Here’s a look into the AFC North draft predictions, including some notable free agent signings. Will any of the AFC North teams choices in the draft affect the Ravens pick? Possibly, yes. Pittsburgh, selecting at 18 in the first round may be in need of a Cornerback and could be looking at Kyle Wilson, Boise State. The Ravens, selecting at 25, might be interested in Wilson as well. As for Cincinnati, consensus has the team picking Safety Taylor Mays, USC. Yet, some analysts are thinking they may have an eye on Tight End Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma. The Ravens are also looking at Gresham as a possibility. When it comes down to draft day, we’ll see if these factors come into play.
Here’s a look into the AFC North draft predictions, including some notable free agent signings:
Cleveland Browns:
Draft: First round, 7th selection
Needs: Safety, Cornerback, Quarterback, Running back
Notable Signings: LB Scott Fuita, TE Benjamin Watson, QB Jake Delhomme,
Acquisitions through trades: QB Seneca Wallace, CB Sheldon Brown, LB Chris Gocong
Draft Projections:
Most of the mock drafts have Cleveland picking Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee. With the seventh pick in the draft, they will have many great choices.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee – Bucky Brooks, NFL.com, Pete Prisco, CBS.com
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson – Sean Leahy, USA today.com
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida – Jarrett Bell, USAtoday.com
Joe Haden, CB, Florida – Derek Harper, NFLDraftScout.com
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee – Walterfootball.com (Other possibilities: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Dez Bryant, WR)
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Draft: First round, 18th Selection
Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Safety, Running back
Notable Signings: S Will Allen, WR Arnez Battle, LB Larry Foote, WR Antwaan Randle EL (Resigned S Ryan Clark)
Draft projections:
Most experts are leaning towards an offensive lineman with a few going with Cornerback.
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State – Pat Kirwin & Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida – Chad Rueter, CBSsports.com
Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho – Peter Schrager, msn.Foxsports.com
Joe Haden, CB , Florida – Rob Rang, CBSsports.com
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers – Jarrett Bell, USAtoday.com
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama –Walterfootball.com (Other Possibilities: Kyle Wison, CB & Mike Iupati, G)
Cincinnati Bengals:
Draft: First round, 21st selection
Needs: Safety, Tight End, Defensive End
Notable signings: WR Antonio Bryant (Re-signed OG Bobbie Williams, C Ryan Cook)
Draft projections:
While Taylor Mays is the overall favorite for many projections, there are some other possibilities for Cincinnati.
Jason Pierre-Paul. DE, South Florida – Pat Kirwin, NFL.com
Earl Thomas, S, Texas – Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma – Rob Rang, CBSsports.com
Taylor Mays, S, USC – Chad Rueter, CBSsports.com
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma – Pete O’Brian, USAtoday.com
Taylor Mays, S, USC – (Other possible: Brian Price, DT) Walterfootball.com
Baltimore Ravens:
Draft: First round, 25th selection
Needs: Tight End, Defensive tackle, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Safety
Notable signings: WR Anquan Boldin, WR Dante Stallworth, DE Corey Redding (Re-signed: WR Derrick Mason, TE Edgar Jones,)
Draft Projections:
The mock drafts are split, many say Jermaine Gresham, TE while the others are going with a Defensive tackle or Cornerback. In a few days we’ll bring you a detailed list of the latest mock draft predictions for the Ravens.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma – Peter Schrager, msn.Foxsports.com,
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State – Pete Prisco, CBSsports.com, Walterfootball.com
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida – Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers – Jarrett Bell, USAtoday.com