The 2011 NFL Draft is over, but every team still faces questions. Over the next week, we’ll present a question for each team. Each team’s success may depend on finding an answer. Today, the AFC North.
Post-draft questions: AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Who plays well for the Ravens at the third defensive line spot? Obviously Haloti Ngata is a stud at one end position and Kelly Gregg/Terrence Cody are good at the nose. The other spot should be considered wide open. It's a position that was underwhelming for the Ravens last season where Cory Redding is better suited as a backup. The team may be hoping that second-year lineman Arthur Jones develops into a starter at end.
Can the team re-sign
and how long will he be the answer for the Bengals? Benson has had a career resurgence with Cincinnati but now faces free agency. At 28, he’s probably looking for a big contract considering the failure rate of running backs when they hit 30. Not only will the thrifty Bengals have to re-sign him, but how long will he be a factor if they do? With rookies
(QB) and
(Georgia) leading a reshaped offense, Benson probably won’t be a main cog when the Bengals are challenging for the playoffs. Because of that, it was a little surprising to see the Bengals not take a running back (
) until the seventh round this year.
Did the Browns add enough of a pass rush? The Browns may have taken defensive end
in the second round this year, but the team probably needs more of a pass rush. He should be good in Dick Jauron’s 4-3 scheme, but the team still doesn’t have much opposite him. The team probably needs to add a veteran to get after the quarterback. Arguably the team’s best pass rushers –
and Marcus Bernard – are also impending free agents and may not fit in the scheme.
Instead of doubling up at cornerback in the draft, should Pittsburgh have tripled up on offensive linemen?
,
and Jon Scott are all unrestricted free agents. Even if all or two of them are back, Pittsburgh may have still been best-served taking another offensive lineman in the draft this year. Second rounder
is a good fit either at right tackle or guard, but the team needs a definite starter at tackle. Sixth round guard
is probably backup or practice squad player. At tackle,
missed a lot of time last year and and
is about to turn 36. This team needed bookend tackles for the future and maybe still does.
See More:
