ESPN NFL

» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Cincinnati Bengals

Key additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, S Reggie Nelson, G Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen, CB Adam Jones, DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Derrick Harvey

Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker (Browns), G Nate Livings (Cowboys), G Mike McGlynn (Colts), DE Jonathan Fanene (Patriots), WR Andre Caldwell (Broncos)

Grade after first wave of free agency: B. The Bengals were the most active team in the division and they should have been. Cincinnati entered free agency with more than $50 million in salary-cap space, which was more than the rest of the AFC North combined. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.

The prize of the Bengals' signings is running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is an improvement over Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis isn't known for breaking long gains, but he is a force in the red zone and has never fumbled in the NFL. Wharton is a step up from Nate Livings at left guard because he is a strong run-blocker who will open holes inside. The biggest losses came on the defensive line, where Cincinnati will miss Frostee Rucker on run defense and Jonathan Fanene in the pass rush.

What’s next: The Bengals can still close the gap between the Ravens and Steelers because they have two first-round picks in the draft (No. 17 overall, which came from Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade, and No. 21). Even with the signing of Wharton, Cincinnati needs a right guard and could have a shot at the top interior offensive lineman coming out of college. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the draft and would start immediately for the Bengals.

The second first-round pick could be used on a wide receiver or a cornerback. The Bengals surprisingly didn't add a free-agent wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright should be available in the bottom third of the draft. Another need is cornerback because Cincinnati could use an eventual replacement for Nate Clements, who is entering his 12th season. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the second best corner in the draft, has a chance of sliding to the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns

Key additions: DE Frostee Rucker, LB D'Qwell Jackson, CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Juqua Parker

Key losses: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs), S Mike Adams (Broncos), G Eric Steinbach, OT Tony Pashos

Grade after first wave of free agency: C. Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert said they were building this team through the draft and they weren't joking. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. Blame the Washington Redskins. The Browns attempted to move up in the draft to take Robert Griffin III, and the Rams instead traded the second overall pick to the Redskins. Cleveland reportedly pursued wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and both took high-priced deals from Washington.

The Browns provided more help to the defense in free agency. Frostee Rucker will make an impact in stopping the run, which was the biggest weakness on the NFL's 10th-ranked defense. Juqua Parker, who has 31.5 sacks over the past six seasons, will team with Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a strong rush coming off both edges. The Browns didn't try to keep Peyton Hillis and Mike Adams from going elsewhere.

What’s next: Offense, offense and offense. Did I mention offense? The Browns need a quarterback but there's no one worthy of the fourth overall pick. Cleveland could trade down to select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or wait until the second round for Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. The big decision comes if the Browns stay put at No. 4. Cleveland's choices are Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Browns could use either one because they don't have a starting running back or a No. 1 wide receiver.

Cleveland has a second first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns need to target a wide receiver (if they don't take one earlier in the first round), right tackle or outside linebacker with the 22nd overall pick. Baylor receiver Wright, Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and Nebraska outside linebacker Lavonte David have been linked to Cleveland.

Baltimore Ravens

Key additions: C Matt Birk, ILB Jameel McClain, OLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine

Key losses: G Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DE Cory Redding (Colts) and CB Domonique Foxworth

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. It was a rough start to free agency for Baltimore, which didn't sign any of its first three visits (guard Evan Mathis, defensive end Mark Anderson and receiver-returner Ted Ginn Jr.). The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.

Baltimore was able to keep two free-agent starters, Matt Birk and Jameel McClain, and boost a struggling special-teams group that allowed three touchdowns last season. The Ravens signed Cory Graham, a Pro Bowl special-teams player from the Bears; Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowl special-teams standout; and Sean Considine, who played special teams for three seasons under John Harbaugh in Philadelphia.

What’s next: The Ravens' biggest need is at left guard, but there might not be one that warrants being taken at No. 29. Wisconsin center-guard Peter Konz's stock has slipped recently even though he can play guard right away before switching to center in future seasons. It's hard to pin down a player for Baltimore, which can go in a lot of different directions in the first round.

The Ravens could take the best wide receiver available (especially if he's a returner) because they need a third target who can eventually take Anquan Boldin's starting spot. They could take a safety because Ed Reed turns 34 at the start of the season and Bernard Pollard is a free agent next year. And they could take an offensive tackle because they don't have a reliable backup and Bryant McKinnie is a free agent in 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key additions: None

Key losses: CB William Gay (Cardinals), LB James Farrior, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. It's been a quiet free-agency period so far for the Steelers. Then again, it's usually quiet for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. The only team that consistently does less than the Steelers in free agency is the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership. Injuries would force young players to step up into starting roles.

What’s next: There are question marks at running back, guard, inside linebacker, nose tackle and cornerback. Despite all of those needs, the consensus has been Pittsburgh will draft Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower if he's available at No. 24. He has a great combination of size and speed and excelled in a 3-4 defense in college. It seems like Hightower would be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.

There's no chance that Memphis' Dontari Poe falls to the Steelers, but there some quality nose tackles in the draft. Those who should be available after the first round are: BYU's Loni Fangupo (second round), Washington's Alameda Ta'amu (third round) and Alabama's Josh Chapman (fourth round). The Steelers likely will become active later in free agency, especially in retaining their own players. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, running back Mewelde Moore and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch could potentially return to the team.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Success in red zone for division teams: The AFC North teams scored a combined four touchdowns in 11 trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line in Week 12. For some reason, the Ravens called a quarterback draw on third-and-goal with Joe Flacco, who isn't exactly Michael Vick. The Steelers surprisingly handed the ball off to Mewelde Moore in the red zone, and the third-down back fumbled at the 2-yard line. And the Bengals got stopped on four runs inside the Browns' 10-yard line on their opening drive, including a goal-line stand on fourth down.

2. Faith in Browns wide receivers: Greg Little nearly had as many drops (four) as catches (five) against Cincinnati. Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi were targeted seven times and managed one catch for 8 yards. Colt McCoy is running out of options in the passing game. What are the chances the Browns take a wide receiver with their top first-round pick this year?

3. Mike Wallace's production: Pittsburgh's speedy wide receiver has watched his receiving yards drop the past four games: 70, 68, 54 and 17. His longest catch at Kansas City was 9 yards. He also dropped a pass in the end zone in the first quarter. Wallace is drawing double coverage every week, which has opened up things for Antonio Brown while limiting Wallace's opportunities. Wallace has one 100-yard game in his past eight contests and hasn't scored a touchdown in three games.

RISING

1. Confidence that three teams make the playoffs from the division: If the season ended today, the AFC North would be the only division in the NFL to send three teams to the postseason. The Ravens and Steelers are both 8-3, and it would take a December meltdown for both teams to miss out on the playoffs. At 7-4, the Bengals are one game ahead of the Broncos, Jets and Titans. Cincinnati can still get to 10 wins even if it loses to Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The Bengals' other three remaining games are winnable ones against Houston (and its third-string quarterback), St. Louis and Arizona. This would mark the first time in the AFC North's existence that three of its teams made the playoffs in the same season.

2. Ravens' sacks numbers: Baltimore leads the NFL in sacks after tying a franchise record with nine against the 49ers on Thanksgiving night. This is a reflection of Chuck Pagano's impact in his first season as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. He vowed to be aggressive when he was named to the position, and he has followed through on those words. The Ravens have recorded 38 sacks in 11 games this season, which is already 11 more than the team's entire total from last season (which set a franchise record for futility).

3. Bengals' stinginess in the fourth quarter: In its past four games, Cincinnati has given up seven points in the fourth quarter. This is a major reason why the Bengals have been able to come back from double-digit halftime deficits during that stretch against the Titans and Browns. For the season, the Bengals are on pace to surrender 73 points in the fourth quarter. That would mark the fewest of the Marvin Lewis era and the fewest since the 2000 season. These Bengals are making plays in the clutch instead of giving them up.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming up with turnovers again, although it helps that they're facing overmatched Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Tyler Palko. That has led to a 13-6 halftime lead for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh had three takeaways in the first half after entering the game with an NFL-low six through 10 games. Palko fumbled and threw two passes right to the Steelers, who converted the turnovers into 10 points. The three turnovers came on three consecutive Chiefs offensive plays and all occurred in Kansas City territory.

Here are some other observations:

• Pittsburgh is struggling in the red zone. The Steelers have scored one touchdown despite being inside the Chiefs' 10-yard line three times. On Pittsburgh's opening drive, Mike Wallace dropped a pass in the end zone and Mewelde Moore fumbled at the Kansas City 2.
• The Steelers are dealing with injuries, but they're not being affected by them. Safety Troy Polamalu left with a head injury in the first quarter, and center Maurkice Pouncey went to the locker room in the second quarter with an illness. Polamalu's replacement, Ryan Mundy, had one of Pittsburgh's two interceptions.
• Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been hampered by a broken right thumb. He was 14 of 20 for 127 yards and one touchdown in the first half. His touchdown pass was a 2-yarder to tight end Weslye Saunders, an undrafted rookie in 2011.
• The Chiefs' only points came off long field goals, from 41 and 49 yards.

Earlier the AFC North blog hyped rookie tailback Baron Batch as one of the sleepers in Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Unfortunately, Batch later suffered a potentially serious knee injury towards the end of Wednesday's practice.

There is no official word from the team on Batch's injury, but the early reports aren't good. Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote that a "popping sound" could be heard at the end of Batch's run. Batch immediately waved over the trainers and could not put weight on his left leg. The injury sounds like ligament damage in the knee.

The potential ramifications of Batch's injury are not huge for the Steelers, even if Batch is lost for several months or the entire season. The rookie seventh-round pick was Pittsburgh's biggest surprise in camp. But the Steelers were not counting on Batch.

Pittsburgh has plenty of depth at tailback with Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman and Mewelde Moore. Batch was a candidate for the third or fourth tailback spot or the practice squad.

The worst-case scenario is this injury ends a feel-good story. Batch started as a longshot and was pushing hard for a roster spot with the reigning AFC champs. That doesn't happen often. But Batch will get another chance to prove himself once he returns to health.

The AFC North blog has made it to three training camps thus far. We saw the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals up close to get a feel for the division in 2011.

Here are three unheralded players who caught our eye:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Player: Baron Batch, running back

Analysis: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin won't admit it, only saying "He's a rookie," but Pittsburgh's seventh-round pick is showing toughness and a good burst at tailback. Batch's pass blocking also is solid. But making a veteran team like Pittsburgh is going to be tough. Tailback Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman and Mewelde Moore are proven. Pittsburgh may have to keep four running backs for Batch or place him on the practice squad.

Cincinnati Bengals

Player: Colin Cochart, tight end

Analysis: Cochart is a personal favorite of mine during this week's visit to Bengals camp. The undrafted rookie tight end from South Dakota State is gritty and doesn't give an inch. Cochart's best asset is his run blocking. He's strong and keeps a good base at the point of attack. I've seen Cochart make two pancake blocks this week, including Tuesday against Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker. Cochart could be a sleeper to make the Bengals as a third, blocking tight end.

Cleveland Browns

Player: Branndon Braxton, offensive lineman

Analysis: Braxton was undrafted in 2009 and played well in the UFL for two seasons. He is hungry to make the Browns' 53-man roster this year. Braxton has a good chance at right tackle, which is a thin spot for Cleveland. Braxton has good size (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) and is holding up well in pass protection. He is surprisingly pushing veteran right tackle Tony Pashos in Browns camp.

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

Readiness factor: The Steelers should be fine. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, they are well-rested and running the same offense and defense as in recent seasons. For years the Steelers have thrived on continuity, and that should come in handy this fall. Pittsburgh will not be a major player in free agency, so that's not an issue. Like the Ravens, if the Steelers had to line up and play a game next week, they could.

Biggest challenge: The Steelers were fine up until recently, when receiver Hines Ward and linebacker James Harrison both made headlines in separate incidents. Ward was arrested for driving under the influence in Georgia, and Harrison made controversial remarks about many people, including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Rashard Mendenhall. Pittsburgh, which has been a model organization for years, has had its share of controversies the past three seasons. This is another example of the team having to band together and handle its issues internally before they get worse.

Who's the kicker? Pittsburgh will need to find a kicker for the 2011 season. Shaun Suisham is a free agent after filling in last season for Jeff Reed, who was cut. Reed was one of the few kickers who did well in Heinz Field, which is one of the hardest stadiums to kick in. The Steelers didn't draft a kicker, which means they have a short time to search for a solution in free agency.

Key players without contracts for 2011: Starting cornerback Ike Taylor is the only big name for the Steelers. He is an unrestricted free agent and is looking for market value, which could price him out of Pittsburgh. The Steelers have several younger and cheaper alternatives at cornerback, such as Carlos Rogers and Richard Marshall. Offensive lineman Willie Colon is another interesting name. He's been a versatile starter for Pittsburgh at guard and tackle. Tailback Mewelde Moore will probably test the market as the Steelers look to get more carries for backup Isaac Redman this season.

While one dream was being made last week, another was coming to an end.

Saturday in California, former Stanford fullback Owen Marecic happily took a call from the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round. Marecic was excited to be entering the NFL and knowing his destination in 2011.

Soon after, current Browns fullback and pending free agent Lawrence Vickers' phone began buzzing constantly to let the veteran know Cleveland likely drafted his replacement.

"Honestly, my first reaction was 'Wow,'" Vickers told the AFC North blog this week. "I'm amazed. I was amazed I was still a free agent and wasn't signed [by the Browns] before the deadline. I didn't understand it. But at the same time I do understand, because nothing has ever come easy to me. So I was prepared for it.

"If they want me, they want me. If they don't, they don't. As a man, you have to be prepared for anything. But in the back of my mind I thought I would be in Cleveland."

Welcome to the harsh world of the NFL.

As teams were making draft picks last week, each move to replace players and plug holes could impact what AFC North teams do in free agency. Let's take a look at where each division team stands.

Cleveland Browns

Top draft picks: DT Phil Taylor, DE Jabaal Sheard, WR Greg Little, FB Owen Marecic

Potential impact: The Browns were in need of talented players and could have as many as four Week 1 starters in this year's draft class. Health permitting, Taylor and Sheard are heavy, heavy favorites to start at defensive tackle and defensive end, respectively. Cleveland doesn't have many bodies at those positions. Little will be thrown into a receiving corps that includes Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi. Both have struggled and Little, who missed last season at North Carolina because of a suspension, will have every chance to compete for a starting role. But Marecic was the pick that turned some heads. The Browns were eerily quiet about Vickers' pending free agency this offseason, and speculation began to grow that the new coaching staff didn't feel he was a good fit for the West Coast offense. Those thoughts were confirmed Saturday, when Cleveland made a surprise pick for a fullback in the fourth round. Vickers, one of the top blocking fullbacks in the NFL, is expected to test the market, where he will surely get interest. The Browns did a good job of filling holes but still need to address certain areas. Safety and the right side of the offensive line remain glaring needs.

Cincinnati Bengals

Top draft picks: WR A.J. Green, QB Andy Dalton, OLB Dontay Moch, G Clint Boling

Potential impact: Cincinnati's first two picks were not a surprise, but both were telling. It likely signaled the end of the Chad Ochocinco-Carson Palmer era with the Bengals. Both veterans, who have been the faces of the franchise for years, are under contract. But Ochocinco is in the final year of his deal and is expected to be traded or released following the acquisition of Green. Palmer wants to be traded or he plans to retire, which is why the Bengals drafted Dalton. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is already projecting Dalton to be the Week 1 starter. Cincinnati should get all the value it can for Ochocinco and Palmer. It's questionable whether any team is willing to trade and pay the approximate $6 million for one year with Ochocinco. But it takes only one team. With Palmer, there will be several teams lined up and ready to pounce if the Bengals put him on the market. Cincinnati's coaching staff appears ready to move on without Palmer, so it will come down to ownership. Bengals owner Mike Brown said recently that the team has no intention of trading Palmer. The Bengals did not draft a cornerback until the seventh round (Korey Lindsey), but that probably has no bearing on pending free agent Johnathan Joseph. Cincinnati isn't expected to retain Joseph, who will be one of the league's top free agents. But the team has Adam Jones for insurance to pair with starter Leon Hall. The Bengals also want starting tailback and pending free agent Cedric Benson back, as evidenced by the team not drafting a replacement.

Baltimore Ravens

Top draft picks: CB Jimmy Smith, WR Torrey Smith, OT Jah Reid, WR Tandon Doss

Potential impact: The Ravens took one of the biggest risks in the draft by selecting Smith of Colorado. He has a long list of off-the-field issues at Colorado, but the Ravens feel confident Smith will stay out of trouble. In terms of talent, Baltimore landed a player with the potential to be the team's first shutdown corner since Chris McAlister. Smith is expected to start right away, and this impacts two pending free agents in Josh Wilson and Chris Carr. Wilson played well for Baltimore once he earned the starting job in the second half of the 2010 season. With the pickup of Smith, Wilson and Carr are no longer huge priorities in free agency. The Ravens are getting Domonique Foxworth back from a knee injury and Lardarius Webb is still on the roster. The pick of Torrey Smith in the second round fills a need for a speedy receiver to pair with Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin. He is expected to fill the No. 3 receiver role T.J. Houshmandzadeh will leave behind. Ravens coach John Harbaugh also spoke highly of Reid, the team's third-rounder. Former starting offensive tackle Jared Gaither was injured last season and has been in the doghouse for quite some time and isn't expected to return. In terms of holes, the Ravens still need an impact pass-rushing threat to pair with Pro Bowl defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Top draft picks: DE Cameron Heyward, OT Marcus Gilbert, CB Curtis Brown, CB Cortez Allen

Potential impact: The Steelers stayed true to form by drafting for depth in the first two rounds with Heyward and Gilbert. Barring injury, both players will be put in the rotation but are not expected to start. But the third and fourth rounds are where things got interesting for Pittsburgh. The Steelers went with cornerbacks in back-to-back rounds with Brown and Allen. They hope one or both rookies can make an immediate impact. That might be asking a lot for the reigning AFC champions. Brown was the second-best corner on his team at the University Texas to Aaron Williams, on whom the Steelers passed in the first round. Allen played at a small school (Citadel) and will make a significant jump to the NFL. All of these factors increase the value of Ike Taylor, who is Pittsburgh's biggest free agent. The Steelers' No. 1 corner would fill an important starting role and take a lot of pressure off the team's young corners. That way Brown, Allen, Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler can all compete for reserve roles and develop at a more gradual pace. The price tag will be the biggest question. The going rate for solid cornerbacks this offseason has been about $10 million per season. It's doubtful the Steelers are willing to pay that much to retain Taylor. Also look for the Steelers to fill their kicker positions in free agency and perhaps add another backup tailback to replace Mewelde Moore.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert made his draft approach very clear this week. With so much labor uncertainty and free agency postponed, Colbert says he's operating this draft based on who's currently on the Steelers' roster.

As far as Colbert is concerned, thinking about pending free agents such as cornerbacks Ike Taylor and William Gay, tailback Mewelde Moore and kicker Shaun Suisham is an exercise in futility during draft week. With no collective bargaining agreement, the futures of these Steelers remain up in the air, leaving Colbert with no choice but to operate as though those players are not coming back.

"That's the reality of it," Colbert said. "We have seven picks and I need them all. We are going to go back and draft based on the team that we know we have at this point."

Despite a Super Bowl run last season, Pittsburgh entered the offseason with two well-defined needs at cornerback and the offensive line. Without free agency, those needs still remain entering the NFL draft.

Similar to last year, the Steelers are looking for immediate contributors. Pittsburgh is a team known for taking time to develop draft picks. But selections made last season such as Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey and receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown helped during the team's Super Bowl run.

This year, as with most years, it will be a challenge for the Steelers to balance best talent versus biggest need.

"We always balance the talent versus the need and if it is close, if two or more players are close, we will always take the player of need," Colbert said. "But what we don't do is reach for a specific position. That is where the biggest mistakes have been made and I think will continue to be made."

Picking 31st is viewed by some as the worst possible slot, because a team didn't win a Super Bowl and has the second-to-last pick in each round. But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin disagreed.

"One is [the worst] as far as I'm concerned," Tomlin said laughing, while offering a coach's perspective.

Colbert says this year's draft process began with 1,000 players. After months of research and scouting, that number has been whittled to 100 players the Steelers feel can help them. Players were taken off Pittsburgh's board for a variety of reasons, including character issues, lack of ability or not being able to fit the team's offensive or defensive systems.

"When we really break it down we probably see about 20 special players that are going to be, we think, unusual players in the league," Colbert said. "But again, I think we can get a make-it type player, a player that can make our roster and help contribute really all the way thru the sixth round if these numbers came off clean, which they never do. So realistically we are going to be looking for guys that can help us throughout all seven rounds."

The New York Post reports the Pittsburgh Steelers could be an emerging candidate for free-agent running back Tiki Barber.

Although stranger things have happened, I don't see this one becoming a reality.

The Steelers have enough aging veterans on their roster, and Barber will be 36 in April. In other words, he's nearly as old as Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, 38.

Pittsburgh's running game is fine. Rashard Mendenhall has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and up-and-coming running back Isaac Redman has emerged as a valuable backup.

The only role Barber could fit in Pittsburgh is catching out of the backfield on third down. Mewelde Moore is a pending free agent and may not return, but the Steelers could look for younger and/or cheaper alternatives than Barber to fill a limited role.

In my opinion, this sounds more like Barber wanting to join a contending team in Pittsburgh. If Barber could play cornerback, he would probably have a better chance.

This is the final week that several big names will be under contract with their respective AFC North teams.

The new league year starts on Friday, March 4, with a lot of labor uncertainty. Free agency cannot begin until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. But at least we will know who the key players are this offseason by the end of the week.

Here is how things are shaping up in the AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens: Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata received the franchise tag, and signing him long term is Baltimore's biggest priority this offseason. The Ravens also have several interesting free agents. Offensive lineman Marshal Yanda is one of the most underrated free agents in this division. He has the versatility to play guard and tackle, and the Ravens want him back to help patch up the right side of their offensive line. The secondary also could be taking a hit as safety Dawan Landry and cornerbacks Josh Wilson and Fabian Washington are all set to hit the open market. Of the three, I think Wilson was the most consistent for Baltimore this season. The Ravens will allow fullback Le'Ron McClain to test free agency. He wants the opportunity to carry the football more and won’t get that in Baltimore. With the team expected to release Willis McGahee, the Ravens could be thin at running back behind starter Ray Rice if both McClain and McGahee do not return in 2011.

Cincinnati Bengals: We have addressed the situation numerous times with Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph. He has quietly been one of the top defenders in the AFC North and will likely get a huge payday, considering the going rate for cornerbacks. Unless Cincinnati is willing to pay at least $10 million per year to keep Joseph, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t hit the open market this week. Starting tailback Cedric Benson is another interesting free agent. He’s led Cincinnati in rushing two years in a row after posting a pair of 1,000-yard seasons. But Benson was unhappy with the Bengals last year and his production also tailed. Will he work out a deal to stay in Cincinnati? Stay tuned. The Bengals also have aging free agents like receiver Terrell Owens and linebacker Dhani Jones who are not expected to return because the team is rebuilding and going younger. Cincinnati also has to figure out what to do at quarterback now that starter Carson Palmer wants to be traded and threatened to retire.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns were lacking talent to begin with. So they don't have many big-name free agents. But some players who were productive in 2010 are hitting the open market, including fullback Lawrence Vickers, linebacker Matt Roth and safety Abe Elam. Both Roth and Elam were unhappy about not getting long-term extensions in Cleveland and probably will look elsewhere, while it's unknown how well Vickers, a power fullback, fits in a West Coast offense. With a new coaching staff led by head coach Pat Shurmur, expect a lot of turnover on the roster as the Browns get players who fit their offensive and defensive schemes. The Browns recently used the franchise tag on veteran kicker Phil Dawson to keep him off the market.

Pittsburgh Steelers: No. 1 cornerback Ike Taylor has been in preliminary discussions with Pittsburgh but is likely running into the same challenges as Joseph. Similar to Cincinnati, would the Steelers be willing to commit at least $10 million per year to a cornerback? That appears to be the going rate for solid, free-agent corners. The Steelers will probably let Taylor test the market and compete with other teams before they pay that amount. If Taylor can get that elsewhere, he probably will take it. If not, Taylor can return to a Super Bowl contender in Pittsburgh at a reduced rate. Other than Taylor, the team doesn't have many key players hitting the open market next week. Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley was given the franchise tag. Role players like tailback Mewelde Moore, backup center Doug Legursky and kicker Shaun Suisham are among other notable free agents for Pittsburgh.

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

• The Baltimore Ravens are stacking their free-agent board for 2011.

Morning take: The Ravens made a big trade to acquire receiver Anquan Boldin last offseason. Will Baltimore make another splash this year?

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver and pending free agent Terrell Owens says something is "not right" with his soon-to-be former team.

Morning take: This has not been a good offseason for the Bengals. Quarterback Carson Palmer wants out, the team fired its offensive coordinator and various players have lashed out about the franchise.

• With the departure of Frank Summers and possible departure of Mewelde Moore, are the Pittsburgh Steelers thinning at running back?

Morning take: I like the combination of Rashard Mendenhall and a developing Isaac Redman in Pittsburgh. Perhaps finding a scat back to replace Moore's role would be needed in the draft. But it's not a necessity.

• Can Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy compare to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers?

Morning take: Let's not start making these comparisons. Both will run a West Coast offense and no one does it better right now than Rodgers. Playing at such a consistently high level is something McCoy can aspire to.

Get ready. The first installment of "Walker's Fab 40" is coming up next.

As the confetti fell at the conclusion of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium, a look of despair and disappointment immediately came over the faces of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The newly crowned Green Bay Packers were in full celebration mode, while Pittsburgh felt the sting of falling short of its seventh championship.

History weighs heavily against the Steelers -- seven of the past 10 Super Bowl runners-up have failed to make the playoffs the next year.

How do the Steelers avoid becoming another statistic? It will take some smart moves and solid upgrades in the offseason.

"Our goal is to try to get into [the Super Bowl] again, and just don't be on this side again," Steelers receiver Mike Wallace said. "Just get back in the lab and work harder. That's all."

Here is a preview of what's next for the Steelers:

Where are Pittsburgh’s biggest needs?

Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Steelers are in better shape than most teams. But they are by no means perfect.

Three losses this season -- to the Packers, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints -- have provided a blueprint of how to beat the Steelers. It takes a top-flight quarterback and a precise, short and intermediate passing game to put enough points on the board against Pittsburgh's vaunted No. 2 ranked defense.

Forcing the Steelers' offense to play from behind makes the team one-dimensional and susceptible to the pass rush. Pittsburgh's offensive line is one of the weakest areas of the team. Those three losses to Green Bay, New England and New Orleans all played out in similar fashion.

To counter these tough matchups, the Steelers need to improve their roster in several areas.

Pittsburgh's two biggest needs are at cornerback and offensive line. Upgrades to both positions would help the Steelers combat opponents like New England and Green Bay. The Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (304 yards, three touchdowns) beat Pittsburgh's defense by running a lot of three- and four-receiver sets, which exposed the Steelers' lack of depth in the secondary.

Pittsburgh starting cornerback Ike Taylor is solid, but he will be an unrestricted free agent (we will get to that later). After Taylor there is a dropoff to Bryant McFadden and backups William Gay and Anthony Madison. High-powered passing offenses will continue to give Pittsburgh fits unless it addresses this issue. I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers draft a cornerback in the first two rounds.

The Steelers need to improve at guard and tackle on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Max Starks is solid and returning from a season-ending neck injury. He will replace the inconsistent Jonathan Scott. Right tackle Flozell Adams, 35, is under contract for one more year with Pittsburgh and is uncertain about his future. Guard Chris Kemoeatu and center Maurkice Pouncey are set, but the Steelers could use another starting-caliber guard.

The Steelers traditionally are not big players in free agency, so don't expect a lot of turnover. Most of their needs will be addressed in April's NFL draft.

"I think we still have a core group of players that we can build around and hopefully make another run at it," Steelers president Art Rooney II said after the Super Bowl loss. "I don't think we'll be sitting there saying we're going to make a lot of changes. We'll prepare for the draft and add some players here and there, and be ready to go."

Who are the Steelers' key free agents?

Where Pittsburgh does spend its money is retaining its key free agents. The Steelers have two big ones this year in Taylor and outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

Pittsburgh has every intention of retaining Woodley, who was one of the NFL's best bargains after making just $550,000 in the final year of his rookie contract. Including playoffs, Woodley recorded 60 tackles, 13 sacks, two interceptions and got stronger as the season went on.

The Steelers are expected to use their franchise tag on Woodley, 26, while trying to negotiate a long-term deal. The deadline to tag Woodley is Feb. 24. But it will be challenging for Pittsburgh to work out a large extension until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. Under the current CBA, the 30-percent rule is a major holdup in working out an extension with Woodley, who is a former second-round pick.

Taylor's situation is more fluid. The unrestricted free agent will be 31 in May and has spent his entire career with Pittsburgh. Returning will be Taylor's first preference, but he will certainly garner interest from other teams. Pittsburgh has to determine what is the right price to try to keep its No. 1 cornerback.

Other free agents of note for Pittsburgh include backup quarterback Dennis Dixon, tailback Mewelde Moore, kicker Shaun Suisham and offensive linemen Willie Colon and Trai Essex.

Can Pittsburgh remain a contender?

As we mentioned earlier, history is not kind to Super Bowl runners-up. Pittsburgh also will have to overcome its own negative history. The last two times the current Steelers made the Super Bowl -- both victories -- they missed the playoffs in the following seasons, 2006 and 2009.

The Steelers are usually at their best as underdogs. That was the case this season; most experts wrote off Pittsburgh because of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's four-game suspension at the beginning of the season. But the Steelers showed they could overcome setbacks and made it to Super Bowl XLV.

Expectations will be high for Pittsburgh next season, because a lot of talent and veteran leadership remain. But is it enough to get to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis?

"I love this group; I think it is a heck of a group," said Steelers linebacker and captain James Farrior. "There is a lot more football left in us. We just have to stay together. Hopefully, everything works out in the offseason and we get back here next season."

We have additional injury updates on the AFC North rivalry game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) and Cleveland Browns (5-10).

Both Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (Achilles) and Browns tailback Peyton Hillis (ribs) are listed as questionable. Polamalu returned to practice Friday for the first time in weeks to test his Achilles, and the team felt good enough to give him a 50-percent chance of playing in Cleveland. Hillis rested his rib injury this week, but Browns coach Eric Mangini expects his leading rusher to play.

Also from the injury report, Steelers running back Mewelde Moore (knee) is out. Cleveland starting guard Floyd Womack (knee) and defensive linemen Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) and Kenyon Coleman (knee) are questionable.

Here are seven notes and observations from Week 2 in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco's mechanics look off. Flacco usually has one of the smoothest throwing motions in the NFL. But his footwork and follow-through were unusually shaky in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It's part of what led to Flacco's career-high four interceptions. With the exception of one touchdown drive in the third quarter, Flacco never looked comfortable in the pocket and often threw off his back foot. That impacts accuracy and velocity, and Flacco, who has a very strong arm, lacked both on many throws. This week, Baltimore's coaching staff should get back to the basics with Flacco and remind the young quarterback of what made him successful.
[+] Enlarge
Frank Victores/US PresswireRay Rice has just 130 rushing yards in two games this season.
• With Baltimore's offense struggling to score, what's with the disappearing act of Ray Rice? The Pro Bowl running back only has 130 rushing yards in two games. Rice also hasn't been involved much in the passing game, recording just six receptions. Sometimes teams get so enamored with their new weapons on offense that they forget about the dependable mainstays. Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are great additions. But Rice needs more touches for this offense to click and reach its potential.
• Credit the Bengals' defense for leaving no big plays on the field. How many games have we seen defenders get their hands on the ball only to drop interception opportunities? The Ravens' secondary did it twice Sunday, but Cincinnati was sure-handed and finished. Linebacker Brandon Johnson, safety Chinedum Ndukwe and cornerbacks Adam Jones and Leon Hall all had interceptions against Baltimore.
• This may sound like a broken record, but Cincinnati really needs to clean up its penalties. The Bengals were penalized nine times Sunday, and this has been an issue that dates to last season. The coaching staff probably doesn't mind "effort" penalties such as holding or pass interference. But it's the mental errors like not knowing the snap count that drive coaches crazy. The Bengals also blew a couple timeouts because everyone wasn't on the same page.
• Who will be the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 3 quarterback? Injuries and Ben Roethlisberger's suspension have made this situation very unpredictable. Dennis Dixon's knee injury doesn't look good and Byron Leftwich (knee) will likely be re-signed this week but is still working his way back. Charlie Batch did enough to preserve Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. But with the way the Steelers are playing defense, it may not matter who's under center in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Pittsburgh's coaching staff is doing a tremendous job of playing to its strengths. The offense didn't score a touchdown against Tennessee, but a tricky kick return jump-started the Steelers and great defense finished the job. On the opening kickoff, Pittsburgh rookie receiver Antonio Brown took a reverse handoff from Mewelde Moore and returned it 89 yards for a touchdown. The Titans didn't see that on any game film. Great coaching by the Steelers.
• Speaking of coaches, Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini's job security suffered another blow after Sunday's 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Based on new Browns president Mike Holmgren's decision to keep Mangini this year, I don't believe Holmgren has a quick hook. Holmgren should give Mangini a chance to turn things around. But wins will be very hard to come by, with Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, New England the New York Jets next on the schedule. The Browns started 1-11 last year under Mangini, and Holmgren probably won't accept a similar record.

With all the AFC North minicamps in the books, let's see what’s in the weekend mailbag.

Brandon Crawford from Sykesville, Md., writes: Now that the Baltimore Ravens have signed safety Ken Hamlin, what does this mean for Dawan Landry?

James Walker: Good question, Brandon. Hamlin is more of a free safety than a strong safety, so I'm not 100-percent sure if the signing impacts Landry directly. But the Ravens have always had the motto of putting the best 11 players on the field. So it is possible Hamlin could beat out Landry, but Hamlin would have to do it playing out of his natural position.

Andy from Santiago, Chile, wants to know the probability of a holdout for Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Jermaine Gresham.

Walker: I think it's too early to worry, Andy. Cincinnati does have a history of rookie contract disputes, but I don't get the same vibes from the team that I did last year. Every media outlet, including the AFC North blog, easily predicted a long holdout for Andre Smith because of his recent business decisions, the team, and the type of money that was involved. Most of those factors aren’t in play this year. So I don’t anticipate any type of long holdout in Cincinnati this year. At most, it could possibly be a few days.

Alan from Milwaukee wants to know what I think of Rod Woodson as an NFL coach.

Walker: Woodson was in Cincinnati this week, and I think it would be a natural fit for him. Frankly, I'm surprised he hasn't done this earlier. Woodson was one of the smartest and most gifted players in NFL history. He was the complete package as a football player and could have thrived in any era. He would be great sharing all that knowledge with today’s players if chooses to go that route.

Nakaz from Hawaii writes: Do the Pittsburgh Steelers look for another RB to back up Rashard Mendenhall before the season starts?

Walker: The Steelers are fine with what they have. Mewelde Moore did his job last year when his number was called, and Pittsburgh may have a nice find in rookie Jonathan Dwyer. I haven’t seen enough of him just yet (especially without contact). But Dwyer has good size and may be able to move the pile, which would help the offense.

Bryan from Atlanta writes: How come no chat this week?

Walker: On Tuesday I was at Bengals minicamp writing and watching two practices. I couldn't fit it in. But the division chat will return this upcoming Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Kovacs from Santa Monica, Calif., writes: Have the Cleveland Browns started to close the talent gap in the AFC North?

Walker: That's too much of an open-ended question, Kovacs. The Browns made some steps to get better but not to the point where I think they can climb to the top of the AFC North. I saw Cleveland in minicamp last week and wasn’t all that impressed. I'm still picking the Browns fourth, the Steelers third, and I haven't decided yet between Cincinnati and Baltimore.

Complaint department

I'm going to try something different this week. We get a lot of comments in our division inbox with readers venting about various things. So I decided to try this new feature at the end of the weekend mailbag called the "complaint department."

Enjoy.

Brad Eagan from West Mifflin, Pa., writes: Come on, James. There are way too many things about the Browns and not enough about the other three teams in the division. I know that you are located in Cleveland, but this is the AFC North Blog, not the Cleveland Browns Blog. Other than the plethora of Browns topics, you do great work.

Jeff from Baltimore writes: Could you please vary your content a little more, James? I get tired of seeing multiple posts about the Steelers every single day when my Ravens haven't gotten a solo article in over a week. It's the AFCN blog, not the Pittsburgh Steelers blog.

Ben Wiford from Danville, Ohio, writes: Hey J-Walk always love hearing you when you are on 97.1 in the afternoons. But you really shouldn't waste your time talking about the Clowns! Just talk more about my Bengals.

Ron from Fort Washington, Md., writes: I just read the AFC NORTH blog and it focused on the Bengals. I thought I was going to read about my RAVENS!!!

R. Lewis from Berkeley, Calif., writes: I really, really enjoy your blog. BUT can we just quit with the "will the Steelers make the playoffs if Ben Roethlisberger is out six games" stuff? Enough, man. You know that it will be only four games, because Ben WILL stay out of trouble. Okay, so four games. Do you REALLY think they'll lose more than two? You always make it sound like they're in so much trouble, but they're not. They'll go 11-5 and make the playoffs.

RJ from Virginia Beach, Va., writes: Vince Young had better get in trouble with the commish. If he doesn't, that means Roger Goodell is handing out his "justice" unevenly. I'm still waiting for Sean Peyton to be disciplined for his alleged misconduct. Ben's case has set a precedent that you don't need to be arrested or charged with a crime to be disciplined. That needs to be applied to the entire league, not just household names like “Big Ben.”

Richard from Fairfax, Va., writes: James, it was like a Christmas morning present to hear cornerback Frank Walker is trying out with a different team. You made my day. Hopefully the Houston Texans sign him.

MWyche2 via Twitter writes: Tell Chad Ochocinco, C'mon son!!!!

Remember to send all your mailbag questions -- and now AFC North complaints -- to our division inbox.