Minicamp Review: AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - After the early offseason buzz from Ray Rice running with the first-team offense, coordinator Cam Cameron threw cold water on fantasy leaguers in announcing that his backfield will remain a full-blown committee effort. Rice remains our fantasy favorite among the three backs, but he remains more of a RB3/flex option with Le'Ron McClain taking short-yardage work and Willis McGahee a threat to split carries.
Nominal No. 1 receiver Derrick Mason underwent shoulder surgery over the winter and remains unsure if he'll be ready for training camp. Potential deep threat Demetrius Williams is still feeling pain in his surgically repaired left ankle, leaving the Ravens with more questions than answers at wide receiver.
Cameron reportedly wants to open up the air attack this season, taking advantage of Joe Flacco's strong arm … Tight ends Todd Heap and L.J. Smith missed much of OTAs with back and groin injuries respectively … The team has been linked to disgruntled Broncos playmaker Brandon Marshall.
Cincinnati Bengals - As is often the case, the noise coming out of Cincy revolves around Chad Ochocinco. In summary: he's taking boxing lessons, predicting a Bengals playoff berth, picking fights with national media members, and may or may not be moving in with Carson Palmer in July. The good news is that he did participate in voluntary OTAs and is showing renewed commitment this offseason.
Coaching staff favorite Andre Caldwell solidified slot receiver duties during OTAs, ne'er-do-well Chris Henry is considered the main backup to Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles. Meanwhile, last year's second-rounder Jerome Simpson has all but disappeared.
While rookie sixth-rounder Bernard Scott received extra reps in minicamp action, former Rams fullback hybrid Brian Leonard is currently considered the favorite for backup duties … Carson Palmer admitted that his arm strength is still not 100 percent, but he doesn't expect it to be a problem in preseason action … The offensive line is breaking in new starters at four positions this offseason.
Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson split reps with the No. 1 offense evenly during minicamp, and coach Eric Mangini seemingly has no intention of naming a starter until well into the exhibition season. Quinn is considered a better fit for new coordinator Brian Daboll's more efficient offense.
Jerome Harrison used minicamp action to earn more action on early downs. Already a Mangini favorite, Harrison is drawing comparisons to Leon Washington and may be used accordingly. Jamal Lewis missed the majority of OTAs after undergoing another procedure to remove bone spurs from his ankle.
Donte' Stallworth was suspended indefinitely after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter … Rookie second-rounder Brian Robiskie has emerged as the favorite for possession receiver duties opposite Braylon Edwards … Kicker Phil Dawson has skipped voluntary workouts and is reportedly bracing for a standoff with the Browns this summer.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Tomlin announced that Rashard Mendenhall will have to earn an increased role this summer. Willie Parker, entering the final year of his contract, remains the early-down starter. Though rookie fifth-rounder Frank Summers has been mentioned as a possible goal-line vulture, he'll have his hands full in making the final roster.
Santonio Holmes has bulked up in anticipation of an increased role this season … Hines Ward was held out of OTAs as a precautionary measure while recovering from a knee injury and shoulder surgery … Rookie third-rounder Mike Wallace was running as the fifth receiver behind Limas Sweed and veteran Shaun McDonald.
After battling a season-long shoulder injury in addition to a late-season concussion and bruised ribs, Ben Roethlisberger is finally back to full health … Last year's fifth-rounder Dennis Dixon will be given a chance to compete with Charlie Batch for the No. 2 quarterback job.
Baltimore Ravens - After the early offseason buzz from Ray Rice running with the first-team offense, coordinator Cam Cameron threw cold water on fantasy leaguers in announcing that his backfield will remain a full-blown committee effort. Rice remains our fantasy favorite among the three backs, but he remains more of a RB3/flex option with Le'Ron McClain taking short-yardage work and Willis McGahee a threat to split carries.
Nominal No. 1 receiver Derrick Mason underwent shoulder surgery over the winter and remains unsure if he'll be ready for training camp. Potential deep threat Demetrius Williams is still feeling pain in his surgically repaired left ankle, leaving the Ravens with more questions than answers at wide receiver.
Cameron reportedly wants to open up the air attack this season, taking advantage of Joe Flacco's strong arm … Tight ends Todd Heap and L.J. Smith missed much of OTAs with back and groin injuries respectively … The team has been linked to disgruntled Broncos playmaker Brandon Marshall.
Cincinnati Bengals - As is often the case, the noise coming out of Cincy revolves around Chad Ochocinco. In summary: he's taking boxing lessons, predicting a Bengals playoff berth, picking fights with national media members, and may or may not be moving in with Carson Palmer in July. The good news is that he did participate in voluntary OTAs and is showing renewed commitment this offseason.
Coaching staff favorite Andre Caldwell solidified slot receiver duties during OTAs, ne'er-do-well Chris Henry is considered the main backup to Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles. Meanwhile, last year's second-rounder Jerome Simpson has all but disappeared.
While rookie sixth-rounder Bernard Scott received extra reps in minicamp action, former Rams fullback hybrid Brian Leonard is currently considered the favorite for backup duties … Carson Palmer admitted that his arm strength is still not 100 percent, but he doesn't expect it to be a problem in preseason action … The offensive line is breaking in new starters at four positions this offseason.
Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson split reps with the No. 1 offense evenly during minicamp, and coach Eric Mangini seemingly has no intention of naming a starter until well into the exhibition season. Quinn is considered a better fit for new coordinator Brian Daboll's more efficient offense.
Jerome Harrison used minicamp action to earn more action on early downs. Already a Mangini favorite, Harrison is drawing comparisons to Leon Washington and may be used accordingly. Jamal Lewis missed the majority of OTAs after undergoing another procedure to remove bone spurs from his ankle.
Donte' Stallworth was suspended indefinitely after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter … Rookie second-rounder Brian Robiskie has emerged as the favorite for possession receiver duties opposite Braylon Edwards … Kicker Phil Dawson has skipped voluntary workouts and is reportedly bracing for a standoff with the Browns this summer.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Tomlin announced that Rashard Mendenhall will have to earn an increased role this summer. Willie Parker, entering the final year of his contract, remains the early-down starter. Though rookie fifth-rounder Frank Summers has been mentioned as a possible goal-line vulture, he'll have his hands full in making the final roster.
Santonio Holmes has bulked up in anticipation of an increased role this season … Hines Ward was held out of OTAs as a precautionary measure while recovering from a knee injury and shoulder surgery … Rookie third-rounder Mike Wallace was running as the fifth receiver behind Limas Sweed and veteran Shaun McDonald.
After battling a season-long shoulder injury in addition to a late-season concussion and bruised ribs, Ben Roethlisberger is finally back to full health … Last year's fifth-rounder Dennis Dixon will be given a chance to compete with Charlie Batch for the No. 2 quarterback job.
