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It's never a good Sunday when it's Sunday without football games. But it does give us time to open some mail ...

Todd from Vallejo, Calif., writes: My question relates to the Bengals draft picks. By all accounts, the players they want to select (guard David DeCastro, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, running back Trent Richardson, etc.) will all be gone by picks 17 and 21. I have a hard time seeing them reach for a running back with those picks or even a lesser guard (like Cordy Glenn) or risky corner (Janoris Jenkins). What do you think they will do? Trade up or down?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Bengals are more likely to trade down, especially at No. 21. It seems like every draft there is some team wanting to jump back into the bottom part of the first round to get a quarterback. Since the Bengals have Andy Dalton, they would be happy to drop back and acquire more picks. The only player that I could envision the Bengals trading up for is Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Cincinnati wouldn't mortgage the entire draft for Richardson, but it would be willing to move up a few spots if he surprisingly falls out of the top 10. Of course, I would be extremely surprised to see Richardson slip that far.

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Abe from Baltimore writes: Don't you think the Ravens will be better suited going for Pierre Garcon, Mario Manningham, or Robert Meachem rather than breaking the bank for any of these big-name wide receivers?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Ravens don't have the salary-cap room to go after a wide receiver like Vincent Jackson. As I wrote last week, the best fit is the Colts' Reggie Wayne, whose value will be lowered by the number of young deep threats available in free agency. If Wayne proves to be too expensive, the Ravens still need to add a free-agent wide receiver because Lee Evans was a flop and Tandon Doss apparently isn't ready to get on the field. Baltimore only had two wide receivers with more than four catches, so the Ravens have to upgrade here.

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Ben from Pensacola, Fla., writes: Even if Robert Griffin III is every bit as good as Cam Newton, there's no way he'd have that kind of success in Cleveland. Newton was throwing to a pair of good tight ends and Steve Smith, with a nice running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. RG3 comes into an offense with no running game and, frankly, a terrible group of receivers and tight ends. I understand Colt McCoy probably isn't getting the most out of the players around him, but even Tom Brady would have a hard time scoring points for the Browns. The Browns need a lot more than a new quarterback to be even solid on offense.

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: I understand your argument for a lack of playmakers, but you can't downplay the fact that a franchise quarterback elevates the talent around him. That's why Cam Newton had more success with this supporting cast than Jake Delhomme, Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore. There's no doubt that the Browns have to significantly improve the players at the skill positions. But McCoy isn't a quarterback who gets the most out of his teammates. I'm not saying RG3 will do this. I'm just saying the Browns have to look elsewhere because McCoy isn't the answer.

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Jared from Orlando, Fla., writes: Do you think that Heath Miller will ever get to the Pro Bowl again? Granted the one time he made it, it was because one of the tight ends chosen was in the Super Bowl that year. I'm extremely biased as a Steeler fan who grew up in the same town as Heath. However, it seems like the only tight ends to make the pro bowl are pass catchers. Heath has great hands, but he's at least top three in the league as a blocking tight end. Thoughts?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Miller has been underused the past two seasons, especially in the red zone. But he won't get to another Pro Bowl because he's on the decline. Over the next couple of drafts, the Steelers have to take a look at adding an athletic pass-catching tight end like Cincinnati's Jermaine Gresham and Baltimore's Ed Dickson. That's the direction the NFL is headed, and Pittsburgh is going to be forced to fill the void there sooner than later. Miller is entering the final year of his contract.

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Cameron from Cincinnati writes: If the Bengals are going to get a guard and a cornerback with their first two picks, which looks likely, what position do they address next? Running back, or wide receiver?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Running back comes next in the draft, and wide receiver is among the priorities in free agency. The Bengals need to get younger and faster at running back. That means the draft is the best way to address the position. As far as wide receiver, Cincinnati needs a dependable route-runner as the second option to A.J. Green. The Bengals can find one in free agency.

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Gene from San Diego writes: What's more important in the draft for the Ravens: an outside linebacker opposite [Terrell] Suggs, an inside linebacker for the future or a center?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: In order of priority, I would go inside linebacker, center and outside linebacker. It wouldn't be a surprise to see others rank these differently because it's a tough call. I put inside linebacker first because this is the time to find that heir apparent to Ray Lewis, so the rookie can learn under the future Hall of Fame linebacker. The Ravens can get by this year with Matt Birk at center and Paul Kruger at outside linebacker.

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Sean from Van Wert, Ohio, writes: I know that Cleveland needs help at receiver. With all the big names out there, we should worry about overspending. Which is why, I keep bringing up Pierre Garcon. He would be a great fit for Cleveland's West Coast offense, and we could get him for less than DeSean Jackson or any of the other big names wide receivers. I believe we could land Garcon around the $13-15 million range over three to five years. What are your thoughts on Garcon landing in Cleveland?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: I put Garcon on the top of my list in terms of the best fit for Cleveland. The reason? Garcon provides what the Browns desperately need at wide receiver -- speed. He showed he can stretch the field, and he proved that he doesn't need an elite quarterback to do so after Peyton Manning was sidelined all season.

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DJ from Brockport, N.Y., writes: Have the Browns actually shown interest in Robert Griffin III or is it all rumors and assumptions at this point?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Browns officials met with RG3 for a 15-minute interview on Friday night. But it doesn't take a top analyst like Trent Dilfer to answer this question. The Browns need to upgrade at quarterback, and RG3 will be top quarterback available after Andrew Luck gets drafted by the Colts. Cleveland officials don't have to draft RG3, but they do have to consider it.

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John from Medon, Tenn., writes: With Rashard Mendenhall's injury, could you see the Steelers potentially having an interest in Peyton Hillis? I know they don't spend much in free agency, but Hillis could possibly be had at a decent price after a bad year. Hillis' hit-the-hole-hard style would actually be a better fit than Mendenhall's constant hesitation at the line of scrimmage. Hillis in a Steeler uniform would be very intriguing.

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Steelers aren't going to make many free-agent signings because of their limited cap space. So it would surprise me if they chose to use that precious cap room on a player who struggled on the field for most of the season, got hurt and became a malcontent in the locker room. I believe the Steelers need to address running back in free agency, but it would be out of character for Pittsburgh to pursue Hillis.

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Michael from Cleveland writes: How crazy is it to think the Colts will draft Robert Griffin III and the Browns move up to draft Andrew Luck?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: This is beyond crazy. Actually, this is the very definition of fantasy football for Browns fans.

The Cleveland Browns will cut veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme later this week, removing his $5.4 million salary from their books for a player who would have been a third-stringer.

Cleveland probably should have made this move before the lockout when it was clear Delhomme was no longer a capable starter, and the team was going forward with second-year quarterback Colt McCoy. But it's better late than never.

Delhomme was a good mentor to McCoy, but that was pretty much his only asset in Cleveland. As a starting quarterback, Delhomme was often injured and turnover prone. In five games, he threw for 872 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions. At 36, Delhomme is well past his prime, and both McCoy and Seneca Wallace outperformed Delhomme last season.

Cutting Delhomme opens a spot for Cleveland to bring along another young, developmental quarterback to learn behind McCoy and Wallace. We suggested former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft, although that doesn't seem like a move the Browns typically make.

This also gives Delhomme a chance to seek other options in free agency. At the end of last season, Delhomme didn't seem like a quarterback who wanted to retire, and he could serve as a mentor elsewhere for a more affordable salary.

Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC North:

• Was Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme the "Least Valuable Player" in the NFL last season? Yes, according to Grantland's Bill Barnwell.
• Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer has an update on the recent neck surgery of Bengals cornerback Adam Jones.
• Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette catches up with Steelers linebacker James Farrior.
• We had another summer wedding in the division. Congrats to Baltimore Ravens safety Haruki Nakamura.
• Here is a recap of this week's chat on the AFC North.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed responds to his No. 5 ranking on the NFL Network's top 100, which was voted by the players.

Morning take: Reed was rated one spot ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. I wanted to stay away from another "Troy Reed" debate this week. But feel free to dig in.

• Speaking of the Steelers, they continue to keep their options open for training camp.

Morning take: As we mentioned Wednesday, each day without a collective bargaining agreement makes it tough for an off-site training camp. The Steelers trained at St. Vincent College for 45 consecutive years, but the streak is in doubt with the NFL lockout.

• Will quarterback Jake Delhomme become a cap casualty for the Cleveland Browns?

Morning take: Unless the Browns want to pay $5.4 million for a third-string quarterback, I don't see how Delhomme can return under his current deal.

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Terrell Owens wants to do a television sitcom loosely based on his life.

Morning take: Owens has his eye on his next career, which is commendable. Many players struggle in their next phase of life, but acting could fill that void for Owens.

Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed says he's still not 100 percent after last year's hip surgery.
• Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark discusses everyone's favorite topic in the division: Joe Flacco.
• Do Carolina Panthers fans miss Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Jake Delhomme?
• There are reasons for optimism with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Here is a recap of this week's chat on the AFC North.

Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor shouldn't have to look far for his ideal NFL fit. If they're smart, the neighboring Cleveland Browns should be the first team in line to take the raw and talented prospect in next month's supplemental draft.

Cleveland, coming off back-to-back 5-11 seasons, is desperate for talent at any position. Pryor presents the perfect scenario for the Browns: He comes at no risk but could offer a high reward.

Pryor is projected to be a fourth-round pick in July's supplemental draft by everyone not named Drew Rosenhaus. That's a modest cost for someone with Pryor's athletic ability, big-game experience and pedigree. That is especially the case for the Browns, who have nine draft picks next year -- including two first-rounders -- following a cunning trade with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Browns have draft picks to spare in 2012. Why not grab Pryor now and begin teaching him the nuances of the NFL game?

In Cleveland, Pryor would work with two quarterback gurus -- Browns president Mike Holmgren and head coach Pat Shurmur. The pair developed NFL quarterbacks such as Brett Favre, Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb and Sam Bradford, just to name a few. Like many observers, I have doubts about Pryor at quarterback in the NFL. But I like his chances a lot better working with Holmgren and Shurmur.

At best, Pryor turns out to be a viable starting quarterback in the NFL. Otherwise, Pryor could try his talents at wide receiver. Oh, by the way, the Browns need help there, too. They have arguably the league's worst group of receivers.

Holmgren said after the draft that his only regret was that Cleveland didn't select a developmental quarterback in the later rounds.

"I think philosophically, I always like to take a quarterback in the draft late," Holmgren explained. "But that also had to make sense. This year, based on our roster needs and what we had and what we needed to do, we did the right thing. Now, are we finished adding to the quarterback pile? I don’t think so. ... I think we are going to try and figure out a way to get another guy in here."

Adding Pryor in the supplemental draft would address those concerns.

Despite his big name, Pryor would not be a threat to second-year quarterback Colt McCoy, who enters the year as the starter. Pryor and McCoy played in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl and developed a healthy respect for each other in college.

Pryor would provide "McCoy insurance" for Cleveland, which is needed. The Browns are backing McCoy this season, but no one knows for sure if he is the long-term solution. With Pryor, the Browns would have two young quarterbacks to develop simultaneously and could double their chances of having one pan out.

Behind McCoy is backup Seneca Wallace, who signed a three-year extension in March and knows the West Coast offense better than anyone. But the third quarterback spot is there for the taking.

Struggling veteran Jake Delhomme, 36, is holding the seat warm until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. After that, Delhomme’s immense $5.4 million salary kicks in and Cleveland is expected to terminate his contract.

If you were general manager of the Browns, would you rather have an aging, overpaid veteran as the third-string quarterback, or an inexpensive player with upside like Pryor, who may develop into something greater down the road? The answer is a no-brainer.

The Browns are not the favorites to land Pryor. The current regime has taken a conservative approach to building the team's foundation -- and there's nothing wrong with that. Drafting Pryor is anything but conservative, but this would be a perfect calculated risk for Cleveland to take.

The worst-case scenario is that Pryor flops in the NFL and the Browns miss on a fourth-round pick, a spot that doesn't have a high success rate to begin with. Cleveland could wait to use that pick next year on a punter or a right guard and get the same result.

Opportunity is knocking in Cleveland. The team just has to be smart enough and willing enough to answer the door.

The Browns would be wise this summer to take a flier on Terrelle Pryor.

There is a reason the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have been able to win Super Bowls and have tremendous success coming out of the AFC North. Part of it is due to the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals making poor personnel decisions.

On Thursday Football Outsiders provided its top 10 most disappointing free agents, and three on the list were from the NFL's two Ohio teams.

Coming in at No. 8 was Cleveland's infamous decision to sign receiver Andre Rison in 1995. At the time the Browns made Rison the highest-paid at his position by giving him a five-year, $17 million contract. Rison quickly became a bust in Cleveland and flamed out after one season.

No. 4 on the list was a more recent signing by the Browns. Last year Cleveland needed a quarterback and vastly overpaid for veteran Jake Delhomme, who was released by the Carolina Panthers due to poor performance. The Browns paid Delhomme $7 million last season to throw for just 872 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions. By midseason, Delhomme was either injured or holding a clipboard for rookie quarterback Colt McCoy, and Delhomme likely will be released before Cleveland pays him another $5.4 million this season.

No. 3 on the list was the Cincinnati's signing of free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant to a four-year, $28 million contract in 2010. Despite persistent knee problems the season before, Cincinnati's medical staff overlooked Bryant's issues and gave him $8 million up front in guaranteed money. But Bryant was never healthy enough to play football last year, and the Bengals cut their losses by releasing Bryant before the regular season. The Bengals essentially paid Bryant $8 million to never play a single down in Cincinnati.

Can the Cleveland Browns pay a projected third-string quarterback a reported $5.4 million this season?

That probably says all you need to know about Jake Delhomme's shaky future in Cleveland.

The Browns like Delhomme's veteran presence and leadership. But the past two years -- including the 2010 season in Cleveland -- proved Delhomme, 36, is no longer a starting NFL quarterback. The Browns paid Delhomme $7 million last season to throw for 872 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games. Comparing dollars and production, it was one of the worst investments last year in free agency.

After signing a two-year deal last offseason, Delhomme is now one of the AFC North's prime candidates to be released whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. Delhomme said immediately after the season that he wasn't sure he will be back, and Cleveland's front office has been elusive on the topic.

The Browns are going all-in with second-year quarterback Colt McCoy this season and recently signed backup Seneca Wallace to a three-year extension. The Browns did not select a developmental quarterback in the NFL draft this year. That leaves a roster spot open for Delhomme, but only if he's willing to take a very significant pay cut to stay in Cleveland.

The lockout has reached 71 days and counting, which continues to push back NFL free agency. This also means the league is bracing itself for an unprecedented whirlwind of player movement this summer once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

With that said, here are seven questions and answers to get you up to speed on free agency in the AFC North:

Question No. 1: Will the Cincinnati Bengals re-sign tailback Cedric Benson?

Answer: Yes, all signs are pointing toward Benson returning. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Benson has been a good fit in Cincinnati. He had issues last season with former offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, who was fired, and now Benson is excited about returning to the Bengals. As a 28-year-old running back, there will not be a huge market for Benson. Therefore, Cincinnati wouldn't have to overpay to keep Benson. With a rookie quarterback (Andy Dalton) likely starting this upcoming season, new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden says he wants to run the ball early and often, which has to be music to Benson's ears.

Question No. 2: Will the Pittsburgh Steelers re-sign Ike Taylor?

Answer: This is a tough one. Although I wouldn't be surprised either way, my sense is Taylor will not return to Pittsburgh in 2011. He's 31 and the Steelers would rather avoid the going rate for good cornerbacks on the open market, which is currently $8-10 million per year. Taylor says he wants that market value, and he has a much better chance of getting it somewhere else. Taylor already has two Super Bowl rings and this is his final chance to land a big contract. So no one should fault him for leaving. The Steelers will spend money on their front seven but do not value cornerbacks all that much, as evidenced by their recent draft history.

Question No. 3: Will Nnamdi Asomugha land in the AFC North?

Answer: The overall answer is no. I do not expect Asomugha to land in the AFC North. But if any team in the division has a fighting chance to get Asomugha, it's the Baltimore Ravens. Asomugha has a history with new Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, who coached Asomugha for two seasons (2005-2006) with the Oakland Raiders. Oakland led the NFL in pass defense in 2006, as Pagano helped Asomugha develop into a star. That connection, along with Baltimore being a contender, could put the Ravens on Asomugha's radar. But money could get in the way as Asomugha is slated to become one of the league's highest-paid players. This summer, Baltimore also is expected to make Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata one of the highest paid at his position, and it's difficult to envision the Ravens fitting in both contracts.

Question No. 4: Will the Browns be aggressive in free agency?

Answer: Yes. The Browns have deep pockets and a lot of needs, which is usually a formula for teams to make significant moves in free agency. The Browns will have plenty of cap space -- if there is a cap -- so look for them to land at least one or two key additions. We mentioned two potential targets recently in defensive end Ray Edwards and safety Donte Whitner. Cleveland won't be able to compete with Pittsburgh and Baltimore until it closes the talent gap, so the Browns need impact players. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Browns is competing with other aggressive teams and convincing free agents why they should join a rebuilding team this season.

Question No. 5: Which players are on the chopping block?

Answer: There are several interesting names to keep an eye on in the division. The two near-certainties are Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco and Ravens running back Willis McGahee. Both likely will be cut whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is reached because of their declining production and high salaries. Both are scheduled to make $6 million next season, and the Ravens and Bengals will be eager to slash that off their books and allocate those resources elsewhere. Also, Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme and Bengals defensive ends Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom could be additional salary casualties in the AFC North.

Question No. 6: So where will Ochocinco end up?

Answer: The Bengals don't want Ochocinco, but there should be several teams interested in his services. Ochocinco, 33, is no longer a Pro Bowl-type receiver. But he can still be a solid threat and fits best on a contending team as a complementary weapon. In my opinion, the best fits for Ochocinco are the New York Jets and New England Patriots. Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has publicly campaigned to get Ochocinco to New York, and Ochocinco himself has said he would love to play for the Patriots; he has a good relationship with coach Bill Belichick. Both teams are expected to be contenders next season.

Question No. 7: Will the Bengals trade quarterback Carson Palmer?

Answer: That decision is up to Bengals owner Mike Brown, and I don't see him changing his mind to make a move. From Day 1, Brown has been consistent in saying he has no intention of trading Palmer, who threatened to retire. There was a small ray of hope after the draft, once the Bengals landed Dalton, that Brown could have a change of heart. But he ended that speculation this week. I think it's a mistake for the Bengals to not at least field offers for Palmer and determine if the value is there. Palmer seems serious about his trade demands and it wouldn't do Cincinnati much good to have Palmer sitting at home in California. Multiple draft picks in 2012 could help the future of the Bengals franchise, but it appears Brown is more worried about setting a precedent for other unhappy players to leave. For now, it looks like the ball is back in Palmer's court to either return to Cincinnati or retire.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown tells receiver Chad Ochocinco to focus on football.

Morning take: The Bengals clearly aren't happy with their receiver trying out for a pro soccer team and riding a bull. But it probably won't matter because Cincinnati is expected to release Ochocinco and his $6 million salary.

• The Baltimore Ravens had 27 players show up for their workout at Towson University.

Morning take: This is a solid turnout for a team which expects to be a contender in 2011. Working on timing and chemistry between quarterback Joe Flacco and his receivers are particularly important this time of year.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff win over the Ravens in January was voted one of the top games of the past season by NFL.com.

Morning take: That was another Ravens-Steelers classic that saw Baltimore blow a 21-7 halftime lead. The Ravens are still steaming from that loss, as show Ray Lewis' recent comments showed.

• Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren says he expects quarterback Colt McCoy to be the starter this season.

Morning take: This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Holmgren also said Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme are in the mix, but realistically the team is backing McCoy as their quarterback in 2011.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis tells season ticket holders to get ready for an exciting season.

Morning take: Sometimes starting over can invigorate a coach, and Cincinnati is definitely beginning a new era. The Bengals have some young talent to at least make things interesting.

• Cleveland Browns veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme joins Colt McCoy for unofficial team workouts.

Morning take: Credit Delhomme for showing leadership. But don't be surprised if he's not on Cleveland's roster this fall. McCoy's the starter and Seneca Wallace received an extension, making Delhomme a possible third-stringer.

• Which free agents should the Pittsburgh Steelers retain?

Morning take: Cornerback Ike Taylor is the most important for the Steelers. Offensive lineman Willie Colon and defensive lineman Chris Hoke also would be a nice veterans to keep for leadership and depth.

• Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Tyrod Taylor will reach out to starter Joe Flacco for help.

Morning take: That's a pretty wise move for a rookie. Taylor, a sixth-round pick, is in line to compete for a backup job. The Ravens will likely sign a veteran, so Taylor needs to hit the ground running.

As the NFL remains in serious jeopardy of a lockout, the Cleveland Browns made one last move at quarterback. Cleveland signed backup Seneca Wallace to three-year deal Thursday evening, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Here are some thoughts on the signing:

Seneca Wallace
#6 QB
Cleveland Browns
2010 STATS
• Att101
• Comp64
• Yds694
• TD4
• Int2
• Rat88.5




• The Mike Holmgren connection is definitely at work here. The Browns' president brought Wallace to Cleveland from the Seattle Seahawks last year and now he is signed to a three-year extension. The length of the contract is somewhat surprising, considering the team is fully committed to 2010 third-round pick Colt McCoy. But Wallace played decently in four starts last season, and every team could use an experienced backup.
• Wallace's value increased when rookie head coach Pat Shurmur was hired and confirmed the Browns would switch to a West Coast offense. Wallace knows the system well and ran it under Holmgren in Seattle. Cleveland needs at least one quarterback in the meeting rooms and on the sideline who knows the nuances of the offense and won't go through growing pains of learning it for the first time.
• Finally, you have to wonder what this signing means for veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme. Cleveland is committed to McCoy as the starter and just gave a three-year extension to Wallace as a backup, leaving Delhomme's future with the Browns up in the air. Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert also plan to draft a quarterback to develop in the middle or later rounds. Delhomme was signed last year to be a bridge to McCoy, but the rookie was ready sooner than expected. Now without a role, Delhomme could be the odd man out.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- When it comes to the Hall of Fame, three or more championships is the magic number for NFL quarterbacks.

It paved the road to Canton for Dallas Cowboys great Troy Aikman, whose three Super Bowl wins in the 1990s marked one of the NFL's most recent dynasties.

Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw became legends with four titles. In today's group, quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is a lock for the Hall of Fame after winning three championships.

Could three rings do the same for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger?

Just seven seasons in, it's officially time to open the Hall of Fame discussion for Pittsburgh's franchise quarterback. At 28, Roethlisberger has a chance to go 3-0 in Super Bowls on Sunday when the Steelers play the Green Bay Packers at Cowboys Stadium.

With the exception of Brady, who is still playing, every starting quarterback who's won at least three Super Bowls has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Although not as conventional a player as Brady, Roethlisberger has a chance to put his name in that elite category Sunday.

ESPN.com's AFC North blog surveyed Hall of Fame voters during Super Bowl week to get a feel for Roethlisberger's candidacy and where it would stand if he leads Pittsburgh to a third championship.

"If you ask me if Roethlisberger deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, I would say without a doubt," said veteran NFL writer John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. "To me, Ben doesn't have to win a third ring. But if Ben wins [Sunday], that's all that matters for a quarterback. I can't imagine there would be any hesitation."

Opinions varied from those who will eventually make the final decision.

"There's too much of a rush to judgment, not only with the Hall of Fame but with the whole world where everything that's the latest becomes the greatest," explained longtime Hall of Fame voter Ira Miller. "But the first question I always ask is, 'Can you write the history of the game without this player?' Then the second thing is, let's put him in perspective among the quarterbacks of his era.

"Is Ben the best quarterback of his era? No. Is he the second best? No. Is he the third? Maybe. He's had a nice career so far. Maybe he will win two more Super Bowls, but we don't know that."

There's no question Roethlisberger will present an interesting case for the Hall of Fame committee when he becomes eligible five years after he retires. He's a quarterback who's put up less-than-gaudy numbers in the high-flying age of fantasy football.

Roethlisberger has never led the NFL in passing yards or touchdowns. He admits he probably will never win an MVP award. But Roethlisberger also has never had a losing season and has been to four AFC title games and three Super Bowls.

Roethlisberger's playoff record is 10-2, which is a higher winning percentage than both Brady (14-5) and Peyton Manning (9-10), who are considered Hall of Fame locks from today's group of quarterbacks.

In fact, the trio's dominance has been astounding. In the past eight Super Bowls, the AFC has been represented by either Brady, Manning or Roethlisberger. No one else has had a chance to even compete in the big game. In contrast, the NFC has been represented by eight teams and eight different quarterbacks over the same span (Brad Johnson, Jake Delhomme, Donovan McNabb, Matt Hasselbeck, Rex Grossman, Eli Manning, Kurt Warner and Drew Brees).

"It drives [Steelers] Coach [Mike] Tomlin crazy, because he wants me to put myself in that category," Roethlisberger said of joining Brady and Peyton Manning. "But, I don't know, I guess I like being the hunter, not the hunted."

The biggest case against Roethlisberger's Hall of Fame candidacy appears to be longevity. Seven seasons present an unfinished résumé.

"When I'm looking at Hall of Fame guys, I'm looking at whether he's one of the best at his position over an extended period of time and does he have longevity," said former receiver James Lofton, who played 16 seasons and was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2003. "It's obviously a great start, but Ben has a lot of football left to play. I think he could play a minimum of 12 years."

Although there are exceptions -- such as Gale Sayers, Dwight Stephenson and Doak Walker -- most enshrinees have had long careers that spanned at least a decade. But Roethlisberger is winning big right away, which has prompted this early discussion.

"If Roethlisberger gets his third ring, he's on pace, just like in the case of Troy Aikman," Hall of Fame voter and ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton said. "He's obviously a difference-maker. At the same time, he's not there yet. He's still 28 and longevity is very important."

Roethlisberger's recent off-the-field issues bring up another interesting debate. He has been accused of sexual assault twice in the past two years, and although never convicted of a crime, Roethlisberger was suspended four games this season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Several voters brought up the case of former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who has repeatedly run into legal issues but was a first-ballot Hall of Famer as one of the greatest linebackers of all time.

"Remember, our bylaws say only what happens on the field counts," McClain said.

But voters on the committee are human, after all, and it may weigh in the back of some people's minds.

"The Roethlisberger situation is a bit tricky," said Hall of Fame voter Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Yes, he could have three rings, but he wasn't great in Super Bowl XL. (Roethlisberger was 9-for-21 for 123 yards and threw two picks.) And even though the off-field stuff is not supposed to enter into the conversation, it definitely is going to be the white elephant in the room."

Roethlisberger chose to wear jersey No. 7 because one of his favorite players growing up was Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. It's fitting because Elway, in many ways, was Roethlisberger before Roethlisberger.

Elway never had the prettiest or most conventional style of quarterbacking. In terms of numbers, his career passer rating was a modest 79.9. But Elway was one of the most clutch players ever and managed to win two Super Bowls and five AFC title games.

Although his book is unfinished, Roethlisberger is building a similar case for the Hall of Fame and can add another storied chapter Sunday against Green Bay.

"I think Ben Roethlisberger is well on his way to having a Hall of Fame career. If he plays a leading role in winning this Super Bowl, he's that much closer," said Hall of Fame voter and ESPN.com NFC West blogger Mike Sando. "But I think the legacy is still pending and there's a reason we wait. There's a reason we don’t vote players in right after they retire, let alone while they're still playing. I think this will be best judged when he's finished playing and we've had five years to figure it out.

"So far, though, so good."

PITTSBURGH -- As the Steelers were coming off Heinz Field after celebrating their AFC Championship Game victory Sunday night against the New York Jets, one player was having a challenging time making it back to the locker room.

With a crutch under each arm, Pittsburgh Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey was grimacing in pain trying to make it up the stairs and into the Steelers' locker room. While teammates were hugging and jumping up and down with excitement, Pouncey had the tough task of dragging his 304-pound frame to his locker stall where he put down his crutches and sat for an extended period.

After suffering a left high ankle sprain Sunday, Pouncey did not look like a player who will be back on the field in two weeks for Super Bowl XLV. But the rookie first-round pick was confident that he will not miss the biggest game of his career.

"I had the same injury before on my other ankle and I know how to attack it," Pouncey said. "I know how to approach things. I'm ready. I know in my heart that I'm playing in that game."

Is that prognosis accurate based on Pouncey knowing his body or is it just naïve enthusiasm?

High ankle sprains usually require three to four weeks to recover. But Pouncey, 21, seems virtually certain he can rehab it in half the time.

The Cleveland Browns know the injury well, as all three of their quarterbacks missed extended time this season with high ankle sprains. It would be somewhat of a medical marvel if Pouncey shook off his injury to help the Steelers try to win their seventh Super Bowl title.

Pouncey had his leg rolled up by Jets defensive lineman Bryan Thomas in the first quarter, and backup Doug Legursky filled in admirably the rest of the game. Pittsburgh rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns against New York, which held the NFL's third-best run defense. Even without Pouncey, holes were plentiful for Steelers tailback Rashard Mendenhall, who rushed for 121 yards against the Jets.

"He played his tail off. I'm so happy for him," Pouncey said of Legursky. "That's my guy, man. We meet together, we talk about things, we go over game plans."

But in Pouncey's mind, he -- not Legursky -- will be taking the first snap of Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers. When asked if he would be ready for Feb. 6, Pouncey quickly responded, "Most definitely."

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Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: No. 27
Preseason Power Ranking: No. 29

Biggest surprise: The Browns produced arguably the biggest surprise in the NFL this season in tailback Peyton Hillis, who came out of nowhere to produce a career high 1,177 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. Cleveland acquired Hillis from the Denver Broncos in exchange for quarterback Brady Quinn. The Browns obviously got the better end of that deal and found a building block for the future. Now Cleveland needs to find depth at the tailback position to help take some of the pressure off Hillis, who wore down toward the end of the season.

Biggest disappointment: Veteran Jake Delhomme was paid $7 million this year to bring stability to the quarterback position. But poor play and injuries made Delhomme the team's No. 3 quarterback by season's end. Delhomme threw for 872 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games. He also suffered two ankle injuries during the course of the season. Delhomme's struggles opened the door for rookie quarterback Colt McCoy to take over the starting job much earlier than expected. The third-round draft pick was projected to sit the entire 2010 season and learn from the sideline, but McCoy started eight games with mixed results.

Biggest need: The Browns have several needs, but an elite wide receiver would greatly improve the offense. A major part of Cleveland's offseason should be dedicated to developing and putting the right pieces around McCoy, who showed promise. Browns president Mike Holmgren seems to have confidence that McCoy is the quarterback going forward. The Browns' offensive system also needs a major overhaul, and that was one reason Eric Mangini was fired this week. There is a good chance Cleveland implements a West Coast offense next season.

Team MVP: Hillis. The Browns would probably be a two- or three-win team without Hillis' production this year. He was Cleveland's leading rusher and second-leading receiver, and the team fell apart when Hillis was banged-up late in the season. The Browns ended the season with four straight losses.

Draft Watch: The Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick, which is a good spot to land an impact player. I'm usually against drafting receivers in the top 10, but that's clearly Cleveland's biggest need. Receiver prospects A.J. Green and Julio Jones could be some early names to consider this offseason. The Browns also could use another pass-rushing linebacker or defensive end. Last season, Cleveland got cornerback Joe Haden, safety T.J. Ward and McCoy in the draft, and securing three rookie starters is tremendous. Another solid draft class would be a great step in the right direction for Cleveland, which also has to find its next head coach.