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NFL Nation: [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270
All-AFC North team: Offense
January, 27, 2012
Jan 27
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By Jamison Hensley
US Presswire Ben Roethlisberger, Ray Rice and Joe Thomas earned spots on the All-AFC North team.
It's time to wrap up my All-AFC North team by unveiling the offense. As always, the selections were based on performance this season, and not past reputation.
Of course, tell me who I left off, who should have been on and any other opinions in the comments section below.
Quarterback : Ben Roethlisberger , Steelers. He carried the Steelers' offense and he did it through pain. Roethlisberger sprained his foot (which required a metal plate in his shoe), broke his right thumb and then suffered a high-ankle sprain. He was still able to lead the division with 4,077 yards passing, 21 touchdowns and a 63.2 completion rate. Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns against Tennessee, out-dueled Tom Brady and beat Cleveland in the first meeting on one leg. Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton were distant seconds.
Running back : Ray Rice , Ravens. He has really been a one-man show on the Baltimore offense for most of the season. Over the past two seasons (including playoffs), the Ravens are 21-2 (.913) when Rice gets at least 20 touches. They are 5-8 (.385) when he doesn't. Rice also produced an NFL-best 2,068 total yards and set a team record with 15 touchdowns. No one else in the NFL cracked 2,000 yards. Rice led the AFC North in rushing (1,364 yards) and receptions (76). That's a double threat.
Fullback : Vonta Leach , Ravens. One year after blocking for the NFL rushing champion, Leach paved the way for the league's No. 2 rusher in Rice this season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Ravens averaged 91.4 yards rushing and 4.5 yards per carry on runs during the regular season when Leach was the lead blocker. Baltimore also scored 14 touchdowns running behind Leach.
Wide receiver : Mike Wallace , Steelers. He finished first among division wide receivers with 72 catches and 1,193 yards receiving. Wallace continued to stretch the field with seven receptions of at least 40 yards, including touchdowns of 81 and 95 yards. His 95-yard touchdown was the longest pass play in Steelers history. He also caught one pass of 40 yards or more in six straight games this season.
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AP Photo/Tony Tribble Rookie wideout A.J. Green quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous deep threats in the NFL. Wide receiver : A.J. Green , Bengals. The fourth overall pick in the 2011 draft made an immediate impact as a deep threat. His 11 receptions in 2011 of 35 or more yards tied Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and the N.Y. Giants’ Victor Cruz for most in the NFL. It was the most by an NFL rookie since 1998, when Minnesota’s Randy Moss had 14. Green had six catches of 35-plus yards over the last seven regular-season games. His 51-yard catch over Joe Haden set up the game-winning field goal in Cincinnati's 23-20 win in Week 12.
Tight end : Jermaine Gresham , Bengals. This was perhaps the closest call on offense. Gresham edged out Pittsburgh's Heath Miller and Baltimore's Ed Dickson because he led AFC North tight ends in receptions (56) and touchdown catches (six). In the comeback win over the Bills, Gresham pulled the Bengals to within 17-13 in the third quarter with a one-handed 17-yard touchdown grab and then had a 25-yard reception in the fourth quarter, which was the longest play in the game-tying drive.
Left tackle : Joe Thomas , Browns. Thomas wasn't at his best this season but he was still better than every left tackle in this division (yes, even Cincinnati's Andrew Whitworth ). He allowed a career-low 3.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Weekly, but he was flagged a career-worst six times for false starts. When Thomas was on top of his game, no one could beat him.
Left guard : Ben Grubbs , Ravens. No offensive lineman made more of an impact with his presence this season. In 10 games with Grubbs in the lineup, the Ravens averaged 141.7 yards rushing. In six games without him (toe injury), Baltimore ran for 96.5 yards per game. That's a difference of 45.2 yards rushing.
Center : Maurkice Pouncey , Steelers. He has been named to the Pro Bowl and the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Pro team, but Houston's Chris Myers was the top center in the AFC this season. Some would argue Cleveland's Alex Mack or Baltimore's Matt Birk (who actually did have a better year than many think) were stronger throughout the season than Pouncey. Still, when Pouncey was healthy this season, there was no better center in the AFC North than him.
Right guard : Marshal Yanda , Ravens. He was the top offensive lineman in the AFC North this season and quite possibly the best right guard in football. If you need proof of that, Yanda gave up two sacks and committed one penalty. He really made his mark by playing through injuries only months removed from landing his big payday.
Right tackle : [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 , Bengals. The most improved player in the division, Smith is quietly starting to distance himself from the label of being a first-round bust. This isn't to say he didn't have some poor games and a high number of penalties (eight). Overall, it was a bad year for right tackles in the division. Smith stood out because he stayed on the field for 14 games, doubling last year's total, and developed into an above-average starter.
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Final Word: NFC West
September, 23, 2011
9/23/11
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By Mike Sando
? NFC Final Word : East | West | North | South ? AFC : East | West | North | South
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 3:
Larry Fitzgerald road show resumes. The Arizona Cardinals ' Pro Bowl receiver caught a combined 23 passes for 251 yards in road games against Seattle over the 2008 and 2009 seasons. His production at the former Qwest Field dropped to three catches and 30 yards without a viable quarterback last season, but Kevin Kolb 's addition puts Fitzgerald in position to pick up where he left off two years ago. The key variable this time is whether the Seahawks' improved size in the secondary can help them better combat Fitzgerald. Cornerback Brandon Browner , all 6-foot-4 of him, needs to fare better against Fitzgerald than he did against Pittsburgh's speedier Mike Wallace .
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Jason O. Watson/US Presswire 49ers running back Frank Gore hopes to get on track this Sunday against the Bengals. Frank Gore search party targeting Ohio. If tight end Vernon Davis was not happy with his production in the San Francisco 49ers ' first two games, imagine what running back Frank Gore must be thinking. Gore hasn't disappeared from the 49ers' offense, but he's not getting the usual results. Gore has now gone five consecutive games without reaching 100 yards rushing, tying his longest streak since 2007. He has failed to exceed 2.68 yards per carry in consecutive games for the first time. He has failed to exceed that average three times in his past four games, another career first. The Bengals are allowing 3.5 yards per carry.
Sam Bradford 's red zone adventure. The Denver Broncos scored touchdowns on 10 of their final 11 red zone possessions under Josh McDaniels last season. The Rams have one TD in five red zone trips with McDaniels as their offensive coordinator in 2011, good for a No. 31 ranking in red zone TD percentage. Quarterback Sam Bradford is tied with McDaniels' former quarterback in Denver, Kyle Orton , for the most goal-to-go pass attempts without a completion this season. Both have four, one more than the 49ers' Alex Smith . The Rams' Week 3 opponent, Baltimore, allowed touchdowns twice in two red zone opportunities against Tennessee last week. Getting running back Steven Jackson back would help keep defenses a little more honest around the goal line, most likely.
2009 NFL draft class blues. Aaron Curry 's demotion from the Seahawks' starting lineup brought renewed scrutiny upon what is shaping up as a mostly forgettable draft class. Jason Smith (Rams), Michael Crabtree (49ers) and Beanie Wells (Cardinals) rounded out a so-far-disappointing first-round group for the NFC West. The 49ers' opponent this week, Cincinnati, fared no better by taking tackle [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 with the sixth overall choice. The Rams' opponent, Baltimore, found a starting tackle in Michael Oher , but overall, this will be an underwhelming 2009 first-round class on display in NFC West games.
Seeking that Kendricks connection. Bradford's rapport with rookie tight end Lance Kendricks produced immediate positive results for the Rams through training camp and the preseason. Kendricks caught an 18-yard pass in the opener and a 26-yarder in Week 2, but he hasn't emerged as the consistent go-to target the Rams were envisioning. Bradford has targeted Kendricks only twice on third down, compared to six times for Greg Salas , four for Brandon Gibson and three for Danario Alexander . Kendricks hasn't helped his cause, dropping what could have been a touchdown grab against Philadelphia. But he's too good to be a one-catch-per-game player, particularly with Danny Amendola sidelined by injury. The Ravens have allowed six receptions for 80 yards to tight ends through two games.
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Draft Watch: AFC North
April, 14, 2011
4/14/11
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By James Walker
? 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: draft philosophy.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens often follow the philosophy of the right player at the right price. Therefore, Baltimore is not afraid to trade up in the draft or trade back if the value is right. As a result, Baltimore traditionally finds great players who were overlooked by other teams. The Ravens also are very good at scouting what I call "football character," which is somewhat different from regular character. Football character is having a certain toughness, confidence and an edge to fit into Baltimore's locker room full of strong personalities. The Ravens play with a certain attitude and swagger, particularly on defense, and it's not for everyone.
Cincinnati Bengals
Explaining the Bengals' draft philosophy can be tricky. Their approach is conservative. Rarely do you see a lot of wheeling and dealing coming from Cincinnati's draft room. The last time the Bengals pulled off a significant, draft-day trade in the first round was in 2004, when the St. Louis Rams moved up to draft tailback Steven Jackson and Cincinnati took Chris Perry . So expect Cincinnati to stay put this year at No. 4. But when it is time for the Bengals to pick players, they are not afraid to take character risks in exchange for talent. Sometimes it works out ( Carlos Dunlap ) for Cincinnati and sometimes it doesn't ( [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 ).
Cleveland Browns
You didn't know what to expect from the Browns last year in the first draft under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert. But the pair did a solid job working together for the first time. Cleveland landed solid rookies such as cornerback Joe Haden , safety T.J. Ward and quarterback Colt McCoy in the first three rounds. All three were starters by midseason. If any trend could be read from just one year, it's that the Browns will continue to attack their biggest needs. Last year the secondary and quarterback positions were thin after the new regime cleaned house, cutting quarterback Derek Anderson and trading Brady Quinn . This year the biggest needs are defensive line and wide receiver, which Holmgren and Heckert will surely address in this draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Philosophically, the Steelers are great at projecting two and three years ahead. For example, they will draft tailback Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, despite the fact Willie Parker rushed for 1,316 yards the previous year in 2007. Three seasons later, Mendenhall is a star in Pittsburgh and Parker has hit a wall. Or they will draft linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons , even if they don't need them right away. The Steelers are willing to groom players for a couple of seasons before they become productive. Defensive end Ziggy Hood , a first-round pick in 2009, is another good example. Usually Pittsburgh can afford the luxury of taking the best available players. But this year the team has well-defined needs, such as cornerback and the offensive line.
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Draft Watch: AFC North
April, 7, 2011
4/07/11
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By James Walker
? 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]e|/nfl/players/9270 (Bengals)
2008: LB Vernon Gholston (Jets)
2007: S LaRon Landry (Redskins)
2006: TE Vernon Davis (49ers)
2005: CB [Adam Jones]e|/nfl/players/7182 (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 higher. 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 higher. The Steelers will aim to continue their late-round success in this draft.
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Draft Watch: AFC North
March, 17, 2011
3/17/11
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By James Walker
? 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: draft rewind -- examining the past five drafts.
Baltimore Ravens
Best choice: The Ravens were fortunate the Cleveland Browns were willing to do business with a division rival in 2006 when Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata became available. Cleveland considered Ngata but liked linebacker Kamerion Wimbley more and traded picks with Baltimore, allowing the Ravens to select Ngata with the 12th pick in the first round. Five years later, Ngata is arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL and one reason future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis , 35, continues to play at a high level.
Worst choice: The Ravens haven't had a lot of big misses, but 2009 second-round pick Paul Kruger is a candidate with two uneventful years in Baltimore. Too often Kruger failed to make the active roster because he doesn't contribute much on special teams. Last year Kruger gained weight to focus solely on playing defensive end but was a backup in 11 games and recorded one tackle and a sack. In two years he has only 12 tackles, a sack and an interception. This is a big third season for Kruger to find a role in Baltimore's defense.
On the bubble: There was a lot of optimism in Baltimore when former Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle fell to the second round last year. The Ravens drafted Kindle in hopes that he could be the pass-rushing threat they were looking for opposite Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs . But an unfortunate accident last summer resulted in a fractured skull and kept Kindle out of football last season. Baltimore is optimistic about his recovery but has to wait to see when Kindle will be cleared to play football again.
Cincinnati Bengals
Best choice: The Bengals took cornerbacks in the first round back-to-back years in 2006 and 2007, starting with Johnathan Joseph . He has developed into one of the better cover corners in the NFL and has nine interceptions the past two seasons. Joseph is now a free agent and appears ready to join a long list of solid Bengals draft picks who bolted in free agency. The market for corners is starting at $10 million per season and Cincinnati doesn't seem interested in going that high for Joseph.
Worst choice: Despite several red flags, the Bengals were enamored with Alabama offensive tackle [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 in the 2009 draft and took him No. 6 overall. There were questions about Smith's weight and worth ethic entering the draft, and many of those concerns still exist two years later. Smith also suffered two foot injuries that required surgery and has only five career starts. The Bengals have the option of extending Smith's contract from four to six years this offseason, but that seems unlikely after two disastrous seasons.
On the bubble: Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga had a good rookie year in 2009 but followed it up with an average campaign last season. Now, 2011 is considered a swing season for Maualuga, a second-round pick, to prove himself. Cincinnati's coaching staff is challenging Maualuga to become the physical, dominant force he was at USC. He showed flashes of it as a rookie. The Bengals could move Maualuga to his natural position of middle linebacker this season, which could help put Maualuga in his comfort zone.
Cleveland Browns
Best choice: The Browns went with the safest pick in 2007 by selecting left tackle Joe Thomas No. 3 overall, which was a slam dunk. Thomas is one of the NFL's best left tackles and has been to the Pro Bowl in all four seasons. Cleveland's biggest issue is finding a quality quarterback for Thomas to protect. Thomas also is entering a contract year in 2011, and it would be wise for Cleveland to provide an extension before he hits the open market in 2012.
Worst choice: The Browns have had a lot of misses the past five years, but former second-round pick David Veikune gets my vote. Veikune was a surprise pick by former coach Eric Mangini in 2009 and was a bust from the start. He quickly fell out of favor with Cleveland's coaching staff and didn't contribute on special teams. When president Mike Holmgren took over the following year, he cut Veikune. I'm sure a lot of Browns fans will make the case for former quarterback Brady Quinn , a first-rounder in 2007. But Quinn at least played a few decent games, and the Browns were able to trade him for tailback Peyton Hillis . So the Quinn experiment wasn't a total loss.
On the bubble: Mohamed Massaquoi , a second-round pick in 2009, has been an enigma in two seasons in Cleveland. Is he a No. 1 receiver? Probably not. But there's a chance he could be a decent No. 2 receiver. The problem is the Browns cannot find out until they're able to land a top-flight receiver to take the pressure off Massaquoi. In many ways, Massaquoi regressed last season. His yards and touchdowns were both down compared to his rookie year. Cleveland could help quarterback Colt McCoy and Massaquoi by finding a legit No. 1 receiver this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Best choice: Considering the player and value of the pick, LaMarr Woodley was Pittsburgh's best draft choice of the past five years. Woodley was taken in the second round in 2007 and joined the starting lineup one year later. He became only the second Steeler to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons and is money in the playoffs. Last year Woodley was one of the NFL's best bargains, recording 50 tackles and 10 sacks while making only $550,000. Pittsburgh gave Woodley the franchise tag this offseason and will try to work out an extension.
Worst choice: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger asked for bigger receivers, and the Steelers tried to accommodate him by drafting Limas Sweed in the second round in 2008. The pick didn't pan out as Sweed struggled to catch the football. Sweed's issues may be mental. He didn't have a reputation for drops in college and many in Pittsburgh were easy, wide-open opportunities. The Steelers grew tired of waiting for Sweed and drafted Mike Wallace in 2009 and Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown in 2010. They have taken firm roles in the offense, leaving Sweed's future with Pittsburgh in doubt.
On the bubble: Second-round pick Jason Worilds was a surprise choice in 2010. Pittsburgh has a wealth of talented linebackers, but it's a position it likes to stockpile for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's 3-4 scheme. Like most defenders in Pittsburgh, Worilds has to wait his turn and played mostly special teams last season. Worilds recorded two sacks in limited playing time, but it doesn’t appear he will have a chance to crack the starting lineup for a while.
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Who has the most to prove in 2011?
March, 8, 2011
3/08/11
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By James Walker
US Presswire Peyton Hillis, Joe Flacco and [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 are among the AFC North players with the most to prove. The offseason is a time to reflect and evaluate. The NFL remains a constant proving ground. These seven AFC North players -- who face questions ranging from consistency to becoming a franchise quarterback -- have the most to prove this upcoming season:
No. 7: Joe Flacco , QB, Baltimore Ravens
2010 stats: 3,622 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 93.6 passer rating
Proving point: Flacco is a unique case, because he doesn't have much to prove in the regular season. The third-year quarterback has improved every year and won an average of 10.7 games per season in Baltimore. But Flacco's proving ground starts in the playoffs , and that is the next step in his maturation process. Fans in Baltimore expected better postseason play right away from Flacco and now are voicing their displeasure. Despite his putting up career highs in yards, touchdowns and passer rating last season, Baltimore's second-round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers still stings for a Ravens team many expected to get to the Super Bowl. Flacco has a 4-3 postseason record, which isn't bad. But he's only played great football in one of his seven career playoff games. Is Flacco going through the normal growing pains of a young quarterback? Or is he simply not clutch? Next season will go a long way toward answering that question.
No. 6: Ziggy Hood , DE, Steelers
2010 stats: 20 tackles, three sacks
Proving point: Hood took advantage of a luxury not many first-round picks have in the NFL. He was a backup for about a year and a half and was allowed to learn in Pittsburgh before being forced into the starting lineup. Hood became a starter after Pittsburgh veteran defensive end Aaron Smith was lost for the season with a triceps injury. The 2009 first-round pick stepped in admirably, and the Steelers finished with the NFL's No. 2 defense and top-rated run defense. Can Hood be a full-time starter? With Smith returning, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers handle this. Smith, 34, is the prototypical 3-4 defensive end and is still a good player when healthy. But Hood also is a budding talent who looks ready to step up.
No. 5: Michael Oher , LT, Ravens
2010 stats: 16 starts
Proving point: Is Oher a left tackle or right tackle? After two seasons, the Ravens are still trying to figure that out. Oher followed up a stellar rookie campaign on the right side with a so-so 2010 season at left tackle. Baltimore had contract and health issues last offseason with Jared Gaither and decided to make the switch, which is often challenging. Oher had issues protecting Flacco's blind side (no pun intended) at times and suffered too many pre-snap penalties. But Oher remains Baltimore's best offensive lineman. So there is potential to improve on the left side in his third year. Chances are, Oher will get another shot to prove that in 2011 if the Ravens cannot find a better option via the draft or free agency.
No. 4: Jerome Simpson , WR, Cincinnati Bengals
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AP Photo/Ed Reinke Can Jerome Simpson keep the momentum going from the end of last season? 2010 stats: 20 receptions, 277 yards, three touchdowns
Proving point: After three mostly uneventful seasons, Simpson ended the final two weeks with a bang by posting back-to-back 100-yard games and three total touchdowns. Was the late surge a fluke or a sign that Simpson has finally turned the corner? Injuries to veterans Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens gave Simpson an opportunity to play. Now the Bengals have to figure out if Simpson is worthy of a larger role -- perhaps as a starter -- in 2011. Outsiders have their doubts. Most mock drafts have Cincinnati taking Georgia receiver A.J. Green with the No. 4 overall pick. If the Bengals take Green, that would show a lack of confidence in Simpson and their current group of receivers. Ochocinco also could become trade bait this offseason.
No. 3: Peyton Hillis , RB, Cleveland Browns
2010 stats: 1,177 rushing yards, 61 receptions, 13 total touchdowns
Proving point: Is Hillis a one-year wonder? Following a breakout 2010 season, that is the question Browns fans want answered. Hillis exploded on the scene by leading the Browns in rushing and receiving last year. He was by far the team's MVP. But Hillis needs another great season for the Browns to have a chance in the AFC North. His numbers dipped toward the end of the season, as teams keyed on Hillis and he suffered through some nagging injuries. Expect defenses to be more aware of Hillis from the start next season. It will be interesting to see whether Hillis gets the same number of opportunities. Browns rookie head coach Pat Shurmur is changing to a West Coast offense. So Cleveland is expected to pass the ball a lot more than it did under former coach Eric Mangini. Hillis has good hands and could fit in the system. He's always been productive when given the opportunity, and posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the first time would be a solid achievement for Hillis.
No. 2: [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 , RT, Bengals
2010 stats: Four starts
Proving point: After two years, many have already written Smith off as a draft bust. Cincinnati took Smith No. 6 overall, despite many red flags and have gotten little out of its investment thus far. The Bengals had high hopes for Smith in his second season but injuries and inconsistent play led to just four starts. Now Cincinnati is considering moving Smith to guard to see if his play improves. The Bengals also have to decide on Smith's contract later this offseason. Cincinnati has to decide whether to keep his contract at four years or pay him for two additional years, which included a $4.75 million option bonus. Based on the first two seasons, it would be surprising if the Bengals paid Smith the additional money.
No. 1: Colt McCoy , QB, Browns
2010 stats: 1,576 yards, six touchdowns, nine interceptions, 74.5 passer rating
Proving point: There is no player in the AFC North with more to prove next season than McCoy, who received a surprising amount of playing time as a rookie. Cleveland intended for McCoy to learn from the sidelines last season. But injuries to veterans Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace led to early playing time. McCoy then performed better than expected and secured the job after eight starts. The quarterback of the future is now the quarterback of the present. The Browns' front office and coaching staff are 100 percent behind McCoy as he tries to become Cleveland's first legitimate franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar . There is a long list of failures at the position over the past dozen years. If the Browns have any chance of turning the franchise around and competing in the AFC North, McCoy has to be the answer.
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How to rebuild the Bengals
December, 9, 2010
12/09/10
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By James Walker
US Presswire With the Bengals in need of a major makeover, it may be time for Carson Palmer, Marvin Lewis and Chad Ochocinco to find new homes. Last month the AFC North blog said it was time to blow up the Cincinnati Bengals .
Now we will explain how to rebuild this struggling franchise.
Coming off a division title and playoff appearance in 2009, Cincinnati is having its most disappointing season in recent memory. The Bengals are 2-10 and headed toward one of the top picks in the draft.
It will be a very interesting offseason in Cincinnati. The Bengals have key decisions to make on their coaching staff, as well as positions such as quarterback, running back and receiver.
The AFC North blog put on its general manager hat and spent this week sifting through the Bengals' roster to determine who stays and who goes. We came up with a blueprint that will get this team headed in the right direction.
Keep in mind, this is not a prediction of what the Bengals will do. It's our guide to what we believe the Bengals should do.
Head coach
Key Bengals free agents
Player
Position
Exp.
Johnathan Joseph
CB
5
Terrell Owens
WR
15
*Chad Ochocinco
WR
9
Cedric Benson
RB
6
Dhani Jones
LB
11
Chinedum Ndukwe
S
4
Brian Leonard
RB
4
* Bengals have team option for 2011 . Analysis: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has four games left on his contract, and to our knowledge there have been no recent negotiations. It's a good time for Lewis to step away. He has fought battles against heavy-handed ownership for eight seasons and done all he could, leading the downtrodden Bengals to two playoff appearances. There is already speculation Lewis may have interest in the head-coaching opening at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has local ties. He dodged that question earlier this week . Don't expect a big-name hire in Cincinnati. The Bengals don't want to pay the kind of money it takes to land someone like Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden, and big-name coaches wouldn't go to a team that doesn't have a GM, ownership makes the football decisions, and there are average facilities and very few scouts. Our best pick is Hue Jackson. He's a former receivers coach in Cincinnati and has done a great job in stops with Baltimore, Atlanta, Washington and Oakland. As offensive coordinator in Oakland this season, he has helped make the Raiders a playoff contender and is very familiar with the AFC North. Jackson is a rising star and would be an excellent choice. Mike Zimmer remains the best in-house candidate. He has the respect of the locker room and helped turn around the defense in recent seasons. Perhaps a Jackson (HC) and Zimmer (DC) tandem would infuse much-needed energy into this team.
Quarterback
Analysis: This is probably the toughest decision the Bengals will make this offseason, but it wasn't difficult for the AFC North blog. We're convinced it's time to part ways with quarterback Carson Palmer . The QB, who is in the middle of a $118.75 million contract, will be one of the NFL's highest-paid players next season with a base salary of $11.5 million. We can't justify paying Palmer that type of money based on his production the past few seasons. The Bengals have a good shot at the No. 1 overall pick, and that's the perfect spot to draft a quarterback. We think Andrew Luck from Stanford is the best of the group. If the Bengals do not have the top pick, maybe Auburn's Cam Newton is another possibility later in the first round. If the Bengals can't land either, our next step would be sticking with Palmer and seeing whether he's willing to take a pay cut. It's a tough business.
Running back
Analysis: We like second-year running back Bernard Scott . But there are still questions about whether he can be a feature tailback. With Cedric Benson 's contract expiring, it's time to search for a new running back. The Bengals got solid production out of Benson the past two years at little cost. But he's only averaging 3.5 yards per carry this year, and we need more from that position. We would find a bruising back and pair him with the quicker Scott . Pending free agent Michael Bush , 26, would be a good fit. He's the backup tailback to Darren McFadden and one of Jackson's main weapons in Oakland. The Bengals rarely spend a lot of money in free agency, but this signing would be worth it. Also, we would re-sign backup running back Brian Leonard , who is very good on third down.
Wide receivers
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Mark Zerof/US Presswire Wide receiver Terrell Owens is having a great season, but he's 37 and not a player the Bengals can build around for the future. Analysis: We like Chad Ochocinco -- but not at the price the Bengals would have to pay him. A $6 million team option is a bit much for a 32-year-old receiver who's had two bad seasons in three years. We would let Ochocinco walk, but the Bengals will consider keeping him. Teammate and pending free agent Terrell Owens is an interesting case. He's having a great year, but he's 37 and probably wants the security of a multiyear extension. Another team may give it to Owens, but we're looking to get younger at receiver. This is a position we would attack in the draft, probably in the second or third rounds. This also gives Jordan Shipley , who is solid, a bigger role in the offense next year. You can't be strong everywhere when rebuilding.
Tight end
Analysis: No questions here. The Bengals drafted Jermaine Gresham in the first round this year and he has produced (47 receptions for 409 yards and three touchdowns). He's only going to get better next season and beyond.
Offensive and defensive lines
Analysis: The offensive line needs work. Tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Bobbie Williams are mainstays, but the other three positions could use depth. We would not extend [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 's contract to six years. We're keeping his deal at four years to see whether we can get anything out of him at right tackle in the final two seasons. Some have suggested moving Smith, who broke his foot for the second straight year, to guard. But we're already paying Smith left tackle money to play right tackle. So we definitely wouldn't pay Smith left tackle money to play guard. We would upgrade center and one guard position via the draft and free agency. The defensive line must be more productive, but there are some good young players there. We like Carlos Dunlap 's recent production and would start him at defensive end in 2011. He's earned it with his play down the stretch. Geno Atkins has shown flashes and also would be in competition to start at defensive tackle next to veteran Domata Peko . End Robert Geathers hasn't been the same since micro-fracture surgery, and it's time to find his replacement. If the Bengals don't draft a quarterback in the first round, another pass-rushing defensive end would be the logical choice.
Linebackers
Analysis: Bengals outside linebacker Rey Maualuga has played out of position his entire pro career, and it's time to move him to his natural spot at middle linebacker next season. He will be a better player when he can use his best attribute -- his physicality -- instead of constantly chasing tight ends in coverage. Dhani Jones , 32, will be a free agent, and it's time to cut ties with him. Keith Rivers stays outside, but we need another outside linebacker. Maybe Michael Johnson can step into that role. He's not a natural linebacker, but he's athletic enough to play the position. We're also not sure we can trust his consistency for 16 games. We'd probably add someone else via the draft or free agency to compete with Johnson for the starting job.
Secondary
Analysis: The Bengals' secondary had a down year with a lot of injuries, but we still think it's in pretty good shape. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is the one free agent we believe the Bengals must re-sign. He's the Bengals best cornerback, and the secondary doesn't look the same when he's not playing. Joseph makes corner Leon Hall and the safeties better. There were some negotiations before the season between Joseph and the Bengals, but nothing came to fruition. [Adam Jones]e|/nfl/players/7182 will return from a season-ending neck injury and is a solid third cornerback. Starting safety Chris Crocker also had a season-ending knee injury and remains under contract. Chinedum Ndukwe , a pending free agent, plays hard and would be a good safety to keep for depth. Roy Williams is often injured and too one dimensional for our liking. So we would let Williams go and try to add another starting safety.
Specialists
Analysis: Punter Kevin Huber stays, although he hasn't had a great year. But the Bengals must find a dependable kicker. Mike Nugent did fine before he was injured, so maybe he's a candidate for training camp when he gets healthy.
Whew! Now that was a major reconstruction.
It's time for the Bengals to rebuild and turn the franchise over to younger players. It's not going to be a quick fix. But if the Bengals follow these moves, they will be better than they were this season and in solid position for long-term success.
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Bengals place [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 on IR
November, 13, 2010
11/13/10
2:59
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By James Walker
As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals placed former first-round pick [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 on injured reserve Saturday, which ends his 2010 season.
For the second consecutive year, Smith broke a bone in his left foot. It happened during practice Wednesday. He started the past three games at right tackle, and the Bengals have to decide this offseason whether to extend his contract from four to six years.
Cincinnati signed cornerback Rico Murray from the practice squad to fill the roster spot Smith vacated. The Bengals (2-6) will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts (5-3) on Sunday.
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Bengals too sloppy to be contenders
October, 24, 2010
10/24/10
8:20
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By James Walker
AP Photo/Dave Martin The Bengals have plenty of talent on the roster but are missing a winning ingredient. ATLANTA -- The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of talent. They also showed heart and character by not folding after a terrible first half Sunday in their mind-numbing 39-32 loss to the Atlanta Falcons .
But the Bengals lack a major ingredient and it could cost them their season: attention to detail.
Week 7 Coverage
• Mosley: Giants deliver knockout
• Seifert: Is this the end for Favre?
• Sando: Seahawks sitting pretty
• Williamson: Same problems for SD
• Walker: Bengals miss key ingredient
• Kuharsky: Kenny Britt breaks out
• Graham: Call not at fault for Fins' loss
• Graham: Miami must cope with call
• Yasinskas: White carries Falcons
• John Clayton's Last Call
• Monday Night Live: Giants-Cowboys
Coming off their bye week, the Bengals (2-4) quickly fell behind by three touchdowns and committed silly mistakes throughout against Atlanta. Cincinnati had two weeks to prepare for this important game but often looked as though it skipped practice and merely showed up at the Georgia Dome. The Bengals made a run in the second half, outscoring Atlanta 29-15, but didn't have enough to overcome their sloppiness.
"It hurts," Bengals safety Chris Crocker said. "All year we've kind of hurt ourselves more than the other team. Going forward, that's what we will look at. You can't afford to beat yourself and beat the other team. That's too hard; teams are too good."
Here's a partial list of Sunday's painful errors:
The Bengals had 12 players on the field twice in the first half -- once on offense and once on defense. That's inexcusable for an NFL team, especially one with playoff aspirations and two weeks to prepare. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis took the blame for the offensive penalty but seemed more upset the defense got the same flag coming out of a timeout. "We can't have that," Lewis said.
The Bengals, whose tackling and execution on defense were awful, gave up a season high for yards (452) as well as points. Falcons receiver Roddy White had 11 catches for 201 yards and two touchdowns, and tailback Michael Turner rushed for 121 yards and two more touchdowns. The Bengals were ranked No. 4 overall in total defense a year ago and returned many of the same players, but they haven’t come close to matching the play of the 2009 unit.
After the game, Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer talked about miscommunication and receivers running wrong routes. For example, on a no-huddle play, Chad Ochocinco cut his route short and Palmer threw about 20 yards too deep. The offense didn't seem on the same page until the second half. "When you're making mental mistakes, you're not in the right place, you got too many guys on the field -- whatever it may be -- the only way to overcome things like that is to keep working," Palmer said. "We have to keep trying to figure out how not to let those things happen."
Cincinnati offensive tackle [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 , the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft, didn't know the snap count twice and had two costly false start penalties. The Bengals had seven penalties total.
With Cincinnati trying to rally with about nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, tailback Cedric Benson fumbled untouched at Atlanta's 40 while trying to make a move on the defender. That was the last legitimate chance the Bengals had for a comeback.
The Bengals also didn't win enough one-on-one matchups, particularly on defense. Each detail is minor until it snowballs, and that's when it becomes a major issue.
The Bengals have been dealing with these problems for more than a year, but this season it's costing them games. With the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) and Baltimore Ravens (5-2) running away in the AFC North division, the Bengals can't afford more losses. For Cincinnati to go 10-6 with a good shot at the postseason, it must go 8-2 the rest of the way against a tough first-place schedule. In Weeks 8 and 9, the Bengals play host to the Miami Dolphins (3-3) and Steelers.
"I know a lot of people around us, if they haven't given up yet, they're about to give up on us," Palmer said. "We're not going to do that. ... We expect to be written off, but we're not going to write ourselves off."
Cincinnati, one of the league's biggest disappointments, has playoff-caliber talent but too often executes like a five-win team. So who do you blame and how do you fix it? Is it the fault of the coaching staff? Are penalties and lack of execution on the players or a combination of both?
"I have no idea," said Ochocinco, one of many players in a sullen locker room who didn't have answers.
Cincinnati, just 3-8 in its past 11 games, hasn't had back-to-back winning seasons in 28 years. Barring a sudden turnaround, that streak will continue ... all because the Bengals don't take care of the little things.
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Bengals also missing a starting CB
October, 24, 2010
10/24/10
11:55
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By James Walker
ATLANTA -- Both the Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals will be without a starting cornerback Sunday.
Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph will miss the game with an arm injury, and [Adam Jones]e|/nfl/players/7182 will replace him in the starting lineup. Atlanta star cornerback Dunta Robinson also will be out with a concussion.
This helps the passing game for both the Bengals (2-3) and Falcons (4-2). Cincinnati, coming off the bye, needs this game to get back in the hunt in the AFC North.
Also of note, former first-round pick [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 will start at right tackle for Cincinnati.
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Grading [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270
October, 7, 2010
10/07/10
2:48
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By James Walker
What's wrong with [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 and why isn't he starting for the Cincinnati Bengals ?
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Frank Victores/US Presswire [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 saw extensive action against the Browns last weekend with mixed results. We get this question often in our AFC North inbox . The former No. 6 overall pick came to the Bengals last year with high expectations but hasn't produced because of issues with weight, health and lack of performance.
But on Sunday, Smith received extensive playing time, rotating series with starting right tackle Dennis Roland in Cincinnati's 23-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns . The AFC North blog went back to study film of each Smith snap to grade his performance.
Points were awarded or deducted on a five-point scale, depending on how good or bad Smith performed on each play. Here is what we found:
Smith is out for the first and second offensive series. Roland is in.
Smith enters game on third series at right tackle.
Unbalanced line, Bengals run a stretch play left for 2 yards. Smith looks a bit awkward in space trying to find someone to block away from the play. (-1 point)
On his second play from scrimmage, Smith allows Browns defensive end Kenyon Coleman to bull rush and get under his pads. Coleman shakes Smith off easily and sacks Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer . (-5 points)
On third down in an obvious passing situation, Smith does a decent job on Browns linebacker Matt Roth . But Palmer throws incomplete and Bengals go three-and-out. (+2 points) Grade for drive: -4 points
Smith in for Bengals' fourth series.
Browns linebacker Scott Fujita brings pressure on the right side and Smith picks it up. Palmer finds receiver Chad Ochocinco for a 42-yard catch on the right sideline. (+3 points)
Bengals go with an unbalanced line. Browns blitz and Smith gets mixed up on who to pick up and doesn't block anyone. Pass incomplete. (-3 points)
Cincinnati calls a screen left and Smith blocks Browns defensive end Brian Schaefering on the backside. After making his block, Smith hustles to the action to get another block but doesn't get there in time. Solid effort. (+2 points)
Browns linebacker Marcus Benard puts a spin move on Smith and blows right by him. Palmer moves in the pocket to avoid Benard and completes a 12-yard pass to receiver Terrell Owens for a first down. (-2 points)
Smith puts a good block on Schaefering, then goes to the second level to hit Fujita to pave the way for Bernard Scott 's 5-yard run. Good play. (+3 points)
Smith holds his ground against Schaefering for a 2-yard run by Scott. (+1 point)
On third down, Smith blocks Roth. Palmer rolls to his side but throws an incomplete pass. (+1 point) Grade for drive: +5 points
Smith is replaced by Roland on Cincinnati’s fourth and fifth series.
However on special teams, Smith allows Fujita to penetrate on his left side to block a 44-yard field-goal attempt before halftime. The play cost Cincinnati points it could've used. (-5 points) Grade for special-teams play: -5 points
Smith replaces Roland in the sixth series.
Palmer fumbles on an odd play where he second-guesses a throw and tries to pull his arm back. Smith, with his back to Palmer, is unaware the ball is on the ground and the player he's blocking (Coleman) recovers the football. (-1 point) Grade for drive: -1 point
Smith in for seventh series.
Schaefering is stuffed by Smith as Palmer has time and finds Owens for a 17-yard gain. (+3 points)
Smith tries to block Roth but fails miserably. Roth stands Smith up, then impressively throws him to the ground and makes a tackle on Cedric Benson for a 3-yard run. (-3 points)
Smith crashes line to help with pass protection. Palmer finds receiver Jordan Shipley for a 9-yard reception. (+1 point)
Smith tries to move in space but quickly loses footing on a nice Benson run to the left for 12 yards. I notice a trend with Smith struggling to block in space and on the move. (-1 point)
On a passing play, Smith tries to engage Schaefering. But Schaefering quickly sheds him and puts pressure on Palmer, who throws the ball away. (-2 points)
Fujita blitzes again on the right side and Smith gets in good position to stop it. Palmer finds Owens for a 19-yard reception. Good blitz pickup. (+3 points)
Smith continues to have trouble with Coleman, who sheds Smith again and pressures Palmer. Roth eventually gets the sack. Smith is having trouble stringing two and three good plays together. (-2 points)
Schaefering beats Smith to assist on a tackle of Benson for 2 yards. (-2 points)
Smith whiffs at blocking Roth who forces Palmer to check down to running back Brian Leonard . Smith's footwork wasn't good. (-2 points) Grade for drive: -5 points
Smith sits out eighth and ninth series.
Smith's game grade: -10 points
AFC North blog's analysis: Smith still has a long way to go in his development. There are several flashes that you can see above, but too often Smith makes negative plays and mistakes. The Bengals are giving Smith every chance to win the starting job at right tackle. But Cincinnati's offensive line is already struggling and it could be risky to insert Smith full time while he's learning on the job and making this many errors. Smith needs to improve rapidly and be more consistent to make a bigger contribution.
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On the radar: Rookie holdouts
June, 24, 2010
6/24/10
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By James Walker
? NFC On the Radar : East | West | North | South ? AFC : East | West | North | South
A player, coach or issue that should be on your radar as training camp approaches.
It's no secret the NFL can be a shrewd business. Therefore, there's no guarantee all first-round draft picks will report for training camp on time.
Every year, there are several rookies who get into bitter battles with teams over millions of dollars before they play their first pro game. Last year, the AFC North had one of the biggest rookie contract disputes when Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle and No. 6 overall pick [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 missed all of training camp. Finally, both sides agreed to an incentive-laden deal. But Smith's rookie year never got off the ground with a late start and subsequent foot injury that limited him to six games.
Will the AFC North see another high-profile contract dispute this summer?
There are three first-round candidates: Joe Haden of the Cleveland Browns , Maurkice Pouncey of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jermaine Gresham of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Baltimore Ravens traded out of the first round this past April and didn't pick until the second round.
Expected First-Round Contracts
Here is what slotted rookies made in 2009:
Team
Pick
Player, Pos
2009 Pick
Team
Contract
Browns
No. 7
Joe Haden , CB
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Oakland
5 yrs, $38.25M
Steelers
No. 18
Maurkice Pouncey , C
Robert Ayers
Denver
5 yrs, $18.34M
Bengals
No. 21
Jermaine Gresham , TE
Alex Mack
Cleveland
5 yrs, $15.17M
Note: Ravens did not have a 2010 first-round pick
In order, Haden is probably the player most at risk of a contract dispute, simply because he was the highest pick at No. 7 overall. There will be a lot of guaranteed money involved in Haden's deal. Last year's No. 7 pick, Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Hayward-Bey, received $ 23.5 million guaranteed .
Pouncey, the No. 18 overall pick, is one of Pittsburgh's highest selections in recent years. But the Steelers are moving fast and already have eight of their 10 draft picks under contract . Pouncey and second-round pick Jason Worilds are the only two unsigned players, and there is ample time before training camp.
The Bengals have a history of not getting players to camp on time. But with Gresham being the No. 21 overall pick, it's more likely Cincinnati will reach an agreement with its first-rounder much quicker this year.
Overall, it appears the AFC North has a decent chance of avoiding a major rookie contract dispute this summer. But with the way business is in the NFL, anything is possible.
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Bengals Day 3 minicamp observations
June, 17, 2010
6/17/10
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By James Walker
CINCINNATI -- The defending AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their mandatory minicamp Thursday.
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AP Photo/Al Behrman Jordan Shipley has displayed very sure hands throughout minicamp. Here are some final notes and observations:
Let’s start with the stars of minicamp. On offense, I thought receiver Jordan Shipley was very impressive. The third-round pick caught everything this week. He's already developing a good rapport with quarterback Carson Palmer , and Shipley has a good knack for finding the open seams of the defense. Defensively, starting cornerback Leon Hall recorded two picks in team drills and nearly made a third after jumping a route Thursday. One of his interceptions was returned for a touchdown.
Third-year receiver Jerome Simpson had a very good practice Thursday. He made several spectacular catches, which is what the Bengals were expecting when they drafted him in the second round in 2008. But there were also some drops from Simpson this week. Consistency will be key if he's to make the 53-man roster.
On the injury front, Antonio Bryant (veteran's rest) and safety Roy Williams (groin) sat out the final practice. Right tackle [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 (foot), linebacker Rey Maualuga (ankle) and running back Bernard Scott (ankle) missed all of minicamp but are expected to return for training camp.
One thing is apparent defensively: Cincinnati wants to get after the quarterback. The Bengals are making more aggressive changes to improve their sack total from a year ago. Cincinnati was ranked No. 16 in the NFL with 34 sacks. The Bengals have very strong cornerbacks with Johnathan Joseph and Hall, which should help with coverage on the back end when bringing extra defenders.
Hall, Joseph and Palmer received their Pro Football Writers Association awards for the 2009 season. Both cornerbacks credited one another for helping win team co-MVPs. Palmer also said he was honored to win the Good Guy Award because his locker room had other good candidates.
Finally, I kept a close eye on Cincinnati's kicking competition this week but not much was decided. Mike Nugent was a 12 for 12 in field goal attempts this week, and Dave Rayner was 11 for 12, missing only a 55-yard attempt. At this rate, don't expect anything to be decided until late in the preseason.
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Second-year studs or duds?
May, 18, 2010
5/18/10
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By James Walker
Getty Images/US Presswire Second-year players [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 , Brian Robiskie and Paul Kruger need to step it up this season or risk getting passed over. Before free agency and the "win-now" mentality that dominates today's NFL, there was a time when teams could groom players for several years before they finally hit the field.
Those days are a distant memory. With coaches and general managers being hired and fired regularly, the learning curve for young players is shorter than ever in the NFL.
Many get one "redshirt" season to struggle in their rookie year before it's time to produce. If not, teams usually move on to the next player who can help.
With that said, here are seven second-year players in the AFC North who need to become studs for their respective teams this season.
Smith 1. [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 , OT, Cincinnati Bengals
2009 draft status: First round
Analysis: Cincinnati recently made various upgrades to its skill positions on offense. But one of the biggest additions this year could be a healthy and productive [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 . The Bengals swept the AFC North in 2009 with little impact from their No. 6 overall pick. A broken foot sidelined Smith for 10 games until he was healthy enough to contribute mostly as a backup later in the year. Additional foot surgery has kept Smith from doing team drills this offseason, but he is optimistic that his foot problems will soon be a thing of the past. With the Bengals expected to air it out more this year, quarterback Carson Palmer could use the additional pass protection.
Stud/dud importance rating (scale of 1 to 10): 9.5
Robiskie 2. Brian Robiskie , WR, Cleveland Browns
2009 draft status: Second round
Analysis: The Browns desperately need someone (anyone?) to step up at wide receiver this year. Last year's leading receiver was Mohamed Massaquoi , who caught only 34 passes. This presents a golden opportunity for Robiskie, who had only seven receptions for 106 yards in his rookie year. Robiskie entered the NFL with a reputation of being one of the draft's most NFL-ready players, but he struggled to fit in with Cleveland's offensive scheme. Cleveland quarterback Jake Delhomme will need someone to throw to next season. This is Robiskie's time to step up.
Stud/dud importance rating: 8
Kruger 3. Paul Kruger , DE/OLB, Baltimore Ravens
2009 draft status: Second round
Analysis: Kruger didn't contribute much until late last season. His inability to play on special teams only highlighted the fact that he wasn't on the field for most of the year. The drafting of pass-rush specialist Sergio Kindle puts Kruger in an odd spot this season. The Ravens were not expecting Kindle to be on the board in the second round, but they took a dynamic prospect who could potentially fill the role Baltimore's coaching staff once had in mind for Kruger. The Ravens are trying to figure out how Kruger can best assist the team in his second season and there has been some discussion of him adding weight to help more as a defensive end.
Stud/dud importance rating: 7.5
Hood 4. Ziggy Hood , DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 draft status: First round
Analysis: Hood had a typical rookie year for the Steelers. On a veteran-laden team, he was able to get his feet wet in the defensive-line rotation without the pressure of being a starter. Hood played in all 16 games as a reserve and recorded eight tackles, one sack and two passes defensed. Barring injury, Hood will remain a backup this year but still needs to increase his production. Ideally, Hood will be able to earn more snaps and be able to keep starting defensive ends Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith fresh in the trenches.
Stud/dud importance rating: 7
Veikune 5. David Veikune , LB, Browns
2009 draft status: Second round
Analysis: Ten games, zero tackles. That is not a good stat line for any rookie, let alone a second-round pick who arrived in Cleveland with decent expectations. Veikune had a forgettable rookie year that included struggling to learn the NFL game and eventually being passed over for playing time by fellow rookie (and Cleveland's fourth-round pick) Kaluka Maiava . The Browns added veterans Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong this offseason to fill key roles at linebacker. That means it's even more important for Veikune to be ready to show Cleveland's coaching staff what he can do when his number is called.
Stud/dud importance rating: 5
Webb 6. Lardarius Webb , CB, Ravens
2009 draft status: Third round
Analysis: Webb had a solid rookie year for the Ravens. He contributed on special teams and eventually worked his way into the starting lineup before a knee injury ended his season. That same knee injury is a cause for concern this season. Webb was hurt so late in the year that it's questionable whether he will be ready for the start of training camp or even Week 1 of the regular season. Webb recently began running, which is good progress. If healthy, Webb could be a starter in a Baltimore secondary that has struggled in recent years. A healthy and productive second season for Webb would put a lot of those concerns to rest.
Stud/dud importance rating: 8.5
Coffman 7. Chase Coffman , TE, Bengals
2009 draft status: Third round
Analysis: Despite Cincinnati recently drafting tight end Jermaine Gresham in the first round, the team could still benefit from a healthy Coffman. Gresham and Coffman, who didn't play a game in the regular season last year, could be two additional weapons in the passing game that Cincinnati didn't have last season. Most project Gresham to beat out Coffman for a starting job. The Bengals also re-signed veteran tight end Reggie Kelly , who is one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL. That probably leaves a limited amount of playing time for Coffman, who has to make the most of his opportunities.
Stud/dud importance rating: 5
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Draft Watch: AFC North
April, 7, 2010
4/07/10
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By James Walker
? NFC Approach : East | West | North | South ? AFC : East | West | North | South
? Draft Watch : Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)
Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Draft approach.
Cleveland Browns
This year Cleveland's draft approach is a mystery. There's an entirely new front office led by team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert. The pair share many of the same philosophies but have never worked together -- particularly in the same draft room selecting players. Therefore, it's unknown whether the team will take a conservative or aggressive approach in two weeks. So far, the power pairing has made a lot of sense with its offseason moves. The Browns quickly got rid of two struggling quarterbacks and acquired veterans such as Sheldon Brown , Scott Fujita , Jake Delhomme , Benjamin Watson , Chris Gocong and Peyton Hillis to fill important roles. With 10 draft picks, it will be interesting to see what Holmgren and Heckert have in store for Cleveland.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are very underrated for their wheeling and dealing on draft day. Because of their conservative approach to free agency, the Steelers probably don't get enough credit for frequently moving up and down the draft board to get players they covet. Last year they traded out of the second round to get more mid-round picks. The Steelers traded up to get receiver Santonio Holmes (2006) and safety Troy Polamalu (2003). This year Pittsburgh has 10 picks with a veteran-laden team that's just one year removed from a Super Bowl title. So it's debatable whether 10 rookies can make Pittsburgh's 53-man roster out of training camp. In other words, keep a close eye on the Steelers and director of football operations Kevin Colbert.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, led by owner Mike Brown, are pretty conservative when it comes to the draft, particularly when they have picks later in each round. The Bengals typically will not trade to move up. The team traditionally doesn't enjoy giving out huge contracts and is widely regarded as one of the toughest teams to negotiate big-money deals with. Last year's contract dispute with No. 6 overall pick [Andre Smith]e|/nfl/players/9270 was a perfect example. Smith missed all of training camp because both sides were unable to reach an agreement. Therefore, expect the Bengals to stay put with the No. 21 overall pick. They should be able to land a good prospect because this is a very deep draft.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is similar to Pittsburgh in its approach. The Ravens are prone to do anything -- which can include moving up, trading down or staying put. In the past two years alone, Baltimore has been a big mover and shaker. In 2008, the Ravens traded back and then up in the first round to land quarterback Joe Flacco at No. 18. Then Baltimore traded up three spots to select right tackle Michael Oher at No. 23 last April. Therefore, you can never put it past general manager Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens to be very aggressive. A major difference this year is the team doesn't have as many draft picks (five) to barter following the offseason trade with the Arizona Cardinals to land receiver Anquan Boldin .
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