Ravens Division Rivals Draft Preview

clifton brown Cincinnati Bengals: Improving run defense will be a focus

2024 draft picks: Ten

Round 1, 18th overall

Round 2, 49

Rounds 3, 80, 97

Round 4, 115

Round 5, 149

Round 6, 194, 214

Round 7, 224, 237

biggest need

Defensive Tackle – Longtime starter at nose tackle DJ Reeder signed with the Lions during free agency, and the Bengals are looking to strengthen a defense that ranks 26th in runs scored.

Wide Receiver – Tyler Boyd remains a free agent as of Monday, and Tee Higgins may only remain for one more season after being placed on the franchise tag.

Offensive Line – Even after signing right tackle Trent Brown in free agency, the Bengals are looking for more offensive line depth, and protecting quarterback Joe Burrow has always been a top priority.

Possible first round targets

OT JC Latham, Alabama – “Addressing offensive tackle is a must for the Bengals, even with Trent Brown on a one-year deal with the team. With a draft stacked at that position, they have to be patient and pick up talented players. We should be able to make them fall.” “- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

OT Talese Fuaga, Oregon – “This feels like a dream scenario for Cincinnati, which could continue to invest along the offensive line even after signing Trent Brown to a one-year deal. Fuaga will add to his on-field toughness. He's a typical pass protector against a speedy edge rusher, but he also has the quick feet and agility to hold his own as a player. ”- Field Yates, ESPN

DT Byron Murphy II, Penn State – “Losing DJ Reeder hurts the middle of the Bengals' defense, but Murphy is an explosive wreck inside. He's a stocky, high-effort run defender and really a pass rusher. He's also more disruptive. Murphy would be an easy pick at the position after the Bengals allowed a league-high six yards per play last season. Jordan Reed, ESPN.com

Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson's offensive line protection could arrive

2024 draft picks: 7

Round 1:20

Round 2: 51

Round 3: 84, 98

Round 4: 119

Round 6: 178, 195

biggest need

Offensive Line – The Steelers need a replacement for Mason Cole, who was fired after starting every game at center in 2022 and 2023. Broderick Jones started at right tackle last season, but Pittsburgh believes his future could be at left tackle. This draft has depth at the offensive tackle position, and the Steelers could potentially address that position on Day 1 or Day 2.

Wide Receiver – After trading Diontae Johnson to Carolina, the Steelers are looking for more playmakers to take pressure off George Pickens. New quarterback Russell Wilson loves to throw deep, and this draft is loaded with receivers who could be another weapon for Pittsburgh's offense.

Defensive Tackle – Cam Heyward is 34 years old and is coming off an injury-plagued season. The Steelers could use some fresh legs in their defensive line rotation to help All-Pro edge rusher TJ Watt.

Possible first round targets

OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma State – “The Steelers have undergone a complete makeover at quarterback, but still need an upgrade at tackle to match up with last year's first-round pick Broderick Jones.” – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

G Jackson Powers – Johnson, Oregon “The Steelers should be looking to upgrade at center or right guard in addition to offensive tackle, and JPJ's presence will help improve overall blocking to help free agent addition Isaac Seumalo in 2023. It will be a very welcome boost to strengthen it.” Vinnie Ayer, Sporting News

C/G Graham Burton, Duke – “Cornerback, wide receiver, center — I wouldn't be surprised at any of these positions for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has made some interesting additions this offseason. The Steelers My top-ranked center, Burton, played center as a freshman but spent the past three seasons at left tackle with the Blue Devils, and he has played his professional career. The future had allowed just three sacks in two seasons. Mel Kiper, ESPN

Cleveland Browns: Without a first-day pick, hits on days two and three will be key.

2024 draft picks:6

Round 2: 54

Round 3: 85

Round 5: 156

Round 6: 206

Round 7: 227, 243

biggest need

Defensive line: The Browns are looking for a pass rusher and defensive lineman to take advantage of the double teams selected by Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

Running back: It's unclear when Nick Chubb will return after sustaining a serious knee injury last season, but Cleveland could look for a running back on Day 2 or 3 to add momentum to the game on the ground. There is.

Tight end: Starter David Njoku had his best season last year (81 catches, 882 yards, six touchdowns), but the Browns could look for a quality backup who is also a strong blocker.

Possible second round targets

DT Braden Fisk, Florida State “Cleveland, which doesn't have a first-round pick as a result of the Deshaun Watson trade starting in March 2022, could look for a wide receiver or offensive lineman in the second round, but I'm looking for a wide receiver or an offensive lineman along the D-line. I see depth as the more pressing hole. Fisk, my No. 2 defensive tackle, had a great combine workout and showed top-level physicality last season. He had six sacks, and before that he had 13.5 sacks at Western Michigan. Mel Kiper, ESPN

WR Troy Franklin, Oregon State – “The Browns traded for Jerry Jeudy this offseason, but the offense still feels like they're missing another wide receiver, especially with Amari Cooper in the final year of his contract. Franklin is a speedy player. Waiting for the big play to happen.” Field Yates, ESPN

DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan State – “The Browns should be intrigued by this strong inside pass rusher who can hold up well against the run.” – Vinnie Ayer, Sporting News