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AFC North check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft
The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, meaning teams have mostly completed their most significant roster moves for the season. With that in mind, here's a look at the most and least upgraded position groups for each AFC North team.
Baltimore Ravens
Most improved position group: Cornerback
The Ravens watched several key players in their secondary go down with injuries last season. So, they smartly added to the room with Clemson's Nate Wiggins in the first round (No. 30) and Iowa State's T.J. Tampa in the fourth round (No. 130).
Baltimore needed to upgrade its No. 2 outside corner opposite Marlon Humphrey, and it did just that. Now the team has high-upside starters and great depth in veterans Brandon Stephens and Arthur Maulet.
Least improved position group: Offensive line
This offseason, the Ravens lost both of their starting guards, John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), in free agency and traded right tackle Morgan Moses.
However, in the first two days of the draft, Baltimore only drafted one offensive lineman (OT Roger Rosengarten). The team will have three new starters along its offensive line from the unproven talents of Rosengarten, Andrew Vorhees, Ben Cleveland, Daniel Faalele and Patrick Mekari.
Cincinnati Bengals
Most improved position group: Defensive line
The Lions snatched DT D.J. Reader away from the Bengals in free agency. It was a big blow to the defense, but they quickly responded by signing veteran DT Sheldon Rankins.
Cincinnati didn't stop there either, investing a second and third-round pick in Michigan's Kris Jenkins (No. 44) and Texas A&M's McKinnley Jackson (No. 97) on Day 2 of the draft. Veteran B.J. Hill also provides quality depth to the newly bolstered room.
Least improved position group: Running back
One of the Bengals' most head-scratching moves this offseason was trading running back Joe Mixon to the Texans and filling his void with former Bills and Colts RB Zack Moss.
This year's running back class wasn't highly regarded, but Cincinnati opted not to add to the room through the draft. So, now the team will likely roll with Moss and Chase Brown (a fifth-round pick in 2023) as its running back duo in 2024.
Cleveland Browns
Most improved position group: Wide receiver
The Browns didn't have a wide receiver, outside of Amari Cooper, eclipse 650 receiving yards in 2023. In fact, their second-leading receiver was tight end David Njoku (882 yards).
So, Cleveland made it a point to continue surrounding QB Deshaun Watson with more talent this offseason, acquiring WR Jerry Jeudy from the Broncos and selecting Louisville WR Jamari Thrash in the fifth round (No. 156).
The team traded for WR Elijah Moore last offseason, but he underwhelmed with just 640 receiving yards and two touchdown catches in 2023. If he continues to struggle in 2024, it isn't forced to stick with him.
Least improved position group: Inside linebacker
The Browns lost linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. (Dolphins) and Sione Takitaki (Patriots) in free agency. They responded by signing veteran linebackers Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush. However, neither is the future of the position.
Cleveland added to the room in the draft, but not until the sixth round (No. 206) in Mississippi State's Nathaniel Watson. As a result, the team will have to start Bush, who many view as a bust or a young and unproven player like Watson.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Most improved position group: Offensive line
The Steelers have completely rebuilt their offensive line over the past two years. Last year, they signed guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency and drafted offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round.
This year, Pittsburgh drafted three offensive linemen in its first five picks: offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round (No. 20), center Zach Frazier in the second round (No. 51) and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth round (No. 119).
The offensive line now has a ton of upside and great depth with offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Nate Herbig in the room.
Least improved position group: Wide receiver
The Steelers surprised everyone by trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Panthers earlier this offseason. They also didn't do much in free agency, signing veterans Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins.
Pittsburgh did add some upside to the room with third-round selection Roman Wilson (No. 84), but he will ideally play in the slot his rookie year.
The team is still reportedly in the trade market for a better No. 2 option, but if it fails to land one, its receiving corps will have taken a step back from a year ago.
More must-reads:
- Insider says Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s job could be in jeopardy
- Ravens sign first-round pick CB Nate Wiggins
- The 'Multiple 30-TD pass NFL seasons' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Former HC does not hold back on Cowboys' atrocious defense
The Dallas Cowboys have played about as poorly as they possibly can on defense through the first three weeks of the NFL season. One week after needing a pair of late field goals from kicker Brandon Aubrey to outlast the New York Giants, 40-37, in overtime, the Cowboys dropped their second game in three weeks on Sunday in a 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears, showing no signs of improvement whatsoever. Rex Ryan blasts Cowboys defense Simply put, Dallas just looks lost on defense, leading to former head coach and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan going off during Monday's edition of "Get Up." "Just when we thought it couldn't get worse, this defense comes up with even a worse performance," Ryan said. ... "You're so dumb. I can't stand it. Do something. I don't want to hear about you can't rush the passer. Then how about we send more players on the quarterback. We can't play zone coverage, then how about we play man coverage. You guys stink. Dumbsday defense." Dallas had no answers for the Bears and QB Caleb Williams on Sunday. After struggling to find a rhythm in the first two games, Williams was sensational, throwing for 298 yards and four TDs to pick up head coach Ben Johnson's first win in Chicago. As good as Williams was, though, the Cowboys defense certainly helped. Dallas (1-2) has given up 92 points through three games and is 28th in the league in opponent points per game (30.7 PPG), per TeamRankings. Something Ryan alluded to in his rant was Dallas' inability to stop Chicago on a 19-play, 76-yard drive in the third quarter that took 9:54 off the clock. It was a 24-14 game before then, and the Cowboys were picked off on each of their final three drives afterward to seal their fate. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been solid, accounting for 800 passing yards — fourth-most in the league — and three TDs. Before Sunday, he had only thrown one interception. The run game has also contributed four combined TDs between Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, providing a much-needed balance. That has ultimately not mattered with the defense unable to get stops and limit drives from opposing teams. To make matters worse, star wideout CeeDee Lamb suffered a left ankle injury in the loss on Sunday, and it sounds like he could land on injured reserve, which would put him out of action for at least four games. That is the last thing Dallas needs right now. The team will likely be without its best player for an extended period of time, in addition to having an abysmal defense, which does not sound encouraging going forward for a franchise that always seems to be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Brewers announce pitcher who will take Brandon Woodruff’s turn through the rotation
Over the weekend, the Milwaukee Brewers announced devastating news that Brandon Woodruff was being placed on the injured list with a lat strain. He first felt the discomfort during a bullpen over the weekend, the strain has been labeled moderate, and there is not much optimism that he will be ready for the playoffs. With just a week remaining in the regular season and the NLDS set to begin on October 4, the long-term focus for Woodruff is clearly his postseason availability. In the short term, however, the Brewers had a more immediate challenge: finding someone to step into his spot in the rotation. Milwaukee Brewers announce which pitcher will take Brandon Woodruff’s turn through the rotation On Saturday, the Brewers designated Joel Payamps for assignment and selected the contract of Bruce Zimmermann. The 30 year hasn’t made a big league appearance since 2023, but in a twist of fate he is now slated to start Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, which originally was Woodruff’s day to pitch; As Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported, Zimmermann was told straight up that he was coming up for one day with the Brewers. However, with Woodruff being diagnosed with a lat strain that same day, plans changed, and he now will start at least one game for Milwaukee. Notably, with Zimmermann scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, he lines up to start the Brewers’ final regular season game against the Reds. Even if he doesn’t get the start, he’ll be available to pitch, giving Milwaukee the option to use him for bulk innings without risking another last-minute injury to one of their key arms heading into the playoffs. Zimmermann brings some experience to the table, with 27 career big-league starts under his belt. As a starter, he had a 4.11 ERA in Triple-A this season. While his role may seem minor in the shadow of the Woodruff injury, his performance could still play a meaningful part in helping the Brewers secure the best record in baseball, which would guarantee them home field advantage throughout the playoffs. He also could have a hand in whether or not Cincinnati makes the post season or not.
Why did the Orioles activate star player during last week of season?
Ahead of the final six games of the season (all against American League East foes), the Baltimore Orioles have activated catcher Adley Rutschman. The move may have little to do with this season and everything about what the Orioles may do with Rutschman in the offseason. Sidelined with a right oblique strain since Aug. 21 (retroactive to Aug. 18), Rutschman has struggled this season, slashing just .227/.310/.373 with nine homers and 29 RBI. His OPS+ of 92 is the lowest in the four years he has been behind the plate in Baltimore. While the Orioles certainly would like to get the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft back behind the plate to finish out the season, this short six-game stint against the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees may also serve as an audition for Rutschman should the Orioles decide to move him in the offseason. Why would the Orioles move on from Rutschman? After playing in just four games, Baltimore signed 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year extension worth $67M and could jump up to $88.5M with incentives. The deal means Basallo will be with Baltimore through the 2033 season and has an option to extend that to 2034 as well. With the Orioles investing so much in Basallo, could the 27-year-old Rutschman be on his way out of Charm City? Baltimore could well keep the younger and cost-controlled Basallo behind the plate and use Rutschman as a trade piece this offseason, helping the Orioles rebuild quickly from a season where they will likely finish in the division cellar. With Rutschman coming back, he has the chance to put a positive spin on what has been a disappointing season. If he can show well in the final six games, it could be a great selling point for the Orioles this offseason in any kind of trade talks surrounding him. Orioles are faced with one of two options with Basallo and Rutschman Baltimore interim manager Tony Mansolino has already hinted that Basallo and Rutschman could be in the same lineup together in 2026, emphasizing that Basallo could play first base (a position that could likely be his in 2026 if the Orioles decide to not push Coby Mayo there). Mansolino also added that between first base, catcher and designated hitter, there may be enough at-bats for both Basallo and Rutschman. If that's the case, Baltimore is believing that not only can Basallo play first base at an MLB-level (he has played there in one game so far this season) and Rutschman can bounce back from a down 2025. Baltimore could likely land a nice return package (perhaps centered around pitching) if it decides to trade Rutschman in the offseason, something that MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes will happen, writing, "There will be no bigger position player on the trade block this winter than Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman." These next six games may not determine much in the standings for the Orioles, but could give a hint about Rutschman's future and what is to come at catcher in 2026.
Green Bay Packers, Micah Parsons see another Dallas Cowboys offensive starter ruled out for Week 4
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni shoots down coaching conspiracy theory
After only scoring a touchdown in the first half and digging themselves into a 26-7 hole, the Philadelphia Eagles offense went into overdrive in the second half to overtake the Los Angeles Rams, 33-26, on Sunday. During his news conference on Monday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was asked if offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was removed from play-calling duty in the second half in favor of Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts calling plays for the vicious comeback. Hurts and Patullo had a heated moment on the sideline during the third quarter. Sirianni confirmed that the conspiracy theory was false and that Patullo called all of the plays in the second half. “Kevin called the plays yesterday in that second half,” Sirianni said, via Pro Football Talk. "Kevin called the plays. Kevin will continue to call the plays... I love the communication that we get from all our guys." Following a sack-fumble of Hurts on their opening drive of the second half, the star quarterback led the Eagles to three touchdowns on their final four possessions. Sirianni credited Hurts for communicating well with the staff so Patullo could call good plays. “But make no mistake about it, Jalen does a great job of communicating. Jalen sees the field really, really, well. He can come back and tell you what happened without even looking at the picture. Then you look at the picture like, ‘Yeah, this, that’s exactly what happened’. Jalen has a great feel for how that’s going. So, there’s communication, right?" This is Patullo's first season as an offensive coordinator in the league. He's served as the Eagles pass game coordinator since 2021. Through three games, Philadelphia is averaging 25.6 points per game, down from the 29 points per game it averaged in 2024.
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