Browns Blog

Power structure

With the significant free-agent signings and the NFL draft in the books for another year, the battle for the AFC North Division championship is taking shape.

It's hard to pick against the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers until they're dethroned. The Browns have been a popular choice to do just that since the end of last season, with the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in states of transition.

The Browns got a jump start on the offseason by making trades that brought in needed defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers. They gave up second- and third-rounds draft choices in the deals, but the defense was strengthened immediately.

The Browns also didn't have a first-round pick because of a trade with the Dallas Cowboys last year that gave the Browns a 2007 first-round pick and quarterback Brady Quinn. As a result, the Browns sat and watched the other three division teams get stronger on day one of the draft last Saturday.

The Steelers added two potential key pieces on offense with Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall and Texas receiver Limas Sweed. Mendenhall is a strong back to team with the fast Willie Parker, and Sweed will be a large target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The Ravens traded down and then back up in the first round to select Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco. They added productive Rutgers running back Ray Rice in the second round.

The Bengals made a solid first-round choice in USC outside linebacker Keith Rivers. They took some heat for selecting receiver Jerome Simpson of Coastal Carolina in the second round.

The Browns feel they countered well in day two by using fourth-round picks on UNLV inside linebacker Beau Bell and Missouri tight end Martin Rucker. Bell will help immediately on special teams and could develop into a starter sooner than expected. Rucker led all college tight ends in receptions last season with 84.

The Browns regarded Rucker enough to give up next year's third-round draft pick to the Cowboys. He'll provide insurance for Kellen Winslow, who plays with constant knee pain, and he could be used in tandem with Winslow to cause headaches for defensive backs.

All four teams undoubtedly feel that they've improved since the end of last season. Teams are never stronger on paper than they are in the afterglow of the draft.

In assessing the changing rosters of the four teams, you still have to give an edge to the Steelers, although there are concerns about a weakening offensive line. The Browns appear to be moving closer. Since Flacco probably won't start next season, the Ravens can't be considered a contender with Kyle Boller at quarterback. The Bengals are dealing with the trade demands of receiver Chad Johnson and haven't done enough to bolster a weak defense.