AFC North Draft Grades

Jaime Dukes and Daryl “Moose” Johnston grade the AFC Norths’ Draft on NFL Total Access. Their grades are as follows:

Browns                   A                                         A

Bengals                  B                                         B

Ravens                   A                                         B-

Steelers                  B                                          C+

Cleveland Browns

I have to agree that the Browns without a doubt had the best draft in the AFC North if not the whole league. The four picks they got from Atlanta was a complete steal and sets them up for great things in the future. In addition, Greg Little is a great pick that I think fits the Browns well. Cleveland should put forth some stiff competition next year and hopefully remove the reputation as AFC North punching bag.

Cincinnati Bengals

For the Bengals, the addition of A.J. Green is huge. If Chad Ochocinco decides to move on, A.J. should be able to easily fill the void left by him. If Chad stays, look out for a duo that is sure to splash in 2011. As for their quarterback situation, it seems that Carson Palmer is serious about retiring if the Bengals don’t trade him. The Bengals stuck it to Carson by picking TCU’s Andy Dalton who should fit right into the Bengals offense and do great things for them next year.

Baltimore Ravens

Overall, I believe the Baltimore Ravens had a great draft. Their first four picks (Jimmy Smith, Torrey Smith, Jah Reid, and Tandon Doss) should make immediate impacts and they all are potential starters. I thoroughly disagree with Johnston’s assertion of Jah Reid being a stretch. With some coaching this offseason, Jah should beable to jump right in at Right Tackle.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed all their needs and picked up some players that should shine in the future. I disagree with Johnston’s statements about Cameron Heyward too. Although there is much doubt and speculation around him, Pittsburgh is the right place for him to be as he should learn much from James Harrison and Dick Lebeau in his first year. No matter what, it seems that whoever the Steelers draft, they seem to make an impact in some way or another (please don’t remind me of the Emmanuel Sanders catch.)