Sunday, April 29, 2007

AFC North Draft Re-Cap (First Day)

Baltimore Ravens: Round 1: Ben Grubbs G Auburn; Round 2: Yamon Figures WR Kansas State; Round 3: Marshall Yanda G Iowa:

The Ravens went for substance over style with the selection of two guards and a return specialist. Grubbs was considered by some to be a top-15 player in this year's draft, and he figures to come in and see playing time immediately. Auburn produced Marcus McNeil last season, and after McNeil's success, there will be an expectation for Grubbs to have a similar, immediate impact. Figures is a super-fast WR who excels in the return game, but he should still be servicable as a #3 or #4 WR on offense. Yanda has raw talent, and he gives Baltimore much-needed depth along their offensive line.

Cincinnati Bengals: Round 1: Leon Hall CB Michigan; Round 2: Kenny Irons RB Auburn:

The Bengals had one of the best value picks in the draft when Hall fell to them at #18. Hall was considered by many to be either the #1 or #2 CB in this year's draft, and Cincinnati's staff was shocked to see his name still on the board when it became their time to pick. Irons is more of a head-scratcher because Cincy still has Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry, and Kenny Watson. They ignored the obvious needs on defense to select a change of pace back who will play limited snaps next season.

Cleveland Browns: Round 1: Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin, Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame; Round 2: Eric Wright CB UNLV:

The Browns had already made a spalsh this offseason with their numerous free agent acquisitions, and they made a bigger splash by drafting the best tackle and trading up to get the #2 QB in the draft. The price to trade up for Quinn may have been a little steep, but if he can develop into the type of player that many see him as, it will be well worth it for Cleveland. Wright is another great selection, although he does come with some baggage. Wright had a rape charge in his past, but many consider him a top 15-20 player without the baggage. If Wright can keep his nose clean, the Browns will have landed a top tier CB with whom they can build their defense around.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Round 1: Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida State; Round 2: Lamarr Woodley DE Michigan; Round 3: Matt Spaeth TE Minnesota:

New Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin used his first two picks to strengthen the part of the team that has always been the hear and soul, the linebackers. Timmons and Woodley are two guys who can get after the QB with the best of them, and they can both fit in well with Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme. It will be interesting to see if Woodley is used as more of a linebacker or defensive end because he is somewhat of a tweener who does his best work getting after the QB. Spaeth was a little bit of a surprise given that the team selected Heath Miller just a couple of years ago. Either way, the Steelers added to their defense, and that alone will make them a contender in the AFC North in 2007.

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