Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:00 PM)

Hello all to the AFC North chat. Glad to be back from Indy and let's kick off the questions.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Do you think that the NFL will Cancel the Pro Bowl in 2013 because the Pro Bowl has been bad for 4 to 5 years?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:00 PM)

Chris: I don't see the NFL cancelling the Pro Bowl next season. I think Goodell sent out a fair warning when he said that the league could end it. I expect to see the Pro Bowl in New Orleans next year.

Jake (Philly)

Last week you responded to a person that the ravens defense was far better than the Giants...........prior to the new England game the ravens played one true first rate passer the last 6 weeks in Rivers and he torched the Ravens..............Giants held the Atlanta, Pack and Pats cumulative avg. of 93 points/game to 37 in the 3 games. Still think they are better? I don't.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:02 PM)

Jake: Obviously, the Giants defense got hot at the end of the season, which is really what matters when you talk about championships. But the Ravens defense had a better season -- from start to finish -- than the Giants. That was my point.

Chad (Pittsburgh)

When will the Ravens get to the Super Bowl.....anytime soon?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:03 PM)

For Ray Lewis and Ed Reed's sake, it's got to be in the next year or two.

Tommy ohio [via mobile]

what do u think the browns will really do with the #4 pick? Drafting another qb there just doesn't make sense to me because he still won't have a line to protect him nor will he have any weapons around him, do u see the browns possibly trading it for more picks?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:05 PM)

Tommy: You really have to tell me who goes first through third in order for me to select the fourth overall pick. I keep hearing that the Browns will take RG3 if he is there. The wide receivers are intriguing but none possess the size and speed like an A.J. Green, who was taken No. 4 last year. Heckert loves corners, so don't rule that out either.

Will (St. loius)

With the Bengals having major holes at OG, DB, RB, and a good #2 WR, do you see them making any moves in FA, being that they are $40Mil under the cap?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:06 PM)

Will: I see them addressing WR and RB in free agency. They will also add a RB in the draft, too. Whether they sign a CB in free agency depends on what they do with Kelly Jennings. I would be very, very surprised if they re-sign Pacman.

Kurt (Utah)

So what is your take on all the talk in Pittsburgh about the Rooneys taking the lead on hiring Tomlin's coaches for him and that Haley is really not a Tomlin hire thats why he has been so quiet.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:06 PM)

Kurt: It would clear things up if the Steelers actually had a press conference on these moves, wouldn't it?

Mexsteeler (Nyc)

Do you think Cotchery will stay with the Steelers next season?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:07 PM)

Mexsteeler: Cotchery didn't have many options last year and I don't see teams lining up for him. If the Steelers want him, they can keep him.

Mexsteeler (Nyc)

What are the chances the Steelers part ways with Wesley Saunders because of his suspension?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:08 PM)

Mexsteeler: I would keep him around for the offseason and training camp. But I would stress that he's on this is his final chance.

Brad (Berkeley, CA)

The Steelers are usually quiet in free agency. This is probably a silly question, but here goes:If 7-8 veteran players are cut, do you see the Steelers signing 2-3 free agents at the vet minimum to provide some depth? I know we are strapped for cap space, but every player you let go has to be filled with someone. Will there be some vets added, or will it be all draft and undrafted players? Crystal ball gazing for sure, but I'm curious.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:09 PM)

Brad: A lot of the players that will get cut for salary-cap reasons are backups or role players. I see the Steelers keeping to their plan of reloading through the draft.

D-Bo (st. pete)

I dont understand all of the Haley questions in Pittsburgh regarding his attitude.. last i checked these are grown men. So what if they get yelled at by their Coach or OC... Cowher used to get furious on the sidelines. What are your thoughts Jamison?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:10 PM)

D-Bo: I think Haley's style is a good -- and much-needed change-up -- to the one that the Steelers got used to with Bruce Arians. I like to see some fire on the sidelines.

Tim (North Olmsted)

Assuming the Browns don't go all-in for RG3, am I crazy for wanting Kyle Orton? Seems like wherever he goes he produces.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:11 PM)

Tim: Kyle Orton is a nice stop-gap quarterback. He will give you above-average results while you either try to find a franchise quarterback or develop one. But Orton won't lead you to the Super Bowl.

Lincoln (Missouri)

For how much longer do you see the Steelers being relevant in the North? They have an aging D and the Bengals are getting younger and more talented.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:12 PM)

Lincoln: As long as the Steelers have Roethlisberger and playmakers like Polamalu, Harrison and Woodley, they will be more than relevant in the division. I'm not saying they will win the AFC North each year. But they will contend for the division title each year if those players stay healthy.

Tyler (cincinnati)

any chance the bengals go after a big time reciever to match up with A.J. Green? simpson will probably be gone and they will need someone else to step up and help A.J. out

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:14 PM)

Tyler: I don't see the Bengals getting a guy like DeSean Jackson or Colston in free agency. They will sign a second-tier WR because they're looking for a No. 2 WR. There will be someone out there that will fit Cincinnati. Remember there will be plenty of salary-cap cuts when we get closer to the start of free agency (March 13).

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

Peyton Hillis done in Cleveland? Will anybody give him a big contract at this point?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:15 PM)

Yes to the first question and no to the second one. Hillis will have to earn a long-term contract. At this point, no team will do that after seeing Hillis' season last year.

JT (Uranus)

What are your opinions on the Steelers letting Wallace go to another team? If they placed a first round tender on him, they could get a first round pick to get a stud lineman. That would add years onto Ben's career that Wallace couldn't. This Steelers team won't have an opporunity like this again. Should they consider it?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:17 PM)

JT: I would be very, very surprised if the Steelers let him go. You would get a first-rounder in exchange, but there's no guarantees that you can find a deep-threat WR in the first round. That's why you keep wide receivers that develop.

Jay (Baltimore, MD)

Jamison, who is your early favorite to win the AFC North

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:18 PM)

Tell me what each team does in free agency and the draft, and I will tell you the early favorite.

Will (UK)

Starting Baltimore offensive line next year- McKinnie, Reid, Rookie, Yanda, Oher. About right?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:19 PM)

Will: I just don't see the Ravens starting a rookie at center. That's something this team has never done.

Pete (Cincy)

Jamison. Please settle an argument. If both Richardson and DeCastro are sitting there @ 17 (highly doubtful I know), the Bengals should take DeCastro correct? Now what they will do and should do are two totally different things.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:20 PM)

Pete: That would be a perfect situation for the Bengals. DeCastro is the much safer pick, so I say take him. But it would be tempting to take Richardson.

Sam (NY)

If Ravens had beaten NE and played in the superbowl, do you think the result would have been different?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:23 PM)

Sam: It would depend on how the Giants handled Ray Rice. The Patriots don't have a player quite like him. And it didn't matter what defense was out there against Eli Manning. He was hitting receivers through tight windows. So, I'm not sure if the Ravens defense could have done any better.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

What makes the most sense for the Ravens as far as replacing Ricky? Drafting a RB, or going after a FA like Brandon Jacobs or a lesser name?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:23 PM)

Scott: The Ravens' preference lately has been to sign an experienced backup. They would like a bigger back to compliment Ray Rice.

Scott (Steel City )

Whats you take on the Todd Haley hire...more or less running in the Steelers game plan next year?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:24 PM)

Scott: If the Steelers wanted the same game plan, they would have kept Arians. Haley will put his fingerprints on this offense.

Rob (Cincinnati)

Best guess on whether Marvin and Zimmer bring Woodson into the fold as a DB coach?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:25 PM)

Rob: I say yes, but the delay makes it seem like they will go in a different direction. If they want Woodson, they could hire him today.

Sean (New Haven)

Are the Steelers in decline?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:25 PM)

Not decline. Reloading.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

The loss of Ricky Williams--big deal or just whatever?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:26 PM)

It will be a big deal if the Ravens can't find a solid backup and Rice goes down with a significant injury. Ricky Williams was a quality insurance policy for that.

Will (Balt)

Is Burfict to the Ravens pretty much guaranteed?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:26 PM)

Will: Not guaranteed. But it makes a lot of sense, especially with Ray Lewis playing one or two more years.

Cliff (Florence, SC)

Playing Kevin Colbert, would you select Hightower, Barron, Glenn, or Poe if all were available in the first round when the Steelers pick? Which player fits the Steelers mold the most in your opinion?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:28 PM)

Cliff: I would say Poe. But nose tackle-type players can be had in the second round, too. That's where the Ravens grabbed Terrence Cody. Teams don't put a huge value on defensive linemen who play only on running downs.

Brian (Ky)

Were are the Ravens in terms of the salary cap? Do you see any potential free agent signings?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:28 PM)

Brian: Ravens are in the middle of the pack. I don't see them as major players in free agency but they will add two or three players.

Michael (Cincinnati)

Much too early to predict next season...

Scott (Cleveland)

Hey Jamison do you think RG3 could be the future franchise qb for the Browns?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:30 PM)

Scott: I'm not sold on RG3 but his upside is too tempting for a team to pass on. He will go in the top 5.

Phil (Columbus OH)

Do you think, just basing this off maturity alone, the Bengals can make it again to the playoffs but get a win this time?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:31 PM)

Phil: A lot depends on Dalton avoiding a sophomore slump and getting that defense to play at a high level again. The Bengals defense showed signs of slipping in the second half of the season.

Rob (San Antonio)

Should Pitt be worried about Mendy's knees?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:32 PM)

Rob: He won't be ready for the start of next season. So, his knees will force the Steelers to address the RB spot.

Zolty (NY)

Will Zorn stick with KC?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:32 PM)

Does he stick anywhere?

Kevin (Gaithersburg, MD)

Do you ever get tired of people being jerks towards you? You're just doing your job and doing a great job at being objective.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:34 PM)

It's part of the job. I would rather people get passionate about what I write than not care at all.

Darryl (Baltimore)

Jamison, how do you feel about the play of Michael Oher? He's been more of a bust if you ask me.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:35 PM)

Oher hasn't been a bust. But he's been a disappointment. You draft a tackle in the first round with the intentions of him starting at left tackle. But he looks more like a quality right tackle.

Joe (columbia SC)

Steelers need a tall reciever for end zone offense. Chances they bring back Plax?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:36 PM)

Not until they install metal detectors at Heinz Field.

John (Akron)

Is Colt McCoy the answer in Cleveland, or do they need to replace him?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:37 PM)

John: I see McCoy as a quality backup. When I look at quarterbacks, I ask whether they can take a team to the Super Bowl. I just don't see McCoy doing that. The Browns have to find someone else.

Mark (Pittsburgh)

Do you think the Steelers will look to sign a free agent running back? Mendenhall is injured and Redman is serviceable but not great.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:38 PM)

Mark: I like Redman a lot. But the Steelers can put all of their hopes at running back on him. The smart play is to add another running back.

Anthony (Cleveland)

Do the Bengals have a chance at picking up Michael Bush, or should they just think about drafting a RB?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:38 PM)

Anthony: I like the idea of adding Bush and drafting a RB as well.

Phil (Columbus OH)

Stick with Rey Maualuga at middle?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:39 PM)

Phil: Yes. He didn't have a great year. But he has great athleticism and should be given time to develop at that spot.

Jeff (Ohio)

How much of Haley's relationship with Wisenhunt's offensive scheme impacted his hiring? A lot of the terminology that was created by Ken and Arians would help Big Ben.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:40 PM)

Jeff: I'm not sure that impacted the hiring. But that point (his familiarity with Whisenhunt's scheme) is a big reason why I like this hiring so much.

Will (UK)

JH have you ever been across the pond? Does premiership football (soccer) interest you at all?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:41 PM)

I was in Rome and Paris last year, but no football was playing close by. I would love to see a game there.

Wade (Cincinnati)

I think reggie nelson was one of the best players on the bengals defense last season. Do you see the bengals resigning him longterm?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:42 PM)

Wade: Not as high on Nelson as you, but he did enough to get re-signed. I just get the feeling that the Bengals want to upgrade at both safety spots.

Phil (Columbus OH)

Piggybacking off your comment of looking at QB's and if they can lead a team to the SB....Dalton?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:44 PM)

Phil: I was very impressed with Dalton, especially with his anticipation and getting rid of the ball before the receivers make their cut. I can't say definitively that he will lead the Bengals to a Super Bowl. But he showed me enough as a rookie where I won't rule it out.

Sam (NJ)

Will Kindle get an elevated role next year or is he a bust?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:44 PM)

Sam: Next year is the make or break year for Kindle. That's for certain.

Tim (PA)

Any chance the Steelers drop Colon who has been injury prone the last couple years? Do you think maybe they address the tackle position again in this years draft?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:45 PM)

I see Colon as the starting RT and Gilbert at LT.

Milan (The Ville)

So you don't think Colt can take them to a SB...you think 49ers could ride Alex Smith there? Big Ben was an average QB when steelers went and won it.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:48 PM)

There are always going to be exceptions to the rule. But look at the recent Super Bowl winners and you'll see All-Pro (and perhaps future Hall of Fame) quarterbacks: Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Average quarterbacks don't cut it anymore.

Tim (PA)

Look into your crystal ball... who plays on Steelers D-Line next year? Heyward, Keisel, Hampton, Hood, Draft Pick?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:49 PM)

Keisel and Hood are locks. The other one could be a draft pick. You would like to fit Heyward into the starting lineup, but I'm not sure Hood could play NT.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

  (2:50 PM)

Thank you all for a great chat. It was a good way to officially kick off the offseason. Hope to see everyone back next week at this time.