NFL
By Monte Perez
The City of Cleveland and the NFL did a tremendous job of hosting the 2021 NFL Draft. 30 million people watched the first round Thursday Night. It is time now to grade every team in the AFC North.
AFC North:
Cleveland Browns (A+):
Over the past 2 years the Cleveland Browns have become the smartest organization in the NFL, and they have become a landing spot for free agents like Tight End, Austin Hooper and Defensive Linemen, Jadeveon Clowney. With their first two picks, Cleveland selected a defensive back and linebacker. Greg Newsome II could be an elite cornerback and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, could turn out to be the best linebacker in the draft. With the No. 91 pick, Cleveland selected Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn. He was the fastest player in the draft and could be a deep threat for Baker Mayfield. Would anyone be shocked if every player drafted by the Browns contributed this season?
Cincinnati Bengals (B+)
The Bengals drafted another great wide receiver out of LSU, JaMarr Chase. Chase will be reunited with Joe Burrow, who Cincinnati selected last year with the number 1 overall selection. The Bengals filled another need in the 2nd and 3rd round drafting Jackson Carman, offensive linemen from Clemson and Joseph Ossai edge rusher from Texas. The Bengals are a work in progress, but they improved their team through the draft.
Baltimore Ravens (B):
The Ravens did exactly what they needed to do by drafting two wide receivers to help Lamar Jackson. Rashaad Bateman out of Minnesota and Tylan Wallace of out Oklahoma State should add depth and options to the Ravens passing game. Ben Cleveland the guard out of Georgia could see a ton of playing time in his rookie season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (C+):
The Steelers offensive line was a disaster last season. They responded using their first two picks for Alabama running back Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth, a tight end out of Penn State. With their 9 picks, Pittsburgh drafted two linemen in the 3rd and 4th round. I think Harris will be a great running back down the road, but this team should have gone heavy on offensive line help, they did not do that. Every team in this division other than Pittisburgh, improved drastically on draft night.
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