Good Morning, AFC North!

DeSean Jackson Doesn’t Make Sense for Bengals

Mike Brown does not covet big-named, and therefore big-dollar, players in free agency. It’s frustrating at times for fans, but the Bengals choose to bring in depth if the offseason, and then build through the draft.

Another reason to avoid Jackson is Jackson himself. There have always been attitude questions, despite his many talents, but with today’s news that he may have gang affiliations, the risk is just too great.

The Bengals [also] don’t consider wide receiver a big enough need to add another big name. Marvin Jones flashed terrific ability last season and the team really likes Mohamed Sanu as well. With AJ Green ready to get a big raise, Cincinnati likely wouldn’t target a big free agent at receiver, even if there weren’t other issues.

Jackson may have a difficult time landing the large contract he covets with Aaron Hernandez’s situation still fresh in people’s minds and given the depth of receiver talent in this year’s draft. While that may drive Jackson’s price into Mike Brown’s bargain territory, the move still doesn’t make sense.

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns Set to Hold Private Workout With QB Derek Carr

Pettine: “I think he’s the best natural thrower as far as arm strength and when you’re just looking at the guy, natural thrower, in the draft. Very physically-gifted. And a lot of times it’s hard to bet against the family history as well. You’re talking about like a Jake Matthews that it’s the old ‘don’t bet against the genetics.’ I think he certainly falls into that category as well.”

Back in February, DBN’s Josh Finney gave a detailed evaluation of Carr and whether or not he would be a good prospect for the Browns to consider at No. 4 overall or No. 26 overall.

With plenty of depth in this year’s draft, Steve Doerschuk assesses the Browns’ defensive needs.

 

 

 

“Our training camp this year will be more physical that it was last year.” It’s going to be a tough, physical training camp. We’re going to wring everything we can out of every single second,” Harbaugh told reporters.

Harbaugh didn’t cite missing the playoffs for the first time during his six-year tenure as the reason. He said it’s because his team is younger and could use the strenuous training.

“We’re younger than we were two years ago, and we need it more,” he said.

After trading their first round pick in five of the last eight seasons, Steve Bisciotti believes the Ravens will “stay where we are.”

 

 

 

LeGarrette Blount to Steelers: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction

The Steelers gave Blount a two year, $3.85 million deal, including a $950K signing bonus, [after the Patriots apparently offered a one year deal].

The 27-year-old gave the Pats a strong, physical force in the backfield, rushing for 772 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries (5.0 YPC) while the team struggled through injuries on the offensive side of the ball.

Blount may not contribute all that much in the passing game, but for his career, he is averaging a stout 4.7 yards per carry. Moreover, as he proved with New England, he is quite adept in the return game, as well—he took 17 kickoffs back for 494 yards (29.1 per return) during the regular season.

Blount is a great pickup for the Steelers. He’ll do well splitting time with Bell, which will really allow the Steelers to not have to rely on the pass so much. The offense should really benefit from the move.

 

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