dolphins. Beck's future in Baltimore could come down to Troy Smith's situation. There have been rumors of interest in Smith from the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback injuries in training camp and preseason could also increase Smith's trade value this summer, which would gift wrap the No. 3 quarterback job for Beck.
Case against: If nothing happens on the trade front, the Ravens have an interesting decision to make between Smith and Beck. With Joe Flacco, Marc Bulger and Smith, Beck is probably the team's fourth quarterback right now, which naturally makes him the odd man out. If Smith is still on the roster, Beck will have to make up ground the old-fashioned way and outperform Smith in the preseason to win a roster spot.
Chances of making team: 40 percent
6. Bobby Engram, WR, Cleveland Browns
Case for: The Browns have little depth and little experience at receiver. Engram potentially could provide both. The 14-year veteran played for Cleveland president Mike Holmgren when both were with the Seattle Seahawks and knows what to expect. Engram recently had a big year in 2007, when he had 94 receptions for 1,147 yards and six touchdowns. He also can serve as a mentor to young receivers such as Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.
Case against: It's questionable what Engram, 37, has left. Last season he had only five receptions in five games for the Kansas City Chiefs. Holmgren is hoping Engram has one more decent year left in him to help Cleveland's struggling offense, which finished last in the NFL in 2009. But if there's any team Engram can make this year, it's the Browns.
Chances of making team: 60 percent
7. James Davis, RB, Browns
Case for: Davis was arguably Cleveland's biggest rookie surprise last summer when he led the team in rushing during the preseason. But high expectations were crushed when a season-ending shoulder injury limited Davis to only two games. Now he's back for his second season and looks healthy.
Case against: Cleveland's situation at running back is very crowded. One of the best things Holmgren and new general manager Tom Heckert did this offseason was put together a solid group of rushers. The Browns traded up to draft tailback Montario Hardesty in the second round and got Peyton Hillis from the Denver Broncos in the Brady Quinn trade. Last year's leading rusher, Jerome Harrison, also returns to make for a versatile group of ball carriers. All three running backs are ahead of Davis on the depth chart. So barring injury, Davis looks like a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Chances of making team: 35 percent
8. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Doug Benc/Getty ImagesPittsburgh sixth-round pick Jonathan Dwyer might be headed to the practice squad.
Doug Benc/Getty ImagesPittsburgh sixth-round pick Jonathan Dwyer might be headed to the practice squad.Case against: Although the Steelers may end up with a bargain, no team is afraid to put a sixth-round pick on the practice squad. Dwyer played in a triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, which means he may need some time to learn a pro-style offense. But Dwyer could pan out in a limited role.
Chances of making team: 75 percent
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
The Cincinnati Bengals make the first AFC North selection of Day 2, taking Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson in the third round (No. 70 overall).
Cincinnati needs pass-rushing help and may have added it with Johnson. He was third in the ACC with nine sacks last season but fell to the third round because he struggles with consistency.
But for the third round, Johnson could be a solid value pick if coached properly. Starting defensive end Robert Geathers is coming off major knee surgery and Antwan Odom on the other side underperformed last season, despite a big contract.
The Bengals will pick again at the end of the third round as the compensatory selections begin to roll in. Cincinnati has the No. 98 overall pick, which is the second-highest compensatory pick in this year's draft.
The New England Patriots have the top compensatory pick for 2009, one spot ahead of Cincinnati at No. 97 overall.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Jamison Hensley
Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife.
