A look at all of the AFC North picks, choosing the best for each team and providing grades
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone. Three days have gone by and all of the new rookies have new homes with their new teams. I would like to break down every team in every division but I am not doing that, instead, since this is a Cleveland Browns site, I will focus primarily on the AFC North instead. Every team in the division found ways to get better so let’s focus on the draft classes from each team in the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens Draft
R1: CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
R2, R3 & 4: RT Roger Rosengarten (University of Washington), OLB Adisa Issac (University of Penn State, WR Devontez Walker (University of North Carolina), CB T.J. Tampa (Iowa State University)
R5, R6 & 7: RB Rasheen Ali (University of Marshall), QB Devin Leary (University of Kentucky), C Nick Samac (Michigan State University), S Sanoussi Kane (University of Purdue)
Best Pick: OT Roger Rosengarten: I can not lie, there are many picks to chose from but I am going to choose the trenches. When you look back at Washington’s offensive line, outside of Troy Fautanu (who went to Pittsburgh) Rosengarten was the second-best offensive lineman on that unit. Rosengarten’s versatility stands out because he can play either inside or outside. Considering the void at the right tackle spot, Rosengarten can slide in at that spot. Baltimore has success in developing offensive linemen and Rosengarten is in a good spot.
Grade: A
Cincinnati Bengals Draft
R1: OT Amarius Mims (University of Georgia)
R2, 3, & 4: DT Kris Jenkins (University of Michigan), WR Jermaine Burton (University of Alabama), DT Mckinnley Jackson (Texas A&M), TE Erick All (University of Iowa)
R5, 6 & 7: CB Josh Newton (TCU), TE Tanner McLachlan (University of Arizona), DE Cedric Johnson (Ole Miss), S Daijahn Anthony (Ole Miss), C Matt Lee (University of Miami)
Best Pick: WR Jermaine Burton: I would be surprised if wide receiver Tee Higgins will be on the roster when the season starts considering how he requested and reiterated that he wants to be traded. However, they have probably found his replacement in Burton. Once a Georgia Bulldog, Burton transferred to the University of Alabama and was a solid receiver in his time at Tuscaloosa. Good pass catcher despite some character concerns, Burton is a long-term replacement for Higgins so I like this addition by Cincinnati.
Grade: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft
R1: OT Troy Fautanu (University of Washington)
R2, 3 & 4: C Zach Frazier (University of West Virginia), WR Roman Wilson (University of Michigan), LB Payton Wilson (NC State), G Mason McCormick (South Dakota State)
R6: DE Logan Lee (University of Iowa), CB Ryan Watts (University of Texas)
Best Pick: C Zach Frazier: The Pittsburgh Steelers made an emphasis on the trenches this draft class (I wonder why, but let me stop myself) but Zach Frazier was someone I was high on. Frazier was someone I mocked in my early mock drafts and he’s someone who’s physical and plays with an edge. He also has a wrestling background which is important believe it or not. Frazier could potentially be a day 1 starter for Pittsburgh and that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Grade: A
Cleveland Browns Draft
R2 & 3: DT Michael Hall Jr (Ohio State University), G Zak Zinter (University of Michigan)
R5, 6 & 7: WR Jamari Thrash (University of Louisville), LB Nathanial Watson (Mississippi State), CB Myles Harden (University of South Dakota), DT Jowon Briggs (University of Cincinnati)
Best Pick: G Zak Zinter: If Zinter didn’t break his leg against Ohio State, he would have gone earlier (high 2nd round). Zinter was arguably the best offensive lineman for the Michigan Wolverines. He will eventually be a future starter at either guard position if Joel Bitonio or Wyatt Teller were to leave so he’s the heir to either one. He is a little stiff in regards to his lower body but he is someone who is a solid interior offensive lineman.
Grade: B
What were your favorite selections around the AFC North? How would you grade each team? Join the discussion in the comment section below
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