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AUG 16, 2022
What do rival scouts think of the Bengals, Ravens, Browns,
and Steelers?
Just
because a team finishes fourth it its division doesn't make it a bad team.
That's especially true in the AFC North, perhaps the most competitive division
in the NFL. The Browns are reinvigorated after adding Amari
Cooper and Deshaun Watson, who will miss at least six games due to suspension,
and the Ravens are welcoming back plenty of injured Pro Bowlers. Plus, the
Steelers haven't had a losing season since 2003 and figure to hvae an upgrade
at quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. That's before mentioning
the reigning AFC champions, the Cincinnati Bengals. All of this makes coaches'
gossip about the division even more interesting.
In
order to get an accurate assessment of the AFC North heading into 2022, Athlon
asked NFL scouts to talk anonymously
about the Ravens, Bengals, Browns, and Steelers.
Note: These scouting reports come directly
from NFL scouts and do not necessarily reflect the views of Athlon's editorial
staff.
Baltimore
Ravens
"Lamar Jackson doesn't want to sign a new contract with the
Ravens, at least not yet. I'm beginning to wonder if it even makes sense for
the Ravens to sign him long-term. He's got to prove he can take them deep into
the playoffs to earn the big deal. Hollywood Brown wanted out, and he got what
he wanted: a trade to Arizona. Brown wasn't feeling the offense the way Greg
Roman sets things up, running the football a lot. One of the reasons why
Baltimore does that is because Lamar isn't a great passing quarterback. He's a
great runner and a great athlete who can make big plays. There's a big
difference."
"Mark Andrews doesn't get enough respect. The guy can flat-out play."
"Devin Duvernay is really solid."
"Ronnie Stanley needs to get healthy and stay healthy."
"I really like the Tyler
Linderbaum pick. He reminds me of Marshal Yanda. Very tough guy."
"Having
J.K. Dobbins back could get the Ravens over the top. Between him and Gus
Edwards, they've got an excellent running game."
"The defense just had bad luck last year with the injuries to Marcus
Peters and Marlon Humphrey. Between drafting Kyle Hamilton and signing Marcus
Williams, this secondary is big-time."
"I think they'll trade Chuck Clark eventually."
"That was important that they re-signed Calais Campbell. He's got real
leadership qualities."
"Odafe Oweh is a special young player."
"Patrick Queen hasn't lived up to his potential yet."
"There hasn't been a kicker like Justin Tucker. Ever."
