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A handful of teams are interested in trading for Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, a league source told Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

There's one snag to this happening -- the Steelers shouldn't be interested in trading Wallace. There's no logical reason for the Steelers to do this. Wallace isn't happy that he is playing under his restricted free-agent tender, and the Steelers won't be happy if Wallace decides to skip offseason workouts because of that. But all signs point to Wallace catching long passes from Ben Roethlisberger this season.

First of all, the Steelers can't expect to get a first-round pick for Wallace on draft day because that's the price to acquire him right now as a restricted free agent. If any team is willing to part with a first-rounder, it will sign Wallace to an offer sheet before the April 20 deadline.

Another nugget of information to remember when trying to validate this trade rumor: The Steelers know they will get a compensatory third-round pick for Wallace if he leaves as a free agent after this season. While no one really knows the league formula for handing out compensatory picks, the Cincinnati Bengals received a third-round compensatory pick for wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2009. Enough said.

The only remaining scenario is a team offering a second-round pick (and perhaps a package that includes a second-rounder and multiple later-round picks) for Wallace. But this deal shouldn't interest the Steelers either. Why get only a second-round pick for a No. 1 wide receiver? He's an integral part of the Steelers making another Super Bowl run this year, and Pittsburgh still has 10 months to get Wallace signed to a long-term deal. And, if the Steelers fail to sign Wallace, they still get a third-rounder for him.

Trading their top wide receiver wouldn't be unprecedented for the Steelers. Pittsburgh traded Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick 10 days before the 2010 draft. But Holmes and Wallace are two receivers who represent two different issues. Holmes was facing a four-game suspension at the time after a series of off-the-field incidents. Wallace is coming off a Pro Bowl season and has produced the second-most receiving yards ever (3,206) in a player's first three seasons in the NFL.

So, there's no surprise that there's a handful of teams interested in trading for Wallace. It would just be shocking to see the Steelers actually trading him.

A look at some of the questions fielded in Wednesday's online chat:

Alex (Cincinnati): Say Bengals owner Mike Brown decided to put up the money this year, and took Mike Wallace from the Steelers. Do you think Andy Dalton would be able to utilize A.J. Green and Mike Wallace as the major deep threats they are?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I don't think there is any question that Wallace is a better fit with the Steelers because [Ben] Roethlisberger has a stronger arm. But Dalton gets the ball downfield better than anyone expected. I don't see this happening, but the Bengals have the draft pick and the cap room to do so if they wanted Wallace.

Caleb (Washington, the state): I know you've already stated that nose tackle Dontari Poe is not gonna fall to the Steelers at 24. What would it take for the Steelers to move up to a point where they can draft him? We've seen them move on players they felt were special (Santonio Holmes and Troy Polamalu, both of which were great moves). Is Poe special enough that they aggressively go after him?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): All reports indicate that Poe is going to be special. You just have to watch it when it comes to the bigger defensive linemen. Some don't turn out because work ethic never matches talent ([Albert] Haynesworth). It would take a lot for the Steelers to jump the nine or 10 spots needed to get him. I don't see it happening, but he is one player that should tempt Pittsburgh.

Flaps (101): How far do you see Vontaze Burfict falling? Do you think the Ravens will still gamble on him if he's still available in a later round?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): He's looking more like a second-rounder now. But I don't see him falling to the bottom of that round. So, if the Ravens want him, they probably would have to move up in the second or trade back from the first.

Christian (Ohio): RG3 or Colt McCoy?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): RG3 > CM1

Tim (Kentucky): Do you see the Bengals being able to repeat themselves next year, maybe even winning the division with the elderly ravens and pitt falling off?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): The Bengals have had trouble putting two great seasons back-to-back. It doesn't matter whether the "elderly" Ravens and Steelers fall off. It's whether the Bengals can continue to improve. They went to the playoffs because of what they did in the offseason. Cincinnati needs another productive draft and free-agent period to make a run at the division title.

Gary (The Woodlands, Texas): Kind of narrowed minded of you to make that call on Colt after one year. I bet you thought that of Alex Smith as well. This is one of the Browns problems?they draft a QB and in a few years draft another essentially starting over. Draft a guy and give him some talent and see how that works out. Draft RGIII and pray he can do it all because the Browns won?t have the picks to help him.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): For every Alex Smith, I can give you a lot more examples of quarterbacks that failed with good and bad situations. Alex Smith has become the answer for all supporters of struggling quarterbacks. It's a lot like the people who think you can find quarterbacks late in the draft and always cite Tom Brady. If you are a fan of 5-yard passes and quarterbacks who can only make plays by rolling out of the pocket, McCoy is definitely your quarterback.

Nick (Syracuse): Was Peyton Hillis's off year just the Madden Curse or something more?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): It was the "I'm playing in my contract year and can't get no love" curse.

Max (Austin, Texas): Do you ever get tired of 90 percent of the chat questions being from the same six Bengals fans?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Who Dey?

In a thought-provoking Insider post, Mel Kiper Jr. revisits the 2006 NFL draft and looks how the first round would unfold based on what we know now.

Remember Haloti Ngata going to the Ravens at No. 12? Not this time. Kiper has him going No. 1 overall to the Houston Texans. Overall, the AFC North teams fared poorly in Kiper's re-draft.

Let's see which players Kiper would have going to the AFC North teams now:

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Draft position: No. 12 (they were actually No. 13 but traded up with the Browns in 2006)

Player chosen in 2006: Haloti Ngata, DT

Kiper re-draft: Reggie Bush, RB (Saints-Dolphins)

End result: Bad for Ravens. Baltimore desperately needed a defensive tackle -- Ray Lewis was campaigning for one before this draft -- and the Ravens got extremely lucky when Ngata fell to them. Bush would have been a non-factor because he requires a creative scheme to thrive. Brian Billick didn't know what to do when he had Priest Holmes.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Draft position: No. 13

Player chosen in 2006: Kamerion Wimbley, DE-OLB

Kiper re-draft: Devin Hester, KR-PR-WR (Bears)

End result: Bad for Browns. Wimbley never lived up to expectations, and Hester is one of the greatest returners in NFL history. But the Browns already had Josh Cribbs at this time, and they couldn't stop anyone from running the ball. Selecting a linebacker like A.J. Hawk or DeMeco Ryans would have helped out more in the re-draft.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Draft position: No. 24

Player chosen in 2006: Johnathan Joseph, CB

Kiper re-draft: Eric Winston, OT (Texans)

End result: Bad for Bengals. Cincinnati really needed a young corner like Joseph, and it was set at the time at offensive tackle with Levi Jones and Willie Anderson. With Joseph off the board in Kiper's re-draft, I would've taken a safety like Donte Whitner for the Bengals.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Draft position: No. 25

Player chosen in 2006: Santonio Holmes, WR

Kiper re-draft: Marcedes Lewis, TE

End result: Bad for the Steelers. Who would've caught the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl without Holmes? Yes, he's no longer with the Steelers but Holmes gave them an average of 958 yards receiving in his four seasons including several clutch catches. Lewis doesn't make sense for Pittsburgh, which used a first-round pick on tight end Heath Miller in 2005.

BALTIMORE -- The scariest part about the Baltimore Ravens' defense is that it doesn't fear anything.

The Ravens aren't afraid of blitzing on every play. They're not afraid of sending a safety or a nickelback after the quarterback. They're not afraid of leaving a cornerback one-on-one with a receiver.

After a couple of years of playing it safe, the Baltimore defense showed a national television audience and its former boss that the Ravens haven't just dusted off their old, aggressive game plan. They've expanded it.

Three defensive touchdowns in the Ravens' 34-17 victory over the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium came as the result of relentless pressure. Past Baltimore defenses prided themselves on leading the NFL in fewest yards given up or setting the record for fewest points allowed.

This Baltimore defense wants turnovers, and wants to turn them into touchdowns. The Ravens' defense outscored the Jets' offense 21-3. Actually, Baltimore's defense outscored its own offense.

So, how great can this defense become?

"We can be special," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "It all depends on where we go from here."

Defenses in Baltimore are defined by championships, which means there is a ways to go before you can rank this group. All you can say is that Baltimore is on the right path.

The Ravens are relentless, and it started with the defense's first snap. Baltimore safety Ed Reed came unblocked and stripped Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez from the blind side, which led to Jameel McClain's 6-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

In the second quarter, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata crashed into Sanchez's back, forcing the ball loose and leading to a 26-yard fumble return by Jarret Johnson. In the third quarter, Suggs' pressure caused Sanchez to hurry a throw to the outside, where cornerback Lardarius Webb jumped in front of Santonio Holmes and ran back the interception 73 yards for a touchdown.

"It reminded me of the 2000 and 2006 defenses," said Jets coach Rex Ryan, who was on the Ravens' staff for both of those defenses. "They were coming after us."

This defense, though, accomplished something the defenses in 2000 (which set the NFL record for fewest points) and 2006 (which is the only Ravens defense that finished No. 1 in a season) never did -- score three touchdowns in one game. The 2000 team won Super Bowl XXXV.

It didn't matter that the special teams allowed a 107-yard kickoff return or that quarterback Joe Flacco had an interception returned for a score. What made the Baltimore defense's effort amazing was how it carried the team.

In 2000, the Ravens' defense remained strong through a five-game touchdown drought. On Sunday night, the defense didn't bend despite a 35½-minute drought for Flacco, who didn't complete a pass in the second or third quarters.

With the Ravens holding a 28-17 lead in the third quarter, Flacco fumbled to give the ball to the Jets at the Baltimore 27-yard line. On the next play, Webb once again showed there was no panic on defense when he delivered his interception return for a touchdown.

"Any defense that can create turnovers and score touchdowns is pretty much unstoppable," Ngata said.

This is a drastically different look from last season, when the Ravens had a more conservative approach under defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. They didn't give up many points (third-fewest in the NFL). But they didn't put much pressure on the quarterback (the 27 sacks were a franchise low).

When Mattison left to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan, Baltimore promoted secondary coach Chuck Pagano, who said the Ravens would "wreak havoc" in his first news conference.

He has lived up to those words, especially against the Jets. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Ravens blitzed at least one defensive back on 13 of Sanchez's 38 drop-backs. Only twice this season had a quarterback taken more snaps against blitzing defensive backs (Jay Cutler and Sam Bradford, both in Week 2).

Those blitzes resulted in nearly as many turnovers (two) as completions (three).

"He's not afraid of anything," linebacker Ray Lewis said of Pagano.

The real fear must be for quarterbacks when they watch the Ravens' defense get announced before the game. You get the sense that's what pitchers must have felt when they went against the Yankees' Murderers' Row in 1927. Out of the Ravens' tunnel comes Ngata. Then Suggs. Then Reed. And of course, Lewis.

What must quarterbacks think when they watch film of the Ravens hammering Sanchez, Ben Roethlisberger and Bradford?

"Get the ball out quick or you’re going to get hit," Suggs said with a laugh.

But quarterbacks aren't getting the ball out quickly enough. Last week in St. Louis, Baltimore recorded 11 quarterback hits. On Sunday night, 10 quarterback hits were delivered by seven Ravens players.

The performance was more special because it was against Ryan, the Ravens' defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2008.

"He created us," Johnson said. "Now he had to deal with us."

Baltimore's defense could become stronger after this week's bye with the return of two injured cornerbacks, rookie first-round pick Jimmy Smith and veteran Chris Carr.

"I do sense something special with this defense and with this team," Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said. "I think there’s a spirit in this team that’s hard to describe and I wish I could put it into words for you. I saw it the first day the guys came back. We’ll see where it takes us."

Note: Harbaugh handed out game balls to Pagano; O.J. Brigance, the team's director of player development who celebrated his birthday last week while still battling ALS; and Pat Modell, the wife of former majority owner Art Modell. Pat Modell is seriously ill.

» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 4:

Wake up, Browns: Cleveland's 2-1 start is impressive. It's even more impressive considering the Browns don't start games until the second quarter. The Browns have yet to put up a point in the first quarter this season, getting outscored 20-0 in the opening period. The offense takes its nod from quarterback Colt McCoy, who is 9-for-18 for 55 yards in the first quarter this season. Playing catch-up has to stop Sunday against Tennessee.

Keep Santonio Holmes out of the end zone: No one has hurt the Ravens more recently than wide receiver Santonio Holmes. He's scored a touchdown in seven straight games against Baltimore. His eight touchdowns in that stretch are the most by any player against the Ravens since 2007. If the Ravens want to slow down the Jets playmaker, safety Ed Reed should line up on Holmes' side of the field the entire game. It will be tough for any of Baltimore's cornerbacks to handle Holmes in single coverage.

Bring on the blitz: The Steelers have blitzed on about one-third of the opposition's pass plays, which is a little above the league average. Beating the Texans will require more of it. The key to disrupting Houston quarterback Matt Schaub is being aggressive against him. He is completing 58.3 percent of his throws when defenses rush five or more, which is significantly lower than his completion rate (71.4 percent) when defenses send four or fewer (according to ESPN Stats & Information). Getting consistent pressure has been a problem for the Steelers, who have a combined 3.5 sacks from James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.

Make the gunslinger pay: The Bengals know first-hand how the Bills' Ryan Fitzpatrick will take more risks than other quarterbacks when throwing passes in tight windows. Fitzpatrick was Cincinnati's fill-in starter in 2008 and threw for 316 yards against the Bengals last season. To slow down the NFL's highest-scoring offense (37.7 points per game), defenses have to be in position when Fitzpatrick decides to gamble. The Bengals, though, have only one interception this season.

Defend home turf: The Ravens are 20-5 at home during the John Harbaugh era, which is the third-best mark since 2008. How dominant have the Ravens been at M&T Bank Stadium? During that time, the Ravens have more than doubled the point total of the opposition, 633-314. Baltimore is playing at home for the first time since the season opener, which was a 35-7 rout of the Steelers.

Everyone in our community is excited following the conclusion of the 2011 NFL draft.

On paper, all four teams did well. But we won't know for sure until these rookies hit the field.

With that said, here are some interesting comments from AFC North blog readers following the 2010 NFL draft.

Enjoy.

Cleveland Browns

• "Somebody tell me why I should like this T.J. Ward pick? Don't get it. I know we need a safety, but who is this guy?"
• "I liked Taylor Mays a lot better. He's much bigger and much faster. Probably the best all-around athlete in the draft. You can't teach size or speed, but you can teach a kid how to cover better and how to tackle better. Mays' ceiling is infinite, while Ward's is not."
• "Love this pick. Montario Hardesty runs mean and nasty like Jamal Lewis did. Very solid back, better than Jahvid Best."

Pittsburgh Steelers

• "I knew Kyle Wilson was the real deal. He jumps off the screen the way he attacks and plays downhill all the time. I'm still irked he's not gonna be wearing black and gold. Maurkice Pouncey will be good, I hope. Because if he isn't, I'll be ticked if Wilson is as good as advertised."
• "I was just doing some research, and Jonathan Dwyer in the sixth round? What an unbelievable steal."
• "Essentially by trading a fifth-round pick for Bryant McFadden and Arizona's sixth-rounder, which was used for Jonathan Dwyer, the Steelers traded Santonio Holmes for McFadden and Dwyer. I love it."

Cincinnati Bengals

• "Jordan Shipley won't contribute immediately. I keep harping on this, but we're gonna see how much we really missed here with Eric Decker."
• "I'll say this and then I have to go: Brandon Ghee will be a star for the Bengals."
• "The Cincinnati Bengals now have the deepest receiving corps in the league by far."
• "I don't know who your team is but they can't beat the Bengals' receiving corps. Maybe when they make cuts in training camp your team can pickup Bengals' scraps."

Baltimore Ravens

• "Sergio Kindle will start in more Pro Bowls than Tim Tebow will start regular-season games."
• "The only beef I have with the Browns' draft is passing on Sergio Kindle in favor of T.J. Ward. This one will come back to bite 'em. They could have taken Ward later on. Kindle is going to be a force and Ozzie Newsome will be dubbed a genius the way he has handled the draft over the years."
• "Kindle and Terrell Suggs rushing from either side while Haloti Ngata and Terrence Cody clog up the middle. It's gonna be nice."
• "I think our division had the best draft of all divisions and the competition in our division will once again be great. The Ravens look like they will win the division and I am going to say the Browns will surprise some people this year. Depending on how long Ben Roethlisberger's suspension turns out to be either 4 or 6 games, Pitt might be third or maybe last in the division this year."

Remember last year?

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers held their annual pre-draft news conference at the team's training facility on Monday.

As expected, Pittsburgh didn't reveal its draft plans. But director of football operations Kevin Colbert did say the Steelers will be open to trading the No. 31 overall pick in the first round this week.

"The pro scouts will be going through their calls to touch base with every team and see who's interested in trading up and trading down," Colbert explained. "We always tell them we can go either way, and we will depending on who's still available at the top of that first round we might want to go up and get. ... But if there's offers for our picks, we will certainly look at the possibility of going down."

If the Steelers opt to trade in the first round, history suggests the Steelers could be more likely to move up to get a player they covet. The Steelers have held a first-round pick every year since Colbert took over in Pittsburgh in 2000. Where Pittsburgh currently sits at No. 31, a trade down would end that streak in the first round.

Colbert has moved up in the past to draft players such as safety Troy Polamalu (2003) and receiver Santonio Holmes (2006). But who are some players the Steelers may feel are worth trading up for this year?

Could it be Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, who is the twin brother of Steelers Pro Bowl center Maurkice? What about a cornerback, since that is Pittsburgh's biggest need with top corner Ike Taylor being a pending free agent? Offensive tackles also are valuable in the draft.

After an uneventful offseason, we will get draft answers on the Steelers and other AFC North teams starting on Thursday night.

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

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: history in that spot.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals' top pick is No. 4 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: OT Trent Williams, (Redskins)

2009: LB Aaron Curry (Seahawks)

2008: RB Darren McFadden (Raiders)

2007: DE Gaines Adams (Buccaneers)

2006: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets)

2005: RB Cedric Benson (Bears)

2004: QB Philip Rivers (Chargers)

Analysis: Draft history shows the Bengals are in a good spot at No. 4. Most players on this list have turned out to be productive pros or are getting playing time right away while trying to make a name for themselves. The last franchise quarterback taken in this spot was Rivers, who was drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers on draft day in 2004. That was a great pick in a strong quarterback class that included the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger and the Giants' Eli Manning. Is that caliber of quarterback available this year for the Bengals, whose starter, Carson Palmer, has threatened to retire? Prospects such as Auburn's Cam Newton and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert would be much riskier picks.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns' top pick is No. 6 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: OT Russell Okung (Seahawks)

2009: OT Andre Smith (Bengals)

2008: LB Vernon Gholston (Jets)

2007: S LaRon Landry (Redskins)

2006: TE Vernon Davis (49ers)

2005: CB Adam Jones (Titans)

2004: TE Kellen Winslow Jr. (Browns)

Analysis: Recent history shows the No. 6 overall pick can be hit or miss. Smith, Gholston and Jones are all certified busts as big-money draft picks. It's too early to tell with Okung, while Landry, Davis and Winslow have all had multiple productive seasons in the NFL. The Browns went 5-11 for the second consecutive year after having a similar pick in 2010. In the first year under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, Cleveland took cornerback Joe Haden at No. 7 overall, and he turned out to be a solid selection. The Browns need to add another impact player from the top of this draft to close the gap with the Ravens and Steelers.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens' top pick is No. 26 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: DT Dan Williams (Cardinals)

2009: LB Clay Matthews Jr. (Packers)

2008: OT Duane Brown (Texans)

2007: LB Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)

2006: DT John McCargo (Bills)

2005: C Chris Spencer (Seahawks)

2004: RB Chris Perry (Bengals)

Analysis: Picking late in the first round is one of the toughest things to do for any franchise, but the Ravens thrive on it. General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best at finding late-round gems. Current Ravens such as Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, Ed Reed, Todd Heap and Ray Lewis were all taken with picks No. 23 and later. Matthews is the most recent gem at No. 26. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers two years ago and quickly became one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. But Baltimore also has to be careful. Most of this recent group has failed to live up to expectations.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers' top pick is No. 31 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: DE Jerry Hughes (Colts)

2009: RB Beanie Wells (Cardinals)

2008: S Kenny Phillips (Giants)

2007: TE Greg Olsen (Bears)

2006: CB Kelly Jennings (Seahawks)

2005: DT Mike Patterson (Eagles)

2004: WR Rashaun Woods (49ers)

Analysis: The Steelers, who have six championships, are in the unfamiliar position of being Super Bowl losers. They will try to use the No. 31 overall pick to fill one of the team's needs. These players are not expected to be superstars. But they are first-round picks and the goal is to become productive starters. Pittsburgh is similar to Baltimore with its ability to find great players late in rounds. Since 2005, Pittsburgh has drafted Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, Ziggy Hood and Santonio Holmes with picks No. 23 and later. The Steelers will aim to continue their late-round success in this draft.

We are getting to the very best, as the AFC North blog continues to rank the top 40 players in the division.

No. 12: Rashard Mendenhall, running back

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 stats: 1,273 yards, 23 receptions, 13 touchdowns

Last year's ranking: No. 27

Analysis: Mendenhall showed growth by doing a good job of carrying Pittsburgh's offense while franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger served a four-game suspension. He kept the momentum going and had a career year. Mendenhall improved in two key areas this past season that often go unnoticed. First, he finished runs inside the goal line a lot better and was among the best tailbacks at getting in the end zone from inside the 5-yard line. Mendehnall nearly doubled his touchdown total from 2009. Second, Mendenhall's ball security (two fumbles in the regular season) improved, although prior struggles with fumbles came back to haunt him with a big turnover in Super Bowl XLV.

No. 11: Ray Lewis, linebacker

Team: Baltimore Ravens

2010 stats: 139 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions

Last year's ranking: No. 6

Analysis: The fact that Lewis, 35, is still one of the top players in the division is a testament to his longevity, ability and dedication to the game. The future Hall of Famer led the Ravens in tackles again with 139 and played in his 12th Pro Bowl. Lewis remains the heart and soul of the Ravens and his leadership is unmatched. He is not as athletic as he once was, but Lewis makes up for much of it with the mental ability to see plays before they develop. Tremendous film study and staying healthy has helped Lewis extend his career at the very physically-demanding position of middle linebacker. Lewis is trying to get one more ring before he retires but doesn't have many years left.

No. 10: Mike Wallace, receiver

Team: Steelers

2010 stats: 60 receptions, 1,257 yards, 10 touchdowns

Last year's ranking: No. 38

Analysis: Wallace made the biggest jump in this year's "Walker's Fab 40," improving 28 spots after going from a rookie second-stringer in 2009 to Pittsburgh's No. 1 receiver a year later. There were some concerns in Steeler Nation after Pittsburgh traded former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets following off-the-field issues. Entering just his second season, Wallace replaced Holmes in the starting lineup and took full advantage of the opportunity. Wallace is arguably the NFL's most dangerous deep threat, averaging an astounding 21 yards per reception. His ability to blow the top off the defense kept teams honest and opened things up for the running game and other receivers underneath. Wallace also improved his short and intermediate routes, which is his next step to becoming a complete receiver.

No. 9: Ray Rice, running back

Team: Ravens

2010 stats: 1,220 yards, 63 receptions, six total touchdowns

Last year's ranking: No. 7

Analysis: Rice is one of the NFL's most dynamic talents, although he didn't get to show it as much as he wanted to in 2010. Last season was considered a down year for Rice. He only had two 100-yard games but still rushed for more than 1,200 yards. Baltimore's offense was rarely in sync and lacked an identity. Good things usually happened when Rice touched the ball, but too many weeks went by when he didn't get enough opportunities. A lack of a deep threat at receiver and struggles on the offensive line also made it tough for Rice to break free for big gains. Baltimore has some tweaking to do on offense, and if the Ravens cure some of their issues, Rice could have the monster year next season that many expected from him in 2010.

Check out the AFC North blog Friday for the conclusion of "Walker's Fab 40," where we will have the top eight players in the division in 2011. Here's who has made the "Fab 40" so far.

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers receiver Mike Wallace was sitting in his apartment in Pittsburgh when he first heard the news.

He was dumbfounded when teammate Keenan Lewis told him that friend and fellow receiver Santonio Holmes had been traded to the New York Jets.

"It was during offseason workouts," Wallace told ESPN.com's AFC North blog. "Keenan said, 'We traded Tone,' and I was like, 'Nah.' So I turned on the TV, and as soon as I did, it was flashing all across the screen. At first I was [shocked]. I didn't want to see him go, because that's my good friend."

Nine months later, Holmes and the Jets return to Heinz Field -- for the second time this season -- to face Wallace and the Steelers in Sunday's AFC Championship Game. The winner will advance to Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas.

Rarely does a trade work out so perfectly for both parties.

Holmes had various off-field issues and was facing a four-game suspension this season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. The Steelers were tired of the problems. But instead of releasing Holmes, Pittsburgh found a willing trade partner in New York, which in turn got the receiver at a bargain (a fifth-round pick). Holmes is now New York's most clutch playmaker and caught another huge touchdown last week against the New England Patriots, which helped get the Jets to the AFC title game.

For Pittsburgh, the trade provided an opportunity for Wallace to be a first-time starter. The second-year pro racked up more yards (1,257) and touchdowns (10) this season than Holmes ever did in a Steelers uniform. With Holmes gone, Wallace has quickly developed into one of the NFL's fastest-rising stars and is a big reason Pittsburgh is knocking at the door of its second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons.

"We're both where we want to be," Wallace said. "I think everything worked out for the both of us just fine. He's doing well where he is, and I'm doing well over here."

Thirteen-year veteran and future Hall of Famer Hines Ward has helped develop many receivers in Pittsburgh. One of the NFL's smartest players, Ward tutored Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randle El and both Holmes and Wallace while with the Steelers over the past dozen years.

Both of Ward's prized pupils will be on the field Sunday but playing for opposite teams.

"I'm so proud of him to go out there and do the things he's done," Ward said of Holmes this week. "But he wants to win just as bad as we want to win."

Wallace came to Pittsburgh as a raw talent. Despite blazing straight-line speed, he fell to the third round because his game wasn't polished coming out of Ole Miss. But Wallace had great teachers starting ahead of him, and he proved to be a willing student and a good listener.

Like big brothers, Ward and Holmes were constantly on Wallace to learn how to run better routes. If Wallace did something wrong in practice, it didn't take long for one of the two former Super Bowl MVPs to chew Wallace out to make sure he got it right by game time. Ward treated Holmes the same way when he entered the league in 2006.

Today Wallace credits Ward and Holmes for his rapid development.

"That was the main thing that he taught me was route running," Wallace said of Holmes. "And I'm always trying to steal some tips from somebody."

During Wallace's rookie year, Pittsburgh primarily made him go deep as the third receiver, while Ward and Holmes ran more complicated route combinations. But being a starter meant Wallace would have to fill Holmes' role in the offense.

Wallace remains Pittsburgh's deep threat, averaging an astounding 21 yards per catch. But his career-high 60 receptions showed that he also can make more intermediate plays underneath.

Holmes thrives in the short and intermediate areas. Despite playing just 12 games, Holmes (52 receptions) was just one reception shy of leading the Jets and averaged 14.6 yards per catch in the regular season.

The two communicate regularly, mostly via text. But Wallace says all of that stopped this week.

"We're always going to be cool, but it's all business," Wallace said of Holmes. "There's no need to talk to him right now, just like he doesn't want to talk to me right now until after the business is done."

PITTSBURGH -- When it comes to trash talking, this might be the most you're going to get this week from the Steelers and Jets. This time, it comes from an unlikely source in Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor.

When asked about Jets receiver Santonio Holmes this week, Taylor told the New York Post, "I'm not going to hesitate to lay him out. No question at all. You know why? Because he ain't going to hesitate to crack on me if he gets a chance."

Taylor also mentioned that both former teammates remain good friends. But this is all about competition and a chance to get to Super Bowl XLV.

"I love him and that's my boy, but when we get between those white lines, it's a whole different deal," Taylor said.

Things have been very cordial this week between New York and Pittsburgh. Taylor's comments do not rate anywhere near what was said last week between the Jets and Patriots and Ravens and Steelers, but it's something.

PITTSBURGH -- It's been a busy Wednesday at Steelers headquarters as they prepare for the AFC title game against the New York Jets. But here are some other happenings around the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano wants his group to "wreak havoc."
  
• The Minnesota Vikings hired Bill Musgrave to be their offensive coordinator. Musgrave was a candidate with the Cleveland Browns.
• Will Browns running back Peyton Hillis fit in a West Coast offense?
  
• New York Jets receiver Santonio Holmes says Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is the best player he's seen or played with.

Three things to know about next Sunday's New York Jets-Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Championship Game:

1. The road to the Super Bowl now goes through Pittsburgh. The Steelers caught a break Sunday night with the Jets' upset win against the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh, the AFC's No. 2 seed, will play host to the conference title game for the second time in three years. The Steelers said Saturday night that they were confident regardless of the opponent. But playing at home in the postseason is always a preference, and the Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady have had Pittsburgh's number in recent years.

2. Don't forget the Jets beat Pittsburgh too. While the Steelers avoided a trip to New England, the team with the best record in the regular season, they will face a Jets team that went into Heinz Field on Dec. 19 and handed Pittsburgh a 22-17 defeat. New York outplayed Pittsburgh in Week 15, particularly on special teams. The Steelers also were without Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu, who missed the game with a calf/Achilles injury.

3. There are tons of AFC North connections in this game. This will be a big week for Jets receiver Santonio Holmes, whom Pittsburgh traded this offseason to New York. Holmes will make his second trip to Pittsburgh this season, but this time a ticket to Super Bowl XLV is at stake. Jets coach Rex Ryan, linebacker Bart Scott and defensive lineman Trevor Pryce are among those who joined New York from the Baltimore Ravens' organization. Receiver Braylon Edwards was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, and the Browns traded their No. 5 overall pick to the Jets in 2009 to allow New York to draft quarterback Mark Sanchez. Jets safety Brodney Pool also played five seasons in Cleveland.

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

• A decision on the future of Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis could come as early as Tuesday.

Morning take: I'm hearing mixed messages recently on Lewis. But one thing I do know is ownership will not cave into his demands for significant upgrades. It's shaping up to be a "take it or leave it" type of deal.

• The status of Baltimore Ravens left tackle Michael Oher (knee) remains unclear for Sunday's wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Morning take: Oher believes he will be fine, but this is a big situation to watch in Baltimore. The Ravens need all of their linemen healthy.

• Is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace the new Santonio Holmes?

Morning take: I like both players. But Wallace is really coming on strong this year and making people forget the Steelers virtually gave Holmes away to the New York Jets.

• Could a West Coast offense be in the future for the Cleveland Browns?

Morning take: Browns president Mike Holmgren said it would be preferable, but that's not a deal breaker in finding the next head coach. Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy also believes his strengths fit that system.

This week's "Take your pick" in the AFC North involved a pair of likely playoff teams.

Who will win Sunday's high-profile matchup between the New York Jets (9-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)? There are plenty of postseason implications for both clubs.

Here are some predictions from our always booming AFC North inbox:

Todd from Winnipeg, Manitoba, writes: Without a doubt Pittsburgh is gonna roll straight over the Jets. I've been watching the Jets closely over the last five weeks and the Steelers have little to worry about here. Mark Sanchez gets frazzled easily and with Pittsburgh's relentless pass rush and run-stopping ability the Jets will be lucky to see 10 points in this affair.

Kevin from Pittsburgh writes: If you asked me three weeks ago, I would have picked the Jets. This week, however, it's going to be the Steelers. Mark Sanchez and the Jets are slumping at the exact same time that the Steelers' defense is starting to fire up. Defense wins championships, and it's going to win this game too.

Groomraves writes: I think Jets are more desperate and they have a lot to lose. I know Rex Ryan has been battling against these guys for years, and he has the formula to beat Ben Roethlisberger. I still remember how bad Bart Scott scorched him in 2006 at Heinz field. I think he can and will do it again. Jets squeeze one out here, 17-14.

Whodey1 from Cincinnati writes: The Jets will be looking to show everyone that they should be in the playoffs with a big win over the Steelers. Jets win, 21-10.

Dave from Birmingham, Ala., writes: I'm picking the Steelers. Elite quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Drew Brees account for 2 of 3 losses) can exploit their weaknesses on defense. That's not the case with lesser quarterbacks, and right now Sanchez is struggling. He will continue to struggle this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Jason M. from Wakeman, Ohio, writes: I'm calling Jets on this one. I think the Steelers are the better team and have a better shot in the playoffs. But they're on a winning streak and due for a letdown while the Jets are desperate and looking for a big bounce-back game. Either way, it's going to be close and ugly. Jets, 17-14.

Cory from Pasadena, Md., writes: The Jets have lost momentum and can't seem to find any offensive rhythm. Meanwhile the Steelers' D is on fire. Pittsburgh is too hot right now to let the Jets upend them at home. Steelers win, 16-6.

Ryan from Marion, Iowa, writes: The Jets will lose a close game late, 23-17, and spoil Santonio Holmes' return to Heinz Field. I look for Ben to get the offense rolling and actually score some touchdowns this week. I think Mike Tomlin has these guys focused enough to get through this game and a short week against Carolina then rest some guys with the Number No. 2 seed locked up.

Joe from San Antonio, Texas, writes: The Steelers will put the Jets out of their misery with a stifling defense and their balanced offense. If the Jets can't score more than six points against Miami, do they even score against Pittsburgh on the road? Steelers all but lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a convincing, 28-3, win.

Beth Larson from Harmony, Pa., writes: The Jets are weak and we're playing them at a perfect time! Our defense will take advantage of Mark Sanchez's weaknesses and our offense will finally get the ball rolling. Steelers win, 21-10.

AFC North (not so) final say

James Walker: As expected, more AFC North readers believe the Steelers will beat the Jets at home Sunday. But don't expect this to be a cakewalk for Pittsburgh. The Jets are built like an AFC North team thanks to the players and mentality that head coach Rex Ryan brought to New York. And as poor as Sanchez is playing right now, Pittsburgh's offense isn't lighting up the scoreboard, either. The Steelers' offense only got three field goals last week from kicker Shaun Suisham against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals (2-11). If Pittsburgh struggles to get into the end zone again, it will be another low-scoring game. Like we always do, the AFC North blog will pick this game and others in the division on Friday.