What does your team REALLY need? (AFC North)
Yesterday was a signing frenzy with tons of free agents coming off the market. And I just have to wonder how good Ryan Fitzpatrick suddenly looks to the Broncos... but that is for tomorrow. Today we are taking a look at the AFC North. Two teams from the division went to the playoffs and had above average seasons. One team (looking at you Baltimore) had a forgettable 'off' season. And last team has been a straight dumpster fire since they came back into the league in 1999. But, no matter how you finished in 2015, all these teams need a few (or a ton) of improvements for their 2016 campaigns.
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4, 24th overall pick) Need: Nose tackle
Yes, it is flashier to write about how they need a new receiver. But, I think they need to address their defense line first and foremost. Right now Cincy has Geno Aktins anchoring that defense as be should be. He is a top 5 nose tackle that is great at taking on blocks so his linebackers can reek havoc in the opponent's backfield. But, after Aktins the depth is plentiful but the talent isn't. The Bengals need a guy that when Aktins needs a spell or gets hurt they can put in with little to no dip in production at NT. There are a few guys that would have made an impact that were in the free agent market but they are true starters looking for max dollars and max playing time. However, Nick Fairley from the Rams would make a great fit in Cincy. Why? First, Marvin Lewis does wonders with players that have 'spotty pasts.' Two, he isn't a true starter anymore. Three, he wouldn't be expensive. Four, he is 6'4, 308lbs and has been around the league long enough to know his place and make an instant impact. And the Bengals better act quickly. His former team, the Rams, look to resign him. Fairley is also being targeted by the Saints and the Jets. If they want to build through the draft, look no further than Vernon Butler out of Louisiana Tech. Butler is 6'3, 323lbs and anchored a defense that was ranked 13th in the nation last year. He also played all four years at LA Tech and tailed 170 tackles, 68 of those were tackles for a loss.
Cleveland Browns (3-13, 3rd overall pick) Need: Quarterback
Since the Browns came back into the league in 1999 they have started 23 different quarterbacks. Some of them were first round big names like Brady Quinn, Brandon Weeden and Tim Couch. Others were notable free agents like, but not limited too: Jason Campbell, Derek Anderson, Jake Delhomme, Ken Dorsey, Josh McCown etc... etc... etc... Now going into 2016 they still have Johnny Manziel on the roster. And not to kick a team when they are down BUT in FA they lost... two starting offensive linemen, a go to receiver and a top 10 safety. Now what? I would say things can't get any worse but there aren't really any notable free agent QBs that could even begin to help rebuild this flailing organization. Robert Griffin III? Nah. I think they are going to go ahead and draft Carson Wentz from North Dakota State. Wentz was a two year captain, 20-3 as a starter, threw for over 5,000yds and had 45TDs. Also, he is dual threat, on the ground he amassed over 1,000 yards and 13TD in his career with the Bison. At 6'6, 235lbs he is a prototypical quarterback for this era of play and with some good coaching eventually maybe a top 10 guy. But, and this is a big BUT, his senior year he missed games due to a fractured wrist and he played in the sub bowl division against somewhat 'watered down' talent. And lets not forget he would go to a Browns franchise that doesn't have any all-pro weapons to help him along. All of those guys are now wearing other colors than the orange and brown of the Dawg Pound.
Baltimore Ravens (5-11, 6th overall) Need: Offensive line
What happened to Baltimore? In 2014 they went 10-6 and clinched a wild card spot. In 2012 they won the *&%$ing Super Bowl! Now, this past season they won only 5 games, started 4 different quarterbacks, and none of the running backs or receivers broke 1,000yds. You can point at Joe Flacco and his ACL injury. But, I am pointing at who was blocking for him. Yes, the Ravens were one of the best teams in not allowing sacks last season but between the offense's poor production and Flacco's injury something needs to change up front. They lost one the best guards in the league to Oakland and now only have suspect depth at that spot. Any help would be welcome on that line, but I don't think it will come in the FA market. Some of the top names are Russell Okung and Andre Smith who have had serious issues with pass protection and injuries. If singed anyone it would be former Steeler, Kelvin Beachum. He has had knee problems in the past but Beachum is big and physical. And has played only in AFC North his entire career. In the draft you have to believe Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss and Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame will be gone already. But, no worries because Jack Conklin from Michigan State is still a top 5 talent. Conklin came out as a junior but started all three years with the Spartans, after red shirting his first year. What is most impressive is that he was a walk on when he joined MSU in 2012.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, 25th overall pick) Need:Corner/Safety
The Steelers have been having a quiet yet very productive and on budget off-season. While, it was sad to see long time tight end Heath Miller retire the Steelers quickly rebounded and signed Ladarious Green out of San Diego. Also, signing deep threat Darrious Heyward-Bey and starting guard, Ramon Foster. Defensively they re-signed corner William Gay and safety Robert Golden but, I think they still need some improvement and depth in their secondary. Meanwhile, they corner let Antown Blake and safety Will Allen go. So, back to square one. In the FA market you have a few solid options at safety. One, is Reggie Nelson from the Bengals. Who doesn't love signing a division rival's starter? Though, I believe Nelson will be off the market sooner rather than later; he is being looked at by the Saints and the Vikings. Then there is 31 year old Eric Weddle. A long time San Diego Charger and a very solid safety on both the pass and the run. Weddle, to me, fits that 'Pittsburgh persona' (as well as their budget.) Now, in the draft they pick 25th. That is a tough spot because by then a lot of top tier talent is off the board and you may have to look to draft for value than need at that point. But, if they are lucky there are two Ohio State guys that have the skill and could also fill that need in their secondary. Vonn Bell, safety, started 28 games, played a total of 42, had 9 career interceptions and was named 1st team All-American. And then there is Eli Apple, corner, who also a two year starter, deflected 22 passes and netted 4 interceptions. Both of these guys played in the National Title game two seasons ago, both were on a OSU team that went 26-1 over the past few seasons, and both could potentially start right away for the Steelers.
Tomorrow we are heading to the AFC South... buckle up for that one.
Stats, facts, and figures: ESPN.com, NFL.com, MSUSpartons.com, OhioStateBuckeyes.com, GoBison.com, und.com
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4, 24th overall pick) Need: Nose tackle
Yes, it is flashier to write about how they need a new receiver. But, I think they need to address their defense line first and foremost. Right now Cincy has Geno Aktins anchoring that defense as be should be. He is a top 5 nose tackle that is great at taking on blocks so his linebackers can reek havoc in the opponent's backfield. But, after Aktins the depth is plentiful but the talent isn't. The Bengals need a guy that when Aktins needs a spell or gets hurt they can put in with little to no dip in production at NT. There are a few guys that would have made an impact that were in the free agent market but they are true starters looking for max dollars and max playing time. However, Nick Fairley from the Rams would make a great fit in Cincy. Why? First, Marvin Lewis does wonders with players that have 'spotty pasts.' Two, he isn't a true starter anymore. Three, he wouldn't be expensive. Four, he is 6'4, 308lbs and has been around the league long enough to know his place and make an instant impact. And the Bengals better act quickly. His former team, the Rams, look to resign him. Fairley is also being targeted by the Saints and the Jets. If they want to build through the draft, look no further than Vernon Butler out of Louisiana Tech. Butler is 6'3, 323lbs and anchored a defense that was ranked 13th in the nation last year. He also played all four years at LA Tech and tailed 170 tackles, 68 of those were tackles for a loss.
Cleveland Browns (3-13, 3rd overall pick) Need: Quarterback
Since the Browns came back into the league in 1999 they have started 23 different quarterbacks. Some of them were first round big names like Brady Quinn, Brandon Weeden and Tim Couch. Others were notable free agents like, but not limited too: Jason Campbell, Derek Anderson, Jake Delhomme, Ken Dorsey, Josh McCown etc... etc... etc... Now going into 2016 they still have Johnny Manziel on the roster. And not to kick a team when they are down BUT in FA they lost... two starting offensive linemen, a go to receiver and a top 10 safety. Now what? I would say things can't get any worse but there aren't really any notable free agent QBs that could even begin to help rebuild this flailing organization. Robert Griffin III? Nah. I think they are going to go ahead and draft Carson Wentz from North Dakota State. Wentz was a two year captain, 20-3 as a starter, threw for over 5,000yds and had 45TDs. Also, he is dual threat, on the ground he amassed over 1,000 yards and 13TD in his career with the Bison. At 6'6, 235lbs he is a prototypical quarterback for this era of play and with some good coaching eventually maybe a top 10 guy. But, and this is a big BUT, his senior year he missed games due to a fractured wrist and he played in the sub bowl division against somewhat 'watered down' talent. And lets not forget he would go to a Browns franchise that doesn't have any all-pro weapons to help him along. All of those guys are now wearing other colors than the orange and brown of the Dawg Pound.
Baltimore Ravens (5-11, 6th overall) Need: Offensive line
What happened to Baltimore? In 2014 they went 10-6 and clinched a wild card spot. In 2012 they won the *&%$ing Super Bowl! Now, this past season they won only 5 games, started 4 different quarterbacks, and none of the running backs or receivers broke 1,000yds. You can point at Joe Flacco and his ACL injury. But, I am pointing at who was blocking for him. Yes, the Ravens were one of the best teams in not allowing sacks last season but between the offense's poor production and Flacco's injury something needs to change up front. They lost one the best guards in the league to Oakland and now only have suspect depth at that spot. Any help would be welcome on that line, but I don't think it will come in the FA market. Some of the top names are Russell Okung and Andre Smith who have had serious issues with pass protection and injuries. If singed anyone it would be former Steeler, Kelvin Beachum. He has had knee problems in the past but Beachum is big and physical. And has played only in AFC North his entire career. In the draft you have to believe Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss and Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame will be gone already. But, no worries because Jack Conklin from Michigan State is still a top 5 talent. Conklin came out as a junior but started all three years with the Spartans, after red shirting his first year. What is most impressive is that he was a walk on when he joined MSU in 2012.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, 25th overall pick) Need:Corner/Safety
The Steelers have been having a quiet yet very productive and on budget off-season. While, it was sad to see long time tight end Heath Miller retire the Steelers quickly rebounded and signed Ladarious Green out of San Diego. Also, signing deep threat Darrious Heyward-Bey and starting guard, Ramon Foster. Defensively they re-signed corner William Gay and safety Robert Golden but, I think they still need some improvement and depth in their secondary. Meanwhile, they corner let Antown Blake and safety Will Allen go. So, back to square one. In the FA market you have a few solid options at safety. One, is Reggie Nelson from the Bengals. Who doesn't love signing a division rival's starter? Though, I believe Nelson will be off the market sooner rather than later; he is being looked at by the Saints and the Vikings. Then there is 31 year old Eric Weddle. A long time San Diego Charger and a very solid safety on both the pass and the run. Weddle, to me, fits that 'Pittsburgh persona' (as well as their budget.) Now, in the draft they pick 25th. That is a tough spot because by then a lot of top tier talent is off the board and you may have to look to draft for value than need at that point. But, if they are lucky there are two Ohio State guys that have the skill and could also fill that need in their secondary. Vonn Bell, safety, started 28 games, played a total of 42, had 9 career interceptions and was named 1st team All-American. And then there is Eli Apple, corner, who also a two year starter, deflected 22 passes and netted 4 interceptions. Both of these guys played in the National Title game two seasons ago, both were on a OSU team that went 26-1 over the past few seasons, and both could potentially start right away for the Steelers.
Tomorrow we are heading to the AFC South... buckle up for that one.
Stats, facts, and figures: ESPN.com, NFL.com, MSUSpartons.com, OhioStateBuckeyes.com, GoBison.com, und.com
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