With the re-signing of Lamar Jackson by the Baltimore Ravens headlining the strikes inside the division this offseason, the AFC North seems to be want it might even be a blood tub in 2023. teams might nonetheless make strikes however with most of free agency carried out and the draft accomplished, it is time to see how these teams stack up, starting with the offense.
With all people chasing the Cincinnati Bengals, the the rest of the division is making huge strikes on offense. collectively with retaining Jackson, the Ravens are making a dramatic change on offense headed by new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. extra velocity and receiver expertise to power opponents to defend a a lot greater portion of the sector.
The Cleveland Browns are shaping theirs to maximise Deshaun Watson. After buying Amari Cooper final yr, the Browns have added three extra receivers collectively with Elijah Moore, acquired in a commerce with the mannequin manhattan Jets.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are constructing round second yr quarterback Kenny Pickett, headlined by investing of their offensive line. They added a premium guard in Isaac Seumalo and drafted Broderick Jones with the 14th decide of this yr’s draft.
So, how do these teams stack up?
1. Cleveland Browns
regardless of a lackluster second half to final season, the Browns nonetheless boast the division’s strongest offensive line. They retained Ethan Pocic, a nice shock in 2022, so as that they are going to have the identical starting 5 coming into this season. Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin all have substantial expertise up entrance.
The Browns additionally added Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler inside the draft to extra bolster their offensive line depth. the two Ohio State Buckeyes be a part of James Hudson III who has sport expertise at deal with and Michael Dunn, who has contributed at each guard and center.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have two good tackles in Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses. they’ve a gifted youthful center in Tyler Linderbaum and have gotten rock strong play from Kevin Zeitler.
The Ravens do have a question to answer at left guard, however have a quantity of enormous our bodies to work by that wouldn’t solely discover them the reply to start out however give them some succesful depth.
Patrick Mekari as their swing deal with is a large benefit. He can step in and play at a reasonably extreme stage in the event that they’ve an harm, however they’ve additionally used him as a jumbo tight finish.
three. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a better offensive line than the Steelers if solely barely. It relies upon on Jonah Williams staying and being a useful proper deal with. Orlando Brown steps in at left deal with which ought to revenue Burrow considerably. the inside is first rate and Cordell Volson might see fundamental enchancment coming into his second season.
when it includes their depth, they want Jackson Carman to reinforce or they’re an harm away from as quickly as as quickly as extra needing to rely upon Hakeem Adeniji, who has struggled in that function. The signing of Cody Ford is an try at a large bodied reclamation enterprise. The Bengals offensive line state of affairs is extra healthful than it was, nonetheless it is nonetheless not good.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers discover themselves in final for the second. they’ve made vital efforts to reinforce their offensive line and have extra depth than the Bengals consequently of methodology they’ve added gamers. Signing a quantity of flyer type contracts that raises their flooring, they do not appear to be great invested up entrance and have a terrific deal of opponents that would produce strong depth.
Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones utterly change the left facet of their line and the veteran might assist inside the rookie’s transition to the NFL. The addition of Jones implies that both Dan Moore or Chuks Okorafor will discover your self to be a extremely expert swing deal with, an improve in itself. The Steelers are headed in a constructive route and will make huge strides this yr, however there’s every menace it might proceed to be a bumpy journey on the deal with spots for not decrease than but one extra yr.
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