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As I discuss in the Blogger Blitz video above, the biggest hole in the Cincinnati Bengals' starting lineup is the No. 2 wide receiver position.

With Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell gone, Cincinnati returns the fewest amount of catches (96), receiving yards (1,361) and touchdowns (seven) by a wide receiver group in the AFC North. Besides Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green, the only other receiver currently on the roster who caught more than four passes last year was Andrew Hawkins.

The other candidates for the job include: Jordan Shipley, whose season ended after two games because of a knee injury; Brandon Tate, who is in his first full offseason with the Bengals; and two draft picks, Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones.

This appears to be an open competition, and the Bengals could rely on a receiver by committee this season at the No. 2 spot.

It's only days removed from the draft, and no AFC North team has taken the field for a practice yet, but that won't stop us from looking ahead. Each day this week, we'll project the starting lineup for a team in the division. Let's start with the Cincinnati Bengals:

OFFENSE

QB Andy Dalton: The Who Dey Nation asks, Carson who?

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis: He's the prize of the Bengals' free-agent period.

FB Chris Pressley: Agreed to a two-year extension in March.

WR A.J. Green: He's been working out with Larry Fitzgerald this offseason.

WR Jordan Shipley: The No. 2 wide receiver job is wide open, but I'm giving the nod to Shipley if he's fully recovered from his knee injury.

TE Jermaine Gresham: First Bengals tight end since Dan Ross from the early 1980s to post two seasons of 50 receptions or more.

LT Andrew Whitworth: He often goes overlooked in a division with Joe Thomas in it.

LG Travelle Wharton: A free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers, where he started 99 games in eight years.

C Kyle Cook: Enters fourth season as the Bengals' starting center.

RG Kevin Zeitler: First-round pick was possibly best run-blocking guard in the draft.

RT Andre Smith: The big question is whether he can continue the progress he made last season.

DEFENSE

LDE Robert Geathers: Recorded 29 tackles last season, his lowest since his 2004 rookie season.

NT Domata Peko: Led defensive line in tackles for second straight year.

RDT Geno Atkins: Topped all NFL interior linemen with eight sacks last season.

RDE Michael Johnson: Regains his starting job after Frostee Rucker signed with the Browns in free agency.

SLB Manny Lawson: Returned to Cincinnati for a one-year, $2.1 million deal.

MLB Rey Maualuga: He could be facing a suspension from the NFL for his latest off-the-field incident.

WLB Thomas Howard: Led team in tackles in first season with the Bengals.

LCB Nate Clements: He has to fight off first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick to keep his starting job.

SS Taylor Mays: His job looks safe after the Bengals didn't take a safety in the first four rounds of the draft.

FS Reggie Nelson: Re-signed with the Bengals this offseason for $18 million over four years.

RCB Leon Hall: If Hall (Achilles injury) isn't ready to start the season, Bengals can turn to Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman or Adam Jones.

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

It appears that I'm not the only one who thinks the Browns should take Alabama running back Trent Richardson. His college coach, Nick Saban, feels Richardson would be a great fit for Cleveland.

"He'd be great in the community, he'd be a great player for them and he's somebody that I think a lot of young people could really relate to for the kind of person he is, the example he sets," Saban told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "If they wouldn't be excited, they really should be."

At Alabama's pro day, Saban talked about Richardson to Browns coach Pat Shurmur, who was an assistant under Saban at Michigan State for three seasons.

"He's one of the lowest-maintenance great players I've ever had the opportunity to coach," Saban said.

Hensley's slant: I'm not among those buying reports that the Browns are deciding between wide receiver Justin Blackmon and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Richardson has the toughness to play in this division and the elusiveness to spark the Browns' offense.

BENGALS: Wide receiver Jordan Shipley is still recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee that occurred in September. He hopes that he'll be able to practice when minicamps begin on May 22 and is confident he'll be ready for training camp this summer. “I’m planning on doing all the workouts with the guys," Shipley told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Some days I feel really good and other days I feel close. At this point in the process, it is based on how you feel that day. Some days I am 100 percent.” Hensley's slant: The Bengals didn't add a wide receiver in free agency, which means Shipley has a shot at the No. 2 job if he can get healthy. But the odds of him winning that spot decreases significantly if the Bengals draft a wide receiver in the early rounds.

RAVENS: The team will work out three quarterbacks on Thursday: Kyle Boller, a 2003 first-round pick by the Ravens; Dennis Dixon, the Steelers' third-string quarterback last season; and Curtis Painter, who started eight games for the Colts last season before getting benched. The Ravens are likely to sign one of the three quarterbacks based on the workout results, according to the Baltimore Sun.“Everybody competes for every spot every year, every practice, and [backup quarterback] Tyrod Taylor is no different,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said earlier this month.”But we like him a lot.” Hensley's slant: If the Ravens want the backup with the most upside, they should sign Dixon. If they are looking for the most experienced backup, they should go with Boller. But don't discount Painter, even though his 2011 stats were horrible. He played last season under Jim Caldwell, who is now Baltimore's quarterbacks coach. That might give the edge to the 27-year-old Painter.

STEELERS: Steelers free-agent offensive tackle Max Starks said his recovery from ACL surgery is ahead of schedule and he's getting his strength back. He suffered the injury in the playoff loss at Denver. Starks posted on his Twitter account that he will "be playing for someone this season, but I know it won't be until I'm 100% structurally sound. I'm on pace to be ready by Mid July for play!" Hensley's slant: Starks saved the Steelers last season when he returned, and he would probably be a fallback option for the team again this season. My take is the Steelers are looking to get younger on the offensive line and will take a tackle at some point in the draft. But, if Starks is healthy enough to play, he would be a upgrade over backup Jonathan Scott.

A quick look at what's happening around the AFC North as the NFL combine continues in Indianapolis. I will provide my take on many of these issues and topics in the days to come, but I wanted to pass along the information.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

• Coach Marvin Lewis did seem troubled over the latest off-the-field incident involving middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge at a Cincinnati bar. Maualuga is the fourth Bengals player since July to have a legal issue, joining wide receiver Jerome Simpson, cornerback Adam Jones and running back Cedric Benson. “There’s a concern," Lewis told reporters at the NFL combine, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "What [Maualuga] does away from football is important. He has to make good choices and decisions.”
• Benson is not expected to be re-signed by the Bengals, and Lewis' comments about the running back didn't change that perception. As the team website points out, it sounded like Lewis was giving Benson a lifetime achievement award instead of a new contract. “I think we want to improve our running game and if it includes Ced, it includes Ced," Lewis said. "We need to have more explosive running plays. Ced has had a fine career. He’s a physical player and been a big part of our success.”
• Lewis provided encouraging news on two players who are coming off season-ending injuries. Cornerback Leon Hall (Achilles) is ahead of schedule, and wide receiver Jordan Shipley (knee) continues to make “significant progress," Lewis said.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

• Coach Pat Shurmur reiterated the Browns want to re-sign starting middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Shurmur said the team hasn't made a decision whether it will place a franchise tag on Jackson, although the Plain Dealer of Cleveland reported last week that the Browns plan to do so. "We're going to be willing to use [the franchise tag]," Shurmur said. "As you go through signing our free agents, then we'll see what's the best place to use that tag."
• In injury updates, Shurmur said left guard Eric Steinbach is progressing from a season-ending back injury but he didn't commit to the left guard as a starter, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Jason Pinkston, who replaced Steinbach at left guard, will not move to tackle and will continue to develop at the guard position, according to Shurmur.
• Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar attended the combine, but not in an official capacity, a team spokesman told the Akron Beacon Journal.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

• Coach John Harbaugh once again expressed confidence about holding onto Ben Grubbs, saying he's "pretty optimistic" about re-signing the Pro Bowl left guard. “I hope that’s not misplaced," Harbaugh said, via the Baltimore Sun. "We’re in the process of negotiating. We’re committed, [owner Steve Bisciotti’s] committed to offering him a really great number. Hey, the market dictates [it], and Ben has to make those kinds of decisions, and you’re really happy for guys. He’s had a great career. He’s had a great number of years here. He’s earned the right to take a look for his family. One thing we’re not doing, we’re not giving him a low number. We’re doing everything we can to try to keep him in Baltimore.”
• In injury news, wide receiver Torrey Smith had surgery to repair a double sports hernia, and cornerback Cary Williams had hip surgery. Both are expected to be ready for training camp.
• Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team isn't looking to add a free-agent running back to replace the retired Ricky Williams. He indicated that Anthony Allen, a seventh-round pick from a year ago, will be given the first shot at the backup running back job. The team would add a free agent during training camp if Allen struggles to secure that spot, Newsome said.
• Newsome is happy the team was able to keep director of player personnel Eric DeCosta, who turned down the chance to interview for the general manager positions with the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts. "I think it was very important because of the continuity that allows the organization to maintain people and have the process remain the same," Newsome said, via ESPN Chicago. "It was kind of like Scott Pioli remaining in New England for all those years with Bill [Belichick]. All it does is make you stronger. I'm very thankful that Eric decided to stay."

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

• Major changes are unlikely to occur to the Steelers' offense under new coordinator Todd Haley, according to general manager Kevin Colbert. The biggest reason is it's tough to do so when the team has been successful and is bringing most of the same personnel back. "So, it's hard to come in and drastically change your philosophy because of the group of players that you have," Colbert said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You can't overhaul a whole roster. Nor are we looking to because this group of players has been very successful."
• The hope is that the high-ankle sprains that have hampered Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey the past two years are in the past. "The reports we got and the last time we saw him, he was progressing just fine," Colbert said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "High-ankle sprains, they're a different injury and then when you re-injure it sometimes you've got to do some procedures to shore that joint up."
• A Cleveland-based reporter asked Colbert if the team had reached a "breaking point" with linebacker James Harrison, who was suspended last season after he knocked out Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. "No. Absolutely not," Colbert said. "James Harrison is a great player. He tries to play within the rules. Sometimes, the penalty is unavoidable, and he ends up getting a suspension out of it. He served his time. We've all moved on. We know James Harrison plays the game very hard. He plays it within the rules the best he can. Sometimes, circumstances happen in the course of a game, and you have to live with the consequences. But in no way are we ever going to be disappointed with that player."

If you have a question about the AFC North, send it to my mailbag. It's Saturday morning, so let's open up some mail ...

Jac, from Ohio, writes: Lately you have been saying that the Bengals need a No. 2 receiver, if and when Jerome Simpson leaves. I would think that Jordan Shipley would fill the No. 2 role in the slot behind A.J. Green. Or would Shipley be more of a No. 3 working the slot? And if Andrew Hawkins improves in the offseason, that would be a plus, right?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Shipley and Hawkins are more on the level of being No. 3 receivers. That was the Bengals' biggest problem in the passing game. They had top targets in Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham. But the rest (Simpson and Andre Caldwell) are No. 3 receivers on many teams. Both are very athletic but both struggle with route-running, which can be a big problem, especially for a developing young quarterback like Andy Dalton. Cincinnati needs to look in free agency for an upgrade.

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Chris, from Milford, Conn., writes: Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Steelers rebounding next season after that awful loss to Denver. Also, how can the Steelers be $20 million over the salary cap when they never sign any big free agents and don't have that many mega-deals with current players?

Hensley responds: The Steelers will always be competing for the division title if Ben Roethlisberger and his young receivers are healthy and the core of the NFL's top-ranked defense remains intact. And the reason why the Steelers are projected to be over the cap is because many veterans are entering the point of their contracts where the salaries escalate. Players with high salaries for 2012 are: outside linebacker James Harrison ($5.3 million), guard Chris Kemoeatu ($3.5 million), inside linebackers Larry Foote ($3 million) and James Farrior ($2.8 million), defensive end Brett Keisel ($2.8 million) and cornerback Bryant McFadden ($2.5 million). Those players represent $19.9 million. Some could be facing the decision of restructuring to stay with the team or getting released.

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Bryan, from Wickliffe Ohio, writes: I was just wondering what you think the Browns' chances are of drafting Robert Griffin III. To me it just seems like he is too much of a talent to pass up. No disrespect to Colt McCoy, but let's face it -- he's not going to win us any games based primarily on his skill level and I see RG3 as somone who can do that.

Hensley responds: It's really to early for teams to lock into one player. There are still all-star games, combine workouts and interviews as well as private workouts. Players will rise and fall up and down teams' draft board from now until April. There's no doubt that the Browns need a playmaker. But don't forget that the Bengals drafted wide receiver A.J. Green in the No. 4 spot last year — so you can see the level of impact player that Cleveland can get if it hits on the right prospect. At this point, Griffin has to be on the Browns' radar. But it's too early to say that he's their man with the fourth overall pick.

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Dave, from Burke, Va., writes: With the Bucs and Dolphins in the mix for Mike Zimmer's services, what are the chances that he returns as Cincinnati's defensive coordinator?

Hensley responds: It's a very real possibility that Zimmer could be hired elsewhere, particularly since Jeff Fisher spurned Miami and went to St. Louis. Both the Buccaneers and the Dolphins needed big-name splashes to generate some interest with apathetic fan bases. But there are really no buzz-worthy candidates left. That's why Zimmer has a legitimate shot at both places. If Zimmer goes, the Bengals can promote defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, who has been on the staff since 2001. There's also been some talk that former Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio could take over as defensive coordinator. But Del Rio is still owed $5 million next season, so he doesn't need to find a job.

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Lucas from Severn, Md., writes: I've been watching the Ravens closely all season and there have been some real flashes of greatness by Joe Flacco. There have also been some of his worst passing games as a quarterback (the Jets and Jags games specifically). Other than the playoff game against Kansas City last year, he hasn't proven to be solid in the playoffs. What are the chances that he will have a breakout game against Houston if the Texans choose to focus on stopping the run?

Hensley responds: Flacco has been extremely ragged when it comes to the playoffs. He's averaged 150 yards passing in seven games, throwing four touchdowns and seven interceptions. But remember that all of those games were on the road and three of them came when he was a rookie. This is the time for Flacco to shine. He's at home where he has thrown 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his past 19 games (97.6 rating). And he threw for 305 yards against the Texans three months ago in Baltimore. So to answer the question, all indications point to a strong effort by Flacco on Sunday.

The Bengals could be down a second wide receiver Sunday when they play the San Francisco 49ers.

During the same week in which Cincinnati placed slot receiver Jordan Shipley (knee) on injured reserve, the availability of starting wide receiver Jerome Simpson is unknown after he was excused from practice Thursday. Simpson was detained Tuesday along with backup offensive tackle Anthony Collins after 2.5 pounds of marijuana arrived at Simpson’s home and another six pounds of marijuana were found in the residence.

If Simpson is held out Sunday, Andre Caldwell would leap from the No. 4 receiver to a starting role in a matter of days. The Bengals' No. 3 receiver would either be Brandon Tate or rookie sixth-round draft pick Ryan Whalen, who happened to play under 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh at Stanford last year.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis addressed the investigation on SiriusXM Radio on Thursday. “I’ve been appraised of the situation for a few days now and unfortunately Anthony’s name got put into it for no reason," Lewis said via The Cincinnati Enquirer. "It was at Jerome’s house and it’s an investigation that’s going on. He’s cooperating and doing what he can to help in the investigation.”

Slot receiver Jordan Shipley still factors into the Bengals' future plans. But losing him for the season shouldn't derail quarterback Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati passing attack.

Shipley was placed on injured reserve Monday after he tore the ACL in his left knee in Sunday's loss at Denver. He made a minimal impact in both games this season (four catches for 14 yards) after leading AFC rookies last season in receiving yards (600).

The transition is a small one for Cincinnati because Shipley had already been splitting reps with Andre Caldwell. Five minutes after Shipley got hurt, Caldwell caught a 10-yard touchdown.

After years of going with Chad Ochocinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals are establishing a new look at wide receiver with emerging rookie A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson. Green is already starting to make those highlight reel catches, and Simpson has three 100-yard receiving games in his five starts the last two seasons.

Thoughts on the Cincinnati Bengals' 24-22 loss at the Denver Broncos:

What it means: The Bengals missed an opportunity to take a one-game lead on the whole division because they couldn't complete the dramatic comeback against the banged-up Broncos. It would have been a strong start for a team that many predicted to finish at the bottom of the AFC North this season. This marked Cincinnati's ninth straight loss in Denver.

Dalton watch: Andy Dalton continued to show promise in his second NFL start as he tried to rally the Bengals from a 14-point deficit in the second half. The rookie second-round pick came in with an injured right wrist, but he continually took advantage of the short-handed secondary. Dalton finished with 332 yards passing and two touchdowns.

Thumbs up: Wide receiver A.J. Green is validating the Bengals' decision to use the fourth overall pick on him. He caught nearly everything thrown his way, making 10 receptions for 124 yards. His 5-yard touchdown grab showed great concentration and athleticism as he dragged his foot while falling out of bounds.

Thumbs down: The Bengals flopped on third down, failing to convert 10 of 11 chances. Cincinnati's secondary had trouble keeping up with Denver wide receiver Eric Decker, who scored two touchdowns. His final one was embarrassing because two Bengals defenders collided, which allowed Decker to walk into the end zone untouched.

Injury update: After the game, wide receiver Jordan Shipley walked on crutches while wearing a brace on his left knee.

What's next: The Bengals play their home opener next Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers.

The Cincinnati Bengals added depth to their young group of receivers Sunday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Cincinnati claimed former New England Patriots receiver Brandon Tate off waivers.

Cincinnati is going young at the position and Tate, 23, fits the description. He was productive as New England's third receiver last season, catching 24 passes for 432 yards three touchdowns.

I'm curious to see where Tate fits in Cincinnati.

The Bengals already have a good No. 3 receiver in Jordan Shipley, who caught 52 passes primarily from the slot in 2010. First-round pick A.J. Green is the team's No. 1 threat, and Tate would have to beat out Jerome Simpson to crack the starting lineup. Otherwise, Tate enters the regular season as the No. 4 or No. 5 receiver on Cincinnati's depth chart, next to Andre Caldwell.

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

• How do you explain the rapid popularity of Cleveland Browns tailback Peyton Hillis?
• The Cincinnati Bengals' second-year players Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley will have crucial roles on offense this season.
• Is tailback Rashard Mendenhall a one-man show for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
• Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh returns to Philadelphia Thursday night and expects a loud ovation.

» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs

Readiness factor: The Bengals will have continuity on defense under Mike Zimmer, but the offense probably will face a learning curve with a new system and a lot of young skill players to deal with. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is bringing his brand of the West Coast offense to Cincinnati but hasn't had any practice time with the players. For the Bengals to be successful, the defense needs to play at the same level it did during the 2009 season -- at least early on -- until the young offense is able to catch up.

Biggest challenge: Cincinnati needs clarity and a distraction-free training camp at quarterback. Rookie second-round pick Andy Dalton is expected to take over for veteran Carson Palmer, who has threatened to retire. His threat won't stop the constant questions and speculation about whether the Bengals will trade Palmer, though. There is also a remote chance Palmer could have a change of heart and return to the team, because he remains under contract. It will be up to Dalton and the Bengals' coaching staff to remain focused on the task at hand and not worry about the dark cloud the Palmer situation has created.

Second-year standouts: One key to Cincinnati's success will be the progress of second-year players coming off strong rookie seasons. Starting tight end Jermaine Gresham, defensive end Carlos Dunlap and receiver Jordan Shipley all performed well in 2010. They made their share of rookie mistakes last season, but if they improve and make solid strides this season, they will be huge for the Bengals.

Key players without contracts for 2011: Bengals starting tailback Cedric Benson will be an interesting case after a recent arrest on assault charges. He was the team's biggest free-agent priority. But the Bengals may rethink their strategy, especially if Benson is facing a suspension to start the 2011 season. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is more difficult to predict. The Bengals like Joseph but have given no indication they want to pay market value for good cornerbacks, which ranges between $8 to $10 million per season. Receiver Terrell Owens is another big name, but he will not return. The Bengals are going younger at the position, and Owens had a major knee injury in the offseason.

The AFC North blog concludes its "Hope and Concern" series with the quarterback position of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Biggest reason for hope: a fresh start

Whether rookie second-round pick Andy Dalton turns out to be the long-term solution remains to be seen. But there is no denying the Bengals needed to blow up the team and start over. Dalton and first-round pick A.J. Green usher in a new era in Cincinnati. Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver Chad Ochocinco had plenty of time to make a title run but failed to win a single playoff game in eight seasons. With Palmer and Ochocinco both wanting out and heading for retirement and a release, respectively, the path is clear for Dalton to establish himself. The Bengals believe he is the best rookie to fit their new West Coast offense. Dalton certainly will have no shortage of weapons to work with such as Green, Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and potentially tailback Cedric Benson, who is a pending free agent.

Biggest reason for concern: inexperience

Assuming Palmer sticks to his word and doesn't return to Cincinnati, the team has virtually no experience at the quarterback position. Dalton, like most young quarterbacks, is certainly due for some growing pains. Backups Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour also combine for zero NFL starts between them, which doesn't leave much insurance in the event Dalton isn't ready. Add in a new system and mostly young skill players, and the Bengals could struggle on offense, especially early in the season. This is a rebuilding year in Cincinnati. So the Bengals are at least two seasons away from being a contender. A lot will depend on how quickly Dalton develops and whether he can solidify the quarterback position in Palmer's absence. Also, look for Cincinnati to try to add a veteran backup to help provide some stability at quarterback.

» AFC Future Stars: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

A team-by-team look at the players I expect to be the most dominant in the AFC North from 2014 to 2016.

The AFC North has been dominated mostly by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens for the past decade. But that doesn't mean those two teams are guaranteed to stay on top forever.

The balance of power in the division 3-5 years from now will be decided by which young players develop into the next group of NFL stars. All four teams have up-and-coming players with the potential to be future Pro Bowlers.

Here is a look at one player from each team who could dominate in the AFC North from 2014 to 2016:

Mike Wallace, Steelers receiver: In just two seasons, Wallace has already established himself as an elite deep threat. He has averaged 20.3 yards per reception over his career and recorded 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The scary part is that Wallace, 24, isn't close to reaching his ceiling. The past two years, Pittsburgh has played to Wallace's strength of running primarily deep routes. But the team is looking for Wallace to become more well-rounded in the offense this season. Once Wallace adds the short and intermediate routes to his repertoire, he will become a perennial Pro Bowl player.

Ray Rice, Ravens running back: Rice, 24, already has one Pro Bowl on his résumé and should have more in his future. He's also coming off back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons and averages 4.5 yards per carry in his career. Rice is also one of the best receivers out of the backfield. The Ravens are expected to sign Rice to a big contract extension next offseason, which probably will span 2014-2016, which is when Rice will be in his prime years. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, 26, also was taken with Rice in the 2008 draft. Both players will be growing together and should become a dynamic combination.

Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns cornerback: There was some skepticism a year ago about whether Haden was worthy of the No. 7 overall pick. Despite a slow start, Haden put all those concerns to rest once he entered the starting lineup in the second half of the season and finished with 64 tackles and six interceptions. Haden displayed very good ball skills, solid tackling and the willingness to mix it up and compete with the physical receivers in the AFC North. He's only 22 and should continue to develop into one of the better corners.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals receiver: This was the most difficult choice in the division. The Bengals have plenty of young talent -- such as Jermaine Gresham, Carlos Dunlap and Jordan Shipley -- but it's hard to project which player has superstar potential. Green may have the best chance out of the group. He was a dynamic talent at the University of Georgia, and Cincinnati invested the No. 4 overall pick in the receiver in April's draft. Obviously, quarterback is a major question for Cincinnati, and that will affect how Green's career turns out. But if rookie quarterback Andy Dalton proves to be the long-term solution, Dalton and Green could be a good passing combo several years from now.

On Friday we took at look at the most underrated players in the AFC North division. The list included left tackle Andrew Whitworth of the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Jarret Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Benjamin Watson of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel.

But those aren't the only players under the radar. Here is a look at several more players in the division to keep an eye on in 2011:

Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals

Analysis: The Bengals were looking for a slot receiver in last year's draft and found a good one in Shipley. Cincinnati has struggled in that area since the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but Shipley did well with 52 receptions for 600 yards and three touchdowns in 2010. The rookie quickly became a favorite of quarterback Carson Palmer, who liked Shipley's smarts, good routes and sure hands. The Bengals are switching to a new West Coast offense this season under Jay Gruden, and it will be important to keep Shipley involved.

Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers

Analysis: Redman, who was undrafted in 2009, impressed Pittsburgh's coaching staff in training camp and on the practice squad as a rookie. But he finally received a shot to make the Steelers 53-man roster as a backup last season and made the most of his opportunities. Spelling Rashard Mendenhall, Redman punished defenses to the tune of 4.8 yards per carry in 2010. The Steelers probably will use him more in the offense this season. Redman is strong between the tackles and good at getting tough yards to move the chains.

Scott Fujita, LB, Browns

Analysis: Fujita was an under-the-radar signing by Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, and it worked out in the first year. Fujita brought much-needed toughness and leadership to Cleveland's defense and finished with 51 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in nine games. A knee injury eventually ended his season, and it was no coincidence Cleveland's defense went downhill after losing Fujita in November.

Sam Koch, P, Ravens

Analysis: Baltimore's kicking game was arguably the NFL's best last season, and half of that was due to Koch's punting. Place kicker Billy Cundiff received most of the publicity for his record-tying year with kickoffs and accurate field goals. But Koch was just as good punting the ball with an impressive 39 punts inside the 20. The Ravens showed their appreciation by signing Koch to a five-year extension before the lockout began this offseason.

The Cincinnati Bengals are going through a youth movement at wide receiver. Former six-time Pro Bowler Chad Ochocinco is expected to be released and likely will pass the torch to first-round pick A.J. Green, who will have the responsibility as Cincinnati's No. 1 receiver.

But if Ochocinco is no longer on the roster, who will start opposite Green? The Bengals have several interesting, but unproven, candidates who will compete for the job in training camp.

Could it be Jerome Simpson? It took nearly three years for Simpson to show anything at the NFL level, but he finished strong last season. The former second-round pick posted back-to-back 100-yard games for the first time of his career in Week 16 and 17. Was that a fluke or a sign of things to come for Simpson in 2011?

Or should Andre Caldwell be the starter? Caldwell has been a reliable role player off the bench the past two season and may be ready to take the next step. Caldwell also looked good briefly as a starter when Ochocinco and Terrell Owens were both injured towards the end of the 2010 season. Caldwell finished with three straight games of at least 87 yards receiving.

What about the sleeper of this group: Jordan Shipley? He was very dangerous in the slot as a rookie, recording 52 receptions. Shipley could increase his numbers with more playing time. The Bengals drafted him to play the "Wes Welker role" in Cincinnati, but his productivity shouldn't be ignored.

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on who you believe should start opposite Green in the Bengals' offense in 2011. You can also share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section below.