AFC North Offseason Grades 2023
Baltimore Ravens’ 2023 Offseason
Draft Picks:
- Round 1 (22): WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
- Round 3 (86): LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson
- Round 4 (124): EDGE Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss
- Round 5 (157): CB Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
- Round 6 (199): G Sala Aumavae-Laulu, Oregon
- Round 7 (229): G Andrew Vorhees, USC
Free Agency Signings:
- QB Lamar Jackson (five-year contract)
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
- WR Nelson Agholor
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- CB Trayvon Mullen
- DT Angelo Blackson
- RB Melvin Gordon (one-year contract)
- CB Arthur Maulet
- LS Tyler Ott
Losses:
- CB Marcus Peters (FA)
- EDGE Justin Houston (FA)
- OG Ben Powers (DEN)
- TE Josh Oliver (Vikings)
- DE Calais Campbell (Released)
- Traded S Chuck Clark to the New York Jets for an undisclosed draft pick
Best Move of the Offseason:
- Signing Lamar Jackson to a five-year contract: Bringing back the 2019 MVP was crucial for the Ravens, ensuring stability at the quarterback position.
Outlook for 2023:
The Ravens made significant moves to upgrade their receiving corps, adding Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, and drafting Zay Flowers. The addition of Lamar Jackson’s long-term deal solidifies the quarterback position, and the defense has seen some interesting additions, particularly in the secondary.
The loss of Marcus Peters and Justin Houston might be felt, but the Ravens have attempted to fill those gaps with players like Rock Ya-Sin and Trayvon Mullen. The draft also brought in some promising talents, with Trenton Simpson and Tavius Robinson being notable picks.
The Ravens’ roster looks competitive, with the receiving corps being the deepest and most talented it has been during Jackson’s career. The starting offensive line should also be strong, and the secondary has several new pieces that will need to fit in quickly.
Offseason Grade: B
The Ravens had a solid offseason, addressing key needs and retaining their star quarterback. The additions to the receiving corps and secondary are promising, and the draft brought in some intriguing prospects. The loss of some veteran players and the need for improved play on the defensive interior are areas of concern, but overall, the Ravens are well-positioned to be strong contenders in the AFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2023 Offseason
Draft Picks
- Round 1 (14): T Broderick Jones, Georgia
- Round 2 (32): CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
- Round 2 (49): Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
- Round 3 (93): TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
- Round 4 (132): EDGE Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
- Round 7 (241): CB Cory Trice Jr., Purdue
- Round 7 (251): G Spencer Anderson, Maryland
Free Agent Signings
- CB Patrick Peterson: Signed to bolster the secondary.
- G Isaac Seumalo: Signed to a three-year deal to upgrade the offensive line.
- LB Cole Holcomb: Signed to help the defense.
- LB Elandon Roberts: Agreed to a two-year deal.
- G Nate Herbig: Agreed to terms.
- S Keanu Neal: Signed a two-year deal for depth at safety.
- T Le’Raven Clark: Signed to a one-year deal for depth at tackle.
- TE Zach Gentry: Re-signed for a fifth season.
- DT Breiden Fehoko: Signed as a depth piece on the defensive line.
- LB Kwon Alexander: Signed in July.
- LB Alex Highsmith: Signed to a four-year contract extension.
Players Lost
- CB Cameron Sutton: Lost to the Detroit Lions.
- LB Tae Crowder and Emeke Egbule: Released in May.
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon: Released in May.
- CB Arthur Maulet: Released in May.
Offseason Grade: B+
The Steelers made significant moves in both the draft and free agency, addressing key areas of need. The draft picks, especially in the early rounds, are expected to make an immediate impact. The free-agent signings, including Patrick Peterson and Isaac Seumalo, add experience and depth to the roster. The team also managed to retain some key players. Overall, the Steelers had a strong offseason, and they seem to be in a good position heading into the 2023 season. The grade reflects the successful moves and the potential for improvement in the upcoming campaign.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Offseason 2023
Draft Picks
- Round 1 (28): EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
- Round 2 (60): CB DJ Turner, Michigan
- Round 3 (95): S Jordan Battle, Alabama
- Round 4 (131): WR Charlie Jones, Purdue
- Round 5 (163): RB Chase Brown, Illinois
- Round 6 (206): WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
- Round 6 (217): P Brad Robbins, Michigan
- Round 7 (246): CB DJ Ivey, Miami (FL)
The Bengals addressed several critical defensive needs in the early rounds, with Myles Murphy showing potential as an edge rusher. Wide receiver Charlie Jones could develop into one of the steals of Day 3.
Free Agency Signings
- Orlando Brown (Tackle): Signed a four-year, $64-million deal, including a $31 million signing bonus. Brown will be a franchise-caliber blocker to protect Joe Burrow’s blind side.
- Nick Scott (Safety): Agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal to fill the void left by Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell.
- Sidney Jones IV (Cornerback): Added depth to the secondary.
- Germaine Pratt (Linebacker): Re-signed to a three-year deal, providing continuity in the middle of the defense.
- Cody Ford (Guard): Signed on a one-year deal for offensive line depth.
- Irv Smith Jr. (Tight End): Signed to potentially replace Hayden Hurst.
- Tarell Basham (EDGE): Signed to bolster the pass rush.
Free Agency Losses
- Jessie Bates III (Safety): Signed with Atlanta Falcons.
- Vonn Bell (Safety): Signed with Carolina Panthers.
- Eli Apple (Cornerback): Became an unrestricted free agent.
- Hayden Hurst (Tight End): Signed with Carolina Panthers.
- Samaje Perine (Running Back): Signed with Denver Broncos.
Offseason Grade: A-
The Bengals made some bold moves this offseason, particularly with the signing of Orlando Brown, who will be a key player in protecting Joe Burrow. They also made significant additions to their defense through the draft and free agency. Losing Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell is a blow to the secondary, but the team has made efforts to mitigate those losses. Overall, the moves reflect a strong commitment to building a complete roster capable of contending for a championship, earning them an ‘A’ grade for their offseason efforts.
Cleveland Browns’ 2023 Offseason
Draft Picks:
- Round 3 (74): WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
- Round 3 (98): DI Siaki Ika, Baylor
- Round 4 (111): T Dawand Jones, Ohio State
- Round 4 (126): EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Missouri
- Round 5 (140): QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
- Round 5 (142): CB Cameron Mitchell, Northwestern
- Round 6 (190): C Luke Wypler, Ohio State
- Round 7 (242): S Anthony Johnson, Iowa State
- Round 7 (256): WR Grant DuBose, Charlotte
Free Agency Signings:
- DI Dalvin Tomlinson: Added to improve the interior defensive line.
- EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo: Signed to bolster the pass rush.
- C Ethan Pocic: Added for depth on the offensive line.
- S Juan Thornhill: Signed to be a solid starter in the secondary.
- S Rodney McLeod: Added for competition at the strong safety position.
- LB Anthony Walker: Re-signed to continue his role in the defense.
- QB Jacoby Brissett: Signed as a backup quarterback.
- CB Mike Ford: Added for depth at cornerback.
Trades:
- Traded two future late-round picks to Minnesota for edge defender Za’Darius Smith.
- Pre-draft trade with the Jets for WR Elijah Moore.
Losses:
- EDGE Jadeveon Clowney (FA)
- RB Kareem Hunt (FA)
- DI Taven Bryan (IND)
- FS John Johnson III
- DE Jadeveon Clowney
- DT Taven Bryan
- QB Jacoby Brissett
- LB Tae Davis
- CB Greedy Williams
Best Move of the Offseason:
- Committing to improving the defensive line: The addition of Dalvin Tomlinson and the trade for Za’Darius Smith, who racked up 84 total pressures last year for the Vikings, are significant upgrades to the defensive front.
Outlook for 2023:
The Browns made it a point to improve the interior defensive line this offseason, starting with the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson. The standout of their draft class, Siaki Ika, has the potential to be a dominant run defender, and offensive tackle Dawand Jones could be a long-term starter at right tackle. The team also made a significant trade to acquire edge defender Za’Darius Smith, adding to their pass-rushing prowess.
The Browns have a strong starting trio of cornerbacks, but depth behind them is questionable. They may need to look to the remaining free-agent pool for depth if fifth-round pick Cameron Mitchell is unable to adjust quickly to NFL play.
The combination of new coaches, new players, and a full year of QB Deshaun Watson without the same rust as last year could make a huge difference for the Browns. The strength and depth of the division will make the road difficult, but this team is capable of playing with the league’s best on any given Sunday.
Offseason Grade: B+
The Browns’ offseason moves reflect a strong commitment to improving both sides of the ball, with a particular focus on the defensive line. The draft selections, free-agent signings, and trades have positioned the team well for a potential championship run. The loss of some key players, such as Jadeveon Clowney and Kareem Hunt, is notable, but the overall moves made by the team earn them an ‘A’ grade for their offseason efforts.
