The Cincinnati Bengals’ running game is ready to flourish in 2014
Though Benjarvus Green-Ellis controlled more responsibility in the ground game, in terms of total run plays, most Bengals critics and fanatics would agree that Giovani Bernard is the most desirable of the two backs. Versatility and youth are the main factors that give the 22 year-old a leg up on his running-mate. The Tar Heels running back recorded 695 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns of his own. Bernard was also a dangerous weapon in the Cincinnati Bengals’ passing game, logging 514 receiving yards to his all purpose stat line.
Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson has already revealed his plans for Giovani Bernard as he enters his second season. At the combine back in February, Jackson was asked about how many touches Bernard will see in 2014. He simply replied “He’s going to have a lot, I can promise you”
Bernard should emerge as a top-tier running back this season.
The Browns will return all four of their edge rushers from a season ago in Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo, Jabaal Sheard and Quentin Groves, so it raised some eyebrows when both coach Mike Pettine and defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil attended Mack’s pro day.
There’s little question Pettine likes Mack and said he’s a defender who could line up in a lot of positions. The Browns have bigger needs, but Mack is a play maker as his nine tackle, 2.5 sack and one interception effort against Ohio State attests. He owns the NCAA career record with forced fumbles (16) and is tied for first in tackles for loss (75).
Mack should be on the Browns’ short list if WR Sammy Watkins is off the draft board when they select fourth.
The Ravens’ offensive line has been a hot topic since everyone realized it was among the NFL’s least productive during the 2013 season. The unit struggled to spring any of Baltimore’s running backs loose and finished the year with a franchise worst 1,328 rushing yards.
Ryan Jensen was drafted to be a center for the Ravens. But he wasn’t able to factor in the competition after breaking his foot early in training camp. He’s a bigger option at center, 6-3, 304, and had a reputation of being a mauler in college at Colorado State-Pueblo. But perhaps he’s good enough to crack the top five overall linemen.
After a miserable effort last season, the best five linemen should start, regardless of who they are.
Steelers pre-draft visits: Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier confirmed
Shazier likely wouldn’t be their pick at No. 15 overall, but he’d make a fine addition to the team, regardless of his draft position.
Shazier ran a ridiculous 4.36 (unofficial) 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in March, and shows good instincts coupled with impressive explosion on the field.
He reportedly has bulked up to 237 pounds from his playing weight of around 225, and he carried that 237 with him into his unofficial 4.36 40-time. While he hasn’t showed whether he can move like that on the field in pads at 237, it’s likely enough of a question for him to land a first round spot.
The Steelers are also confirmed to have had visits or scheduled visits with cornerback Jason Verrett, wide receiver Donte Moncrief and running back Lache Seastrunk.
The Steelers have a tendency to draft linebackers. All of the linebackers.
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