After an entire NFL season has come and gone, it’s not hard to surmise what teams are thinking about its outcome. Here are my predictions on the thoughts that are preoccupying the teams in the NFC North now that we’re just over one week removed from the Super Bowl.
We’re just one month away from the start of NFL free agency, and teams are trying to shore up their cap space in an attempt to keep their own free agents as well as potentially pick up ones released from other teams around the league.
Here are Monday’s latest free agency storylines in the NFC North.
Bleacher Report’s resident college football scout and NFL draft expert Matt Miller released his most recent first round mock draft over the weekend, which means it’s time for me to take a look at who he has projected the four teams in the AFC North to select. Here are my thoughts on his predictions this week.
The NFL season may be over but teams don’t stop changing and—hopefully—improving on a weekly basis. So let’s check in on the state of the four franchises in the NFC North as we head into the middle of February.
Today’s top stories around the AFC North concern Ray Rice’s contract, Hines Ward’s future, the Cincinnati Bengals maintaining momentum and the Cleveland Browns’ options at quarterback. Click the links below for some of the best coverage of the division from around the web.
Is a new deal for Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice happening soon? Bleacher Report’s Alex Guy looks to a Tweet from Ricky Williams as evidence.
Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff told the Des Moines Register‘s Tommy Birch that he “expected more backlash” from teammates after missing a game-tying field goal in the AFC championship.
There are conflicting reports coming out of Pittsburgh regarding the future of Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. The NFL Network reported on Saturday that Ward would not remain with the team in 2012. Ward responded to the report on Facebook, saying he plans to finish his career with the Steelers.
In a follow-up piece, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says that no decision has been made about Ward’s future by either Ward or the Steelers, but that his release is a possible outcome.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Gray details the 10 burning questions the Cincinnati Bengals need to answer this offseason.
Joe Reedy continues his review of the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2011 season position by position. In this installment, featured on the Enquirer‘s Bengals blog, he examines the tight ends and wide receivers.
Brendan Leister, Cleveland Browns columnist for Bleacher Report, takes a close look at the Browns’ quarterback situation and how it should be approached in the offseason.
The Plain-Dealer‘s Bill Lubinger also delves into what makes a successful NFL team and finds that having a first-round quarterback is a common theme.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Bleacher Report’s AFC North mailbag, where I answer reader questions regarding the most pressing issues in the division this week. Kicking things off are five questions from the Twitterverse.
ESPN draft expert Todd McShay released his latest mock draft last week, projecting the first round picks that every team will make in April’s NFL draft. Here are his predictions for—and my reactions to—the players each team in the NFC North will take.
The NFL is a year-round endeavor, with pressing issues coming up for every team throughout the course of the offseason. Whether it’s free agency, the draft or off-field incidents, there’s always something to talk about. Here are my takes on today’s top stories in the NFC North.
Mingo Looking to Bring Some Bark Back to the Dog PoundApril 26, 2013 – 9:30 am by Chris Fedor The Cleveland Browns plan this offseason has been very clear: get after the opposing quarterback. That’s what they identified in free agency. They added defensive tackle Desmond Bryant and outside linebacker Paul Kruger. And that’s what they identified with the 6th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Barkevious Mingo. It loosely translates to quarterback killer. Ok, maybe not. But it would be fitting. Misused at LSU (asked to play a lot of contain against dual threat QB’s) Mingo’s production (just 4.5 sacks) doesn’t look worthy …
San Francisco 49ers Move Up to Take Eric Reid in the First RoundApril 26, 2013 – 9:00 am by Eric Schmoldt Jim Harbaugh wasn’t able to nab Eric Reid the first time around. Harbaugh recruited Reid when he was at Stanford, but Reid wound up at LSU. As Harbaugh jokingly said Thursday night, this time Reid had no choice. The San Francisco 49ers traded up to get Reid with the 18th overall pick.Jim Harbaugh joined KNBR in San Francisco with Larry Krueger, Damon Bruce and Ray Woodson to discuss why San Francisco moved up to take Eric Reid, the 49ers filling a …
Kansas City Takes Eric Fisher No. 1 Overall in a First Round Dominated by LinemenApril 26, 2013 – 8:05 am by Eric Schmoldt The first night of the NFL Draft came and went Thursday night and, to no surprise, it was a first round dominated by offensive linemen. Three of the first four picks were offensive tackles, including Eric Fisher who went No. 1 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel, Dion Jordan and Lane Johnson joined Dial Global Sports with Scott Graham to discuss their impressions on draft night, being taken in the top four overall picks of the NFL Draft, …
Bruce Arians Believes This Year’s Draft Class is “Extremely Solid”April 25, 2013 – 7:20 am by Eric Schmoldt What could be a wild NFL Draft begins with the first round tonight. It seems to be a very unpredictable draft, and the class has faced some criticism for not being all that powerful. First-year Arizona coach Bruce Arians admits it doesn’t have the wow factor when it comes to quarterbacks and running backs, but says there’s wow in the linemen and safeties.Bruce Arians joined 790 The Zone in Atlanta with Mayhem in the AM to discuss being a first-year head coach, turning …
Eddie Lacy: “I know if I had more time to prepare then everything would’ve been a lot better than it was”April 24, 2013 – 10:10 am by Chris Fedor It started with Hesiman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. The came last years 3rd overall pick in the draft, Trent Richardson. This year it was Lacy’s time to shine as Alabama’s lead running back. That is exactly what he did. The powerful, violent back finished with over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns. He looked like he solidified himself as a first round pick in Thursday’s draft. Not so fast. This offseason Lacy has dealt with a nagging …
Dee Milliner Isn’t Worried About Injury Concerns, Says He’ll “Prove Them Wrong”April 24, 2013 – 7:15 am by Brad Gagnon The first unofficial “smear campaign” of the 2013 NFL Draft is underway, with Dee Milliner the target. The Alabama cornerback is now being red-flagged (at least in the media) as an injury-prone prospect despite missing only one game during his college career. That’s because there are reports that he might not be ready at the start of training camp and underwent five separate surgical procedures while with the Crimson Tide.Dee Milliner joined Petros and Money on Fox Sports Radio to discuss the …
Willis McGahee Believes He’s Still a Part of Denver’s Plans, Says He’s Got Five Years Left in HimApril 22, 2013 – 7:55 am by Eric Schmoldt In 2011, Willis McGahee posted one of his most productive rushing seasons during his career while playing his first season in Denver. He finished one yard shy of 1,200 yards. Last year didn’t quite go according to plan, as his production fell off to 731 yards while being hampered by injury. Still, McGahee says he’s got five years left in the league and believes he’ll be a part of Denver’s plans in 2013 — despite rumors that they’ll target a running …
Sean Payton: Defense is a “Priority,” but Best Player Available Could Factor in on Draft NightApril 19, 2013 – 8:30 am by Brad Gagnon The Saints weren’t themselves with Sean Payton serving a season-long suspension in 2012, but the defense was particularly terrible. Naturally, everyone expects Payton and Co. to select a defensive player with the No. 15 overall pick in this year’s draft, but Payton says that there are times when the best player on the board is just too hard to ignore.Sean Payton joined Bobby and Deke on WWL in New Orleans to discuss his philosophy regarding need vs. best …
Chance Warmack Turned to Trent Richardson for Help with NFL Draft PrepApril 15, 2013 – 8:15 am by Steven Cuce The 2013 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away. Chance Warmack is being regarded as one of the best players in the draft, let alone being the best at his position on the offensive line.The Alabama guard is looking to be a difference-maker for the team that selects him. Warmack is expected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round.Chance Warmack joined 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland with Ken Carman to discuss his mindset heading into training camp regardless …
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