Day 1 of the draft saw three new players join the AFC North as first-round picks. On Friday night, 10 more players were added into the division between rounds two and three. All four AFC North squads made at least two picks, with two teams drafting three players. There was a mix of offensive lineman, defensive lineman, and skill position players alike.
Let’s round up all the action that transpired on Day 2 of the draft in the division.
Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: No. 49
Selection: DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
With their first of three selections on Day 2, the Bengals nabbed another Michigan defender in defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. Jenkins was a two-year starter and help anchored an elite defensive line and run defense in Ann Arbor. He’s a strong athlete and stout presence against the run with upside to develop more as an interior pass-rusher.
The Bengals’ run defense ranked in the bottom-third of the league last season and they lost starting defensive tackle D.J. Reader in free agency. Thus, Jenkins could carve out a significant role right away for their defense.
Pick: No. 80
Selection: WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
The Bengals added a notable playmaker in Round 3 by selecting Alabama’s Jermaine Burton. Burton is a big-play threat and led the SEC in yards-per-catch this past season for the Crimson Tide. He has good separation ability and sure hands to make catches in traffic, as well as contested catches.
Cincinnati’s wide receiver core is uncertain with Tyler Boyd still a free agent and Tee Higgins having reportedly requested a trade. Therefore, Burton is a solid insurance pick who can contribute right away with additional long-term upside.
Pick: No. 97
Selection: DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
For the second time on Friday night, the Bengals drafted a defensive tackle, with the second one being McKinnley Jackson out of Texas A&M. Jackson flashed high-level athleticism in college with the ability to shed blocks. His skill set should complement Jenkins well to form a talented incoming rookie duo on the Bengals’ defensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: No. 51
Selection: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
The Steelers dipped back into the offensive line well with their second pick of this year’s draft, this time nabbing center Zach Frazier out of West Virginia. Frazier was one of the top center prospects available in the 2024 class and started four seasons in college. He played both center and guard for the Mountaineers but likely fits better at the latter for Pittsburgh.
Frazier is strong in pass protection where he can anchor well and finish blocks. He also has the athleticism to block in space on zone running plays. After the Steelers released veteran Mason Cole, Frazier could compete for starting snaps early.
Pick: No. 84
Selection: WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
As they usually do, the Steelers added a wide receiver in the third round of the draft, selecting Michigan’s Roman Wilson with the No. 84 overall pick. Wilson was a leading playmaker on the Wolverines’ 2023 championship team and brings a lot of NFL-ready traits to the table as a wideout.
The 5-foot-11 speedster is a threat to make plays after the catch and can create consistent separation in the middle of the field. His route-running is also solid. Wilson has the talent to step in as an immediate contributor in the Steelers’ offense as a slot receiver, particularly with Diontae Johnson having been traded earlier this offseason.
Pick: No. 98
Selection: ILB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
The Steelers became the first AFC North team thus far to draft an inside linebacker with their No. 98 overall pick, adding Payton Wilson out of North Carolina State. Wilson was productive in college with over 400 career tackles and then impressed the scouting combine earlier this year.
If not for a checkered injury history, Wilson may have been drafted higher. He’s a versatile defender who can cover tight ends and running backs, while making plays against the run. Wilson could see the field early for the Steelers as a complementary piece alongside free agent signee Patrick Queen at the position.
Cleveland Browns
Pick: No. 54
Selection: DT Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
The Browns snagged one of the most athletic defensive tackles in this year’s class with the 54th overall pick, selecting Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. Hall possesses great first-step quickness and active hands, which gave him an advantage over many opposing interior offensive lineman at the collegiate level.
Hall should fit well in the Browns’ defensive scheme and push for significant playing time early. Cleveland’s defensive front is in need of some juice and assistance in run defense, where Hall can provide immediate value.
Pick: No. 85
Selection: OG Zak Zinter, Michigan
Cleveland’s offensive line has been a strength of the team for several years now, and they added another talented lineman in Michigan’s Zak Zinter with the No. 85 overall pick. Zinter is coming off a significant leg injury suffered late last Fall but is on track to return prior to the start of the regular season.
Zak is a strong run blocker where his technique and tenacity prove their worth. He’s not an elite athlete and likely won’t project as an immediate starter-caliber player. However, he can provide valuable depth for the Browns right away.
Baltimore Ravens
Pick: No. 62
Selection: OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington
The Ravens unsurprisingly addressed their biggest need in the second round, nabbing one of the top remaining offensive tackles available in Roger Rosengarten. The former Washington Husky started two seasons and profiles as NFL-ready with sound technique and good physical traits.
Rosengarten has versatility to play tackle or guard, which is valuable for the Ravens who may have a need at both spots. He could potentially be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle, specifically for the team’s offense as early as this year.
Pick: No. 93
Selection: OLB Adisa Issac, Penn State
For the second time in the past few seasons, the Ravens come away from the draft with an edge rusher out of Penn State. This time, it’s Adisa Issac in the third round with the No. 93 overall pick. Issac was productive for the Nittany Lions this past season as a defensive playmaker, recording 7.5 sacks and over 15 tackles for loss.
He’s an explosive player at the position with good athleticism and versatility. Issac has room for development but shouldn’t need to step in as a Day 1 starter for the Ravens, who have some other young in-house edge rushers vying for playing time as well.
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